How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk

If you have ever found yourself in a power struggle with your child, wondering how something so small escalated into a full argument — or wished you could communicate with more connection and less frustration — this book offers a better way. I recommend it to parents at any stage, from toddlers to teenagers.

Who This Book Is For

This book is for parents of children of any age who want to communicate with more respect, empathy, and effectiveness. It is equally valuable for grandparents, teachers, and anyone who cares for children. The skills in this book are not just techniques — they represent a genuine shift in how we relate to the young people in our lives.

What It's About

Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, both students of the legendary child psychologist Haim Ginott, created this book out of their parenting workshops. It is a practical, illustrated guide to handling everyday parenting challenges — from getting kids to cooperate in the morning to handling sibling fights to talking about difficult topics. Each chapter focuses on a specific skill — acknowledging feelings, engaging cooperation, alternatives to punishment, encouraging autonomy, and praise that builds genuine self-esteem.

Key Topics

• Acknowledging Feelings — How to validate your child's emotions without fixing or dismissing them
• Engaging Cooperation — Getting kids to do what needs to be done without threats or bribes
• Alternatives to Punishment — Discipline that teaches rather than punishes
• Encouraging Autonomy — Raising children who can think and act for themselves
• Praise That Builds — The difference between evaluative praise and descriptive encouragement
• Freeing Children from Roles — Helping kids move beyond labels like 'shy', 'difficult', or 'messy'

Why I Recommend It

Parent-child communication is at the heart of family wellbeing, and this book is a timeless resource. The skills it teaches align closely with the principles I use in my work with families at Little Big Journeys — respect, empathy, and the belief that every family member deserves to be heard. I have recommended this book to countless parents, and almost every one has come back to say it changed their relationship with their child.

Visit the Faber and Mazlish website to purchase or learn more ↗