BookLook bloggers sent me a copy of "I Can't Believe You Just Said That!" by Ginger Hubbard. I in turn agreed to write this review.
I love this book! Ginger Hubbard is a sought after speaker and author. I actually read one of her books when my children were younger. I love the principles that are presented in her newest book, "I Can't Believe You Just Said That!". As a parent, I think I have said or thought that same line when my children blurted something inappropriate or selfish out loud. Ginger explains, that as parents we need to reach a child's heart, not just get them to perform the right action.
This book is written from a Christian perspective, with an emphasis of reaching a child's heart with Scripture. The behaviors that are discussed in this book are, whining, lying, manipulating, teasing, bragging, arguing, interrupting, bickering, as well as other inappropriate behaviors. Ginger devotes a chapter to each misbehavior.
(For ease, I am using the words "Good" and "Bad" to describe behaviors)
Ginger gives examples of bad behaviors, and then gives examples of "heart-probing" questions to ask your child when he/she misbehaves. She finishes up with what she calls (taken from the Bible) "put on" behaviors. Most parents will use discipline to stop the child's bad behavior, but they don't help the child replace it with a good behavior. Ginger uses Scripture to show parents how to help their children replace "bad" behaviors with good ones.
I so wish I would have followed these principles when my children were younger. I believe that the plan laid out in this book is a great one to reach a child's heart, and help them accept responsibility for his/her behaviors. As a Christian, I love that Ginger's approach is based on the Bible. I highly recommend this book, especially for parents of younger children.
