January 28, 2008
5 Minutes for Books — Just Tell Me What to Say
Thanks to Shannon for hosting the Bloggy Giveaway carnival. To find many other giveaways, click on over.
Betsy Brown Braun has written a wonderful book aimed at parents of 2 to 6 year olds (and beneficial to parents of older school children as well). Just Tell Me What to Say offers “sensible tips and scripts for perplexed parents.” I would offer humorous to the mix as well, but otherwise that subtitle sums it up quite well.
The first two chapters address general communication principles, and discipline do’s and don’ts. These chapters in particular are especially applicable to children older than six as well as the targeted age group. Several of her tips were arrows aimed right at me pointing out communication mistakes that I regularly make:
- demanding eye contact (which requires so much effort for some kids that your message is actually lost)
- spelling or talking about your child in front of them as if they aren’t there (which shows disrespect)
- ignoring or tuning out (as much as that preschool flow of words requires of me, I need to take advantage of the communication, because unanswered questions eventually become unasked questions)
Other sections are devoted to sibling rivalry, tantrums (how to handle them and why they are a normal stage of development), food issues and nutrition, and social grace
s. The last few chapters offer help talking about difficult topics, such as the birds and the bees, a serious illness in the family, death, and natural disasters and war.
In each chapter, Braun first explains her take on the issue at hand (which is gleaned from thirty-seven years in practice as a child development specialist and raising her own triplets to adulthood). Then she offers bulleted lists in a “tips and scripts” section addressing the issue. I love the scripts! For example, if you have trouble standing firm on discipline (as I admit that I do) and not giving in to your child’s diversionary tactics, it’s much easier if you have an answer ready to go:
- I have made my decision, and I am not going to change my mind.
- You choose your behavior, you choose your consequence.
- I am done talking about this.
If you’ve ever wondered what to say or what to do while dealing with the normal development of a preschooler, you will find this book helpful and encouraging. To find out more about the author or the book, visit her website, JustTellMeWhattoSay.com.
One reader who leaves a comment will win a copy of Just Tell Me What to Say (that can ship to the U.S. or Canada). Be sure to check back next week to see if you are a winner so that you can be on the lookout for an email from me with the book title in the subject line.
These lucky readers have won Trail of Crumbs, the book we featured last week. You should have an email in your inbox (or your spam filter) to which you can respond with your name and address.
#35 Laura K.
#68 Marlene Rugg
#56 Corina Smith
Filed under * Feature Columns, 5 Minutes for Books, Books, Contests, Parenting by Jennifer
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309 Comments on 5 Minutes for Books — Just Tell Me What to Say »
#1 - Susan @ 12:15 am
Oh my, I really think I need this book. I need some tips for dealing with my spirited 3 year old.
#2 - Jocelyn G. @ 1:13 am
I have two little ones this would help out.
#3 - TheAngelForever @ 1:28 am
This would be very helpful as our little guys get older. Thanks for the great book reviews and giveaways!
#4 - Heather @ 1:29 am
It sounds like I really need this book! My 3 year old can really get the best of me at times!
#5 - Laura @ 1:58 am
Sounds great Jennifer!
#6 - Natalie @ 2:46 am
I’m all about books these days.
#7 - jennifer @ 2:53 am
That sounds like a great book.
#8 - heather h @ 3:23 am
I have a toddler, but I know I’ll need all the help I can get when she hits preschool age. I’d love to win this goodie! I love to read books on parenting–the only experience I have so far is my one year of mothering, and that’s not much!
#9 - Susan @ 6:50 am
I feel like I’m already in some of these spots with the 2.5 year old. This sounds like a very helpful book.
#10 - emily @ 7:28 am
This book sounds like it is full of fabulous advice.
#11 - Michelle @ 8:06 am
This book sounds like it is full of helpful advice. Count me in.
#12 - Wendy @ 8:41 am
The book would be great to have:)
#13 - Jessica @ 9:22 am
As a first time mom, and a 2 year old throwing Terrible Twos Tantrums, I need this!
#14 - Tiffany @ 9:28 am
This looks like a great book that everyone, even those who are not parents but are still around kids, can learn from!
