Confident Children

By acknowledging that you will never be a perfect parent, simply because there is no such thing, and toning down the guilt trips that responsible parents find themselves on day after day, the grown-ups in the family can start taking better care of themselves and their offspring. In Confident Children these principles are discussed at length, and lead onto a book which is packed with practical and inspirational advice that is hard to ignore because it just makes such good sense.

From looking at how language and actions can boost self-esteem and helping your child learn the most basic but essential social skills, to teaching children to like themselves and develop into assertive children who can cope with whatever life throws at them, Confident Children is a classic one-stop manual for life which benefits adults and children alike. Written by an author with a passion and deep-rooted understanding of her subject, but who appreciates that every situation is different and should be treated as such, this non-preachy book deserves a place on the bookshelves of every family home. --Susan Harrison

View other editions of Confident Children.
View books by Gael Lindenfield.

Situations we all face with children, from another angle - Rated
As the mother of two young children, I always wonder if I'm getting it right - am I a good mother - are we good parents, then in some anxious and stressful situations I know I (we) get it wrong, so when I saw this book, I just knew I had to have it.

Gael Lindenfield's aim is to make the book interesting reading, supportive reference material and to stimulate the readers thinking. Gael does not aim to create an absolute super confident all rounder child, if this was the aim, I'm sure it would cost more than £5.99. I felt the book, gave another view to situations we all face with children.

'Confident Children' is written for parents of children of varying ages and abilities, I felt that certain chapters could have been written a little more age specific, although I do acknowledge that in doing so, Gael would have produced a 'War and Peace' epic, that no mother would have time to sit and read.

'Confident Children' is split into three parts: i). Personal development work for parents; ii).Laying the foundations for inner confidence; iii).Improving children's outer confidence.

Part one of the book help explain confidence and the different types, and, the dreaded "auto-parent" where we respond to events spontaneously, without thinking through the choices of words or actions we would actually like to use.

Part two includes advise on helping children to love themselves, helpful tips to encourage children to think positively and how, to help build a child's self esteem.

Part three cover successful communication and assertiveness, different emotions and how to handle them, and the flight to the outside world.

Throughout the book there are quotes in italic print, my favourite:

'There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots; the other, wings.' Hodding Carter

The book is 187 pages and very easy to read over a few evenings. My copy is on permanent loan, the response I get from people who have read it, is very positive, do consider buying it.