Have a New Kid by Friday - Dr Kevin Leman [1]
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Leman, Kevin.
Have a new kid by Friday : how to change your child’s attitude, behavior & character in 5 days / Kevin Leman.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-0-8007-1902-9 (cloth)
ISBN 978-0-8007-3276-9 (pbk.)
1. Discipline of children. 2. Child rearing. I. Title.
HQ770.4.L43 2008
649'.64—dc22 2007041883
Scripture is taken from The Living Bible, copyright © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
To protect the privacy of those who have shared their stories with the author, some details and names have been changed.
To my son,
Kevin Anderson Leman II
You have always been a great son.
We’re so proud of what you’ve accomplished in life already. Winning two Emmys isn’t too shabby.
I have to admit that it’s taken a little while
to get used to people coming up to me and asking
me if it’s true that I’m Kevin Leman’s father,
but it’s a role I’m going to continue
to enjoy as the years go by.
What really means the most to Mom and me,
though, is the young man you’ve become.
We appreciate your kind, considerate, thoughtful nature.
We couldn’t love you more,
and I pray that God will continue to
richly bless your life.
Love,
Your semi-famous father
Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
They’re Unionized . . . and Growing Stronger
I’ve got news for you. Kids are unionized, and they’ve got a game plan to drive you bonkers. Some hedonistic little suckers of the ankle-biter battalion have even graduated to emeritus status and are holding down the hormone group division. But you don’t have to let them call the shots. I’ve got a game plan guaranteed to work. Every time.
Monday
Where Did They All Come From?
These could have been General Custer’s last words, but they don’t have to be yours. Why do your kids do what they do—and continue to do it? And (secret news flash) how does your response to their war whoops relate to what your kids do?
Tuesday
Disarming the Dude (or Dudette) with the ’Tude
Want a kid without the attitude? With behavior that doesn’t make you slink away from him in the grocery store? A kid with real character who isn’t a character? Here’s why Attitude, Behavior, and Character are the most important ABCs of all—and how you can teach them in a way your child will never forget.
Wednesday
Show Me a Mean Teacher, and I’ll Show You a Good One (It’s All in the Perspective)
Look down the road 5, 10, 15, 20 years. Who do you want your child to be? What kind of parent do you want to be? With determination and 3 simple strategies for success, you can get to that point—whether you have a 2-year-old, a 10-year-old, a 14-year-old, or a living-with-you-again young adult.
Thursday
But What If I Damage Their Psyche? (Uh . . . What’s a Psyche?)
Let’s debunk a major myth right now. Kids need Acceptance, Belonging, and Competence—the pillars of self-esteem. But there’s a big difference between praise and encouragement, and your kid is smart enough to know it.
Friday
The Doc Is In . . . and It’s You
Today you review the principles and your action plan. Your mantra: “I can’t wait for that kid to misbehave, because I’m ready to go to war.” And she’s not going to know what hit her. Remember, no warnings!
Ask Dr. Leman
A to Z Game Plans That Really Work
Straightforward advice and gutsy plans of action on over 100 of the hottest parenting topics. Flip through A to Z or consult the quick index at the end of this book.
Shh! It’s a Secret!
Epilogue
Fun Day
Today’s the day you launch your action plan. Sit back and watch the fun . . . and the confusion on your child’s face. I guarantee you