#15 - Heather @ 9:57 am
This sounds like the book for me!
#16 - Mommy Bee @ 10:11 am
What a neat book! This sounds like a great read!
#17 - Kari @ 10:14 am
With 2 toddlers, I need this book!
#18 - Thea @ 10:16 am
With a 2.5 and a 4.5 year old, I definitely need this book…
#19 - Britni @ 10:26 am
I definitely need this book for my nursery class. Thanks!
#20 - Lesha @ 10:36 am
Thanks for the giveaway
#21 - Laura @ Laura Williams' Musings @ 10:47 am
Count me in please.
I blogged ya:
http://laurawilliamsmusings.blogspot.com/2008/01/monday-edition-of-contests-galore_28.html
#22 - Jill H. @ 10:51 am
I so need this book too…..and I also demand eye contact, and frequently tune out. And I forgot how it made me feel as a kid…..I guess you do tend to raise your kids the way you were!
#23 - Meg @ 10:53 am
Sounds like a very helpful read. Count me in!
#24 - Kristi @ 10:53 am
I could REALLY use this book or any to remind me every day about the best way to deal with my wonderful, strong willed boys. please enter me.
#25 - S.B. @ 10:54 am
Could totally use this book!
#26 - das @ 10:59 am
count me in. thanks!
#27 - Shannon @ 11:07 am
I’m a new mom and this book I would love to win.
Thanks
palmersf@comcast.net
#28 - Robin M. @ 11:08 am
I could so use this book!! Parenting is really tough sometimes. Thanks
#29 - Deb - Mom of 3 Girls @ 11:09 am
This sounds like an awesome book!
#30 - Mommy @ 11:15 am
What a neat book! Please count me in!
#31 - kelli in the mirror @ 11:20 am
I could definitely use this book with my own kids as well as my daycare kids.
#32 - Nichole @ 11:22 am
What a great giveaway! Please include me!
#33 - Christina @ 11:24 am
What a great book!
#34 - Becky @ Boys Rule My Life @ 11:24 am
I could use this book! THanks for the giveaway!
#35 - Michele @ 11:28 am
count me in please
#36 - Paige @ 11:37 am
I could also use some advice from this book. Sometimes I’m not the most patient parent.
#37 - ellen @ 11:40 am
I would love this!
#38 - Bree @ 11:42 am
COunt me in!
#39 - Carmen @ 11:42 am
I would love this. I am always looking for good parenting tips.
#40 - Stacey @ 11:45 am
Maybe this is what I need…
#41 - Rachel S. @ 11:50 am
Count me in!
#42 - Tracy N @ 11:53 am
This would really help me with my spirited little one.
tnayar at verizon dot net
#43 - Qtpies7~ @ 11:54 am
That is a great idea for a book! Knowing what to say is half the battle in parenting, it helps you stick to your guns, and your kids actually respect you more for that.
#44 - Angela @ 11:58 am
Wow Id love to win a copy!
#45 - Missy @ 12:02 pm
Sounds like a good book. Count me in!
#46 - Ginny @ 12:03 pm
I’d like this, I need some help
#47 - Dianne W. Fuzek @ 12:08 pm
Our son has 3 children - boy 6 from first marriage, and 2 girls from present marriage. All parties on great terms, thankfully. But, when daughter-in-law 2 has all 3 kids all weekend, it is sometimes “bedlam” to say the least. She tries so hard to be equal in her discipline, and doesn’t want to “rock any boats”. Some fresh ideas would be helpful.
#48 - Jenn @ 12:08 pm
This sounds like a wonderful book. Please enter me.
#49 - stephanie @ 12:09 pm
Oh gosh. I really need to win this one!!!
#50 - Kara @ 12:16 pm
Looks like a book I need!
#51 - Missy @ 12:17 pm
Sounds like a good book!
#52 - Kelley @ 12:28 pm
I think most any mom would benefit from this book….but I sure hope it is me. I need a few special ‘go to ‘ phrases like the ones above…my 4 year old is a lawyer in training…I need all the help I can get.
Thank you!
#53 - Kim @ 12:29 pm
Oooh - I could use this.
