The authors wrote this book because they knew “that conversation is the ideal tool to help you (the parent) develop a deep and long-lasting relationship with your kids.” This exceptionally well written and pragmatically organized book in a very succinct way guides the reader from how to start that conversation, maintain it and deal with those more difficult moments.
The book can be well summarized by drawing on the author’s introductions to each of the two parts of the book. In first part, the authors lay the groundwork for meaningful conversations, focusing on the benefits of talking daily. In Chapter 1 they walk the reader through suggestions for starting these kinds of conversations, giving practical tips on where, when and how. It includes a guided conversation to get parents and their children talking and identifies some of the parents’ strengths and concerns. Chapter 2 explores five different types of conversations parents will have, linking to the topics discussed in depth in Part 2. Chapter 3 helps parents establish habits of talking at home and addresses common concerns, which Chapter 4 offers valuable conversation starters to get talks rolling.
Part 2 is composed of five chapters each covering one of the five types of conversations that come up in every day life, those conversations that are heart-based, or uncomfortable, dangerous, or nurturing and finally those that require bravery. In each chapter the authors introduce the topic with several activities that serve as entry points into the subject. In each the authors walk the reader through topics likely to come up in each type of conversation and shows the reader how to approach them. There are prompts to use if the parent is feeling stuck, as well as examples of real-world conversations that take the parent through the twists and turns these thorny issue can take. The prompts provide specific questions and lay the ground work for rich and meaningful conversations.
The book is organized to be used as a guide as to how to start the conversation and keep it going even through difficult topics. Its organization also encourages the book to be used as a reference, simply turn to the spot for the topic on the searcher’s mind.
This exceptionally well organized book can function as a text book, how to build a relationship from the start of your efforts or as a reference, where the reader can look up how to hold a conversation on a specific topic.