Everyone who has to do with children or youth should welcome this sound, straightforward, plainly written discussion of the ways in which order can be maintained, responsibility developed, and character built. It is a statement that has been long needed, on a subject that has been so much confused. Love is not enough. Discipline is not merely punishment. Good citizens cannot be produced in homes where children have good reason not to respect their own parents.
Successful education should be based on the psychological laws of learning, so often disregarded. Children learn to follow patterns that produce satisfactory results (to them). Good discipline is brought about by the intelligent application of this principle of reinforcement, although many parents consistently reinforce the behavior they want to eliminate. Dr. Dobson presents these principles and many others in a very readable style with abundant illustrations of good and bad "techniques."
He insists that the individual differences in natural endowment, and in social and emotional maturity must be considered in academic matters, and warns parents against expecting too much too soon.
One extremely valuable chapter tells how these principles can be applied effectively in the schools; another deals with creating effective moral behavior; still another is devoted entirely to the abuse of drugs.
Mother and father both get full attention and they are warned that they must show respect for their children if they want their children to show respect in return.
Dr. Dobson has had wide experience both as a teacher and as a psychologist. He makes technical procedures not merely understandable but interesting and often humorous. Best of all, readers who follow him will find that they get the results they want.
PAUL Popenoe, Sc. D.,
Founder and President American Institute of Family Relations,
Los Angeles, California