#54 - Cindi Hoppes @ 12:32 pm
Please enter me in your in wonderful book giveaway contest. Thanks,Cindi
#55 - Edward Durbin @ 12:33 pm
A great gift for any parent….
#56 - Snowbird @ 12:34 pm
Sounds like a great book. My daughter is the mommy of 3 very active little boys. I bet she would love to have this book.
#57 - Mommy Cracked @ 12:39 pm
This looks like an amazing read! Please count me in!
#58 - Le Anne @ 12:40 pm
I really need this book. I read just a few of the tips and am sad to say that I do all of those things at times. Now I am going to get off of this computer and go play with the kids.
#59 - Stacey @ 12:46 pm
I’m always looking for parenting tips! Please enter me in your contest. Thank you.
#60 - Celly B @ 12:46 pm
With a four-year-old dd and a two-year-old ds, this book sounds perfect! Please count me in!
#61 - Andrea @ 12:48 pm
Count me in! Those books look great!!
#62 - Jessi N @ 12:50 pm
I would love to read this book. There are days when my three year old says things to me that make my mouth drop open and I have no idea how to reply to her.
#63 - Nichole @ 1:02 pm
Count me in! I would LOVE that!!!
Thanks so much!!!
Nichole
nicholejordanblog@yahoo.com
http://blog.handmadebycole.com/
#64 - Someone Being Me @ 1:11 pm
Please sign me up. My son is turning 1 this week and I need a head start. 2 will be here before I know it.
#65 - Lisa O @ 1:16 pm
Sounds interesting and appropriate for me.
Thanks!
#66 - laurie @ 1:19 pm
yikes… demanding eye contact is something i do. oops. sounds like i could definitely use this book.
#67 - Elaine @ 1:36 pm
Great book premise, I want to win!
#68 - Tara @ 1:49 pm
Neat!
#69 - faith @ 2:22 pm
ooohhh…i need this. I have a two and three year old. =O
#70 - Christina W @ 2:23 pm
Cannot tell you how much we need advice like this, lol!
#71 - Andrea @ 2:26 pm
Wow, this book sounds targeted right for me!! Thanks for the chance to win!
#72 - Christine @ 2:26 pm
What an awesome prize. I would love this for my creative little girl who says the most random things. Sometimes I just laugh when I should be discplining. Thanks
#73 - Chrissy @ 2:34 pm
What an awesome book. Goodness knows I need to know what to say an an almost daily basis!
#74 - Heidi @ 2:35 pm
Wow, I could REALLY use this book. Me and my husband both!
#75 - Cindi Hoppes @ 2:35 pm
Please enter me in your fabulous contest. The book sounds so useful! Thanks,Cindi
#76 - Patti @ 2:35 pm
This would come handy! My two year old is an incrediable commicatior, and many times I forget he’s only 2…The first point you brought up, demanding eye contact when it is probably too much effort for them, really sold me!
#77 - Angela @ 2:36 pm
I am a mom a 3 year old so this looks like an awesome prize to me!!
#78 - Erin @ 2:40 pm
I could definitely use this book! *lol*
#79 - Reeva @ 2:42 pm
great contest! count me in
#80 - Stephanie @ 2:45 pm
I am the mother of a VERY mature 3 year old daughter, I absolutly need that book. Pick me!!!
Please.
#81 - Princess Leia @ 2:48 pm
Little man just turned 1, but we can already tell that discipline will be an issue. Any help will be appreciated! Pick me!
#82 - Shannon H @ 2:58 pm
Aha, sounds like the book for me!!!
#83 - Michelle @ 2:59 pm
The book looks really interesting — could always use help when it comes to parenting!
mlciavola(at)yahoo(dot)com.
#84 - Amiee @ 3:00 pm
Please enter me in your drawing….thank you =)
#85 - Eden @ 3:04 pm
Oh, I’d love to win! Please count me in! Thank you!
I’m doing a giveaway on both of my blogs:
http://airforcefamily2007.blogspot.com
http://goddessofthehome.blogspot.com
I’ll be doing a new giveaway everyday until Friday. Thought you might want to know.
Eden
#86 - Knittinchick @ 3:06 pm
I’d love this for a baby shower gift!
