“Best parenting book I have ever read!” Sally Jones (Mother of two)
Turning Tears into Laughter: Creative Discipline during the Toddler and Preschool Years (by Lou Harvey-Zahra) is published by Five Mile Press (RRP $12.95 for 160 pages, plus $2 postage). Available from this site, payment by PayPal, credit card or internet banking, please Contact Lou
“Turning Tears into Laughter will lighten the load and enlighten the mind. I believe it would be impossible not to be inspired by Lou Harvey-Zahra’s good hearted, infectious enthusiasm.” John Allison (teacher, consultant, author).
Section one outlines how parents can: lay the foundation for creative discipline through daily rhythms, play, and healthy food choices; and to ask the question ‘Why?’ to gain an understanding of your child’s motives and needs during trying moments.
Creative Discipline tools are outlined through out section two: redirect the child into an appropriate play choice or situation; change the environment around the child to successfully change the challenging behaviour; use creative speech for the word, ‘no’; create giggles and games during everday challenging moments (life does not have to be so serious); provide a choice between two options, to maintain boundaries while lessening tears and tantrums; be a positive role model for your children to follow; learn to praise your child as positive reinforcement to achieve appropriate behaviours; and the ‘quiet removal’ if all else fails.
The final section covers common toddler tantrum scenarios, from bath time to bed time, meal time to leaving a park, sharing to sibling rivalry. This book holds the power to turn ‘tears into laughter’ and to successfully change family life.
“Turning Tears into Laughter is full of inspiring and practical ideas. It will be one parents find themselves taking off the shelf over and over again.” Mandy Abbott (Mother of two, Kindergarten Teacher and Playgroup Leader)
Ask your local library to stock Turning Tears into Laughter: Creative Discipline for the Toddler and Preschool Years (Five Mile Press)