#87 - Charity @ 3:06 pm
I could really use this.
#88 - Liz Yost @ 3:18 pm
What a great giveaway! Please sign me up! Thanks!
#89 - Tonya @ 3:19 pm
My strong willed 5-year-old and I really need this book.
#90 - Greenstylemom @ 3:24 pm
Sounds like a book I need!
#91 - Peggie @ 3:32 pm
Count me in!
#92 - Beth Y @ 3:32 pm
I would love to read this to know how to talk to my just-turned-two!
#93 - Tonya Williams @ 3:34 pm
I have a 12 month old..would love any suggestions I can get!
#94 - Jen @ 3:38 pm
Sounds great!
#95 - Jenn S @ 3:39 pm
I could really use this..thanks! Enter me please!
#96 - Noreen @ 3:40 pm
great book
#97 - Lisa- Domestic Accident @ 3:40 pm
I need all the help I could get.
#98 - Karen (Mommy of Three) @ 3:42 pm
Please count me in, thanks!
#99 - Peter S @ 3:45 pm
Sounds like something that would be really helpful around my house with my daughter. She chats up a storm at times and it’s really hard to stay on target. She also has a really hard time with eye contact.
#100 - Stephanie M @ 3:47 pm
I would love one of these books. Please count me in. Thanks!
#101 - Bree @ 3:51 pm
Enter me, please!
#102 - Monica @ 3:52 pm
although my dd is very good at communicating her wants and needs,having this book handy will add to the fun!
#103 - Stephen Saunders @ 3:57 pm
Sounds like a nice contest, please enter me too.
#104 - Jennifer S @ 3:58 pm
Just tell me what to say to win!
#105 - Christine @ 4:04 pm
OH man, I make those mistakes too! I thought that’s what you were SUPPOSED to do though! ARG! I really need this book! Thanks!
#106 - Susanne @ 4:07 pm
Boy, do I need all the help I can get!!! Thanks…
#107 - Jenny M @ 4:07 pm
Great concept! Sounds like a good parental guide.
#108 - Michele @ 4:08 pm
This sounds great…my daughter is only 14 months old…so we still have a bit to go before she turns two…but it’s never to early to read up!
#109 - majellamom @ 4:10 pm
Very cute bag! Please add me to the drawing!
#110 - Susan @ 4:10 pm
I would love to have this book! I have a very nice US address to ship to also;)
#111 - Elizabeth @ 4:13 pm
ooohh looks fantastic!
#112 - Sweetpeas @ 4:13 pm
Sounds like a book for me!
#113 - pickel @ 4:13 pm
I could totally use something like this!
#114 - majellamom @ 4:15 pm
Okay, multitasking strikes again! I really am not this much of an idiot all the time! I MEANT to say that the book sounds great and would be really helpful with my very sensitive 3 year old.
Maybe this is why my hubby doesn’t think I should have multiple windows open at once! The cute bag was at http://shannonrjordan.blogspot.com/2008/01/does-everyone-know-what-time-it-is-time.html
#115 - Tiffany Hulbert @ 4:19 pm
I could use this!! Thank you!!
#116 - Megan @ 4:34 pm
Yeah, I need this! Would love to win!
#117 - Valerie Mitchell @ 4:39 pm
fabulous!
#118 - Heather (Heather's reality show) @ 4:44 pm
Count me in
#119 - Kelly @ 5:13 pm
Sounds like a book I need to read.
#120 - Elliemae @ 5:31 pm
I need all the help I can get. Count me in. Thanks!
#121 - Kyra @ 5:48 pm
I NEED this book !
#122 - Mari Ickes @ 5:51 pm
Yes please!!
#123 - Shama-Lama Mama @ 5:53 pm
Oh, that book seems like such a great help! Thanks for the chance to win!
#124 - The Chatty Housewife @ 5:55 pm
Looks very interesting!
#125 - Char @ 5:57 pm
I have a very spirited 5 year old….so this would be perfect to answer all of her questions that I just don’t have an answer for!
#126 - Julie @ 6:08 pm
Please sign me up, thanks.
#127 - Melinda @ 6:14 pm
This book sounds like such a great resource! Please enter me!
#128 - Mary @ 6:15 pm
Thanks for the entry!
#129 - Jenn @ 6:16 pm
I would love to win this book!
#130 - Stacie @ 6:19 pm
Me please!
#131 - Amy R @ 6:22 pm
This sounds FANTASTIC! I would Love to win this book!
Thanks~ Amy
#132 - Chelsea @ 6:37 pm
The book looks great, and those responses are so much better than, “Because I said so!”
#133 - Crystal Allen @ 6:41 pm
what a great book. i am a mom of a 3 yo and an 8 yo. i sure could use this one!
#134 - Teri @ 6:46 pm
I would love to have this book! I want to be a mommy very soon and it would give me a lot of answers to my questions.
#135 - Michelle @ 6:48 pm
Yes, yes, yes! I love those responses, I’m going to use them. Thank you!
#136 - Danielle S @ 7:23 pm
Newborn and 5 yr old boys control my life! HELP!
dansan826 at yahoo.com
#137 - Allison @ 7:26 pm
Please count me in! Thanks!
#138 - Jill @ 7:31 pm
ooh, I think I need this
#139 - Susan Smith @ 7:57 pm
Please enter me
#140 - Dan Smith @ 7:57 pm
I’m in
#141 - Missy @ 8:22 pm
count me in!
thanks,
missy
#142 - Tobi @ 8:30 pm
Sounds like a great book. Thanks.
#143 - Diana @ 8:35 pm
I so need this book– and it sounds like it would work great on my junior high students, too!
#144 - kristine @ 8:42 pm
Sounds like a great book!
#145 - vanessa @ 9:08 pm
count me in. I need this book
#146 - Shaun Wallner @ 9:11 pm
Great idea for a book!
#147 - Linda SS @ 9:18 pm
Sounds like an interesting book that would benefit us.
#148 - laura @ 9:40 pm
very cool… looks like a great read…
#149 - Kierra @ 9:41 pm
please include me as well; thanks!
#150 - Christi @ 9:52 pm
This would be a great asset to have around, I do believe! Thank you!
#151 - Elaine Rosser @ 9:56 pm
Love this book!
#152 - Jenn B. @ 10:00 pm
Sounds like a great book, please include me
#153 - Megan @ 10:05 pm
Looks good! Please enter me.
#154 - Liz @ 10:12 pm
I am a school based therapist and this book would be great at helping the parents help their kids!
#155 - Michelle @ 10:17 pm
Oh my! I would love for a book to tell me what to say to my 2 year old sometimes !!
#156 - Amy @ 10:26 pm
Oh boy could I use this book!
#157 - Christy Dixon @ 10:40 pm
ACK!!! I HAVE to have this book! So many questions, so few answers!!!!What a great prize!! Thanks!
#158 - Cindy @ 10:43 pm
Looks like a great read. As a mom of a 3 year old, I could use it. Thanks for entering me.
#159 - Ebie @ 10:45 pm
hmmm, david will be 2 in june, looks like this should be on my list…
#160 - Danai @ 11:07 pm
This sounds like a wonderful book, one that I could certainly learn a thing or two from.
#161 - Shay @ 11:07 pm
I could really use some new ideas of how to talk to a toddler. Please pick me.
#162 - Stephanie @ 11:16 pm
This is the book for me and my husband. We could use some help in speaking with our 2 and 4 year olds.
#163 - Sarah @ 11:23 pm
Great giveaway. I am definitely interested.
Sarah
SeekingHim@gmail dot com
#164 - Sarah @ 11:25 pm
Oh, I think I need this!
Sarah
#165 - Marly Lynk @ 11:39 pm
Sign me up, please!
#166 - taowyn @ 11:53 pm
An entry for me please.
taowyn (at) gmail (dot) com
#167 - kelli @ 12:02 am
I really need this book!
#168 - Sarah Berry @ 12:10 am
I would love this. I think communication is critical.
#169 - Suzie @ 12:12 am
I have a feeling I’ll need this soon for my two year old.
#170 - Jamie @ 12:14 am
I could totally use this book w/two young children.
#171 - Andrea @ 12:38 am
Sounds great!! Please count me in!