Synopses & Reviews
Being a parent is hard work! And when your child refuses to do even the little thingslike picking up their toys, taking a bath, or getting in the car to go to schoolits easy to become frustrated. But what if there was a gentle, effective way for you to improve your kid's behavior without losing your cool or raising your voice? In Is That Me Yelling? leading authority on parenting, Rona Renner outlines effective communication strategies that focus on your childs unique temperament. While most books on discipline are one size fits all,” this book offers a tailored parenting approach. Inside, you will learn powerful mindfulness techniques based in cognitive behavioral theory (CBT) and temperament theory to help reduce conflict and foster cooperation, respect, and understanding in your family. You will also learn the real reasons behind your frustration, how your unique temperament, as well as your childs, can contribute to you losing your temper, and how you can start feeling calm and connecting with your child in a positive way, right away.
As a parent, you are often under a great deal of stress. Between helping your child with their homework, running a household, and working, its only natural to feel overwhelmed at times. But thats why you need real, practical solutions to help you communicate effectively and compassionately with your children in a way that will benefit you both. This book will show you how. To learn more, visit www.nurserona.com.
Review
“Here is a book we have long been waiting for, and one that we heartily welcome…I envy any parent who has the privelage of reading it and learning from it.”
—From the preface by Louise Bates Ames, PhD., Associate Director, Gesell Institute of Human Development
Review
“Kid Cooperation gives you the tools you need, not only to encourage compliance, but to create a close, loving, and respectful relationship between you and your child.”
—From the foreword by William Sears, M.D., co-author of The Baby Book and The Discipline Book
Review
A parent's responsibility is to facilitate the development of their child's consciousness. Thanks to Rona Renner's insightful book, parents now have tools to help accomplish this.”
Deepak Chopra, MD
Rona Renner counseled me through my early parenting with a very spirited child, and saved us both from much heartbreak and disaster! That was me yellinguntil I learned the skills and approaches her book offers. What a gift to parents, and to their children!”
Betsy Rose, mindful educator, musician, and parent
Is That Me Yelling? is a funny, warm, and insightful book by a funny, warm, and insightful person. Rona Renner is a beloved speaker, writer, and radio personality known as the go-to person for Bay Area families. Finally, she has put her years of parenting wisdom into a book for all of us. I highly recommend it!”
Joshua Coleman, PhD, psychologist and author of When Parents Hurt
I have known and worked with Rona Renner for over several decades. Clearly, she understands that no single behavioral approach fits all children. Instead, each approach must take into account the particular temperament of the childand often also that of the parent! In this respect, Is That Me Yelling? sums up a significant portion of Rona's learning curve.
So parents, if what should work doesn't, if your pressure gauge is way upthis is the book for you!”
James Cameron, PhD, executive director at The Preventive Ounce, a nonprofit, preventive mental health organization for children (preventiveoz.org)
Is That Me Yelling? is simply a gift for parents. Filled with wisdom but delivered with both humor and humility, this book is of value for families in need of minor adjustments, major overhauls, and everything in between. Renner challenges us without judging. The clarity of the writing belies just how transformative these practical recommendations can be for our children and for ourselves.”
David C. Rettew, MD, associate professor of psychiatry and pediatrics, director of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship, and director of the Pediatric Psychiatry Clinic at the University of Vermont, College of Medicine
When it comes to aiding and supporting parents in the care of their children, I believe most caregivers want honest, straightforward, and uncomplicated suggestions from someone who has been there and done that. Rona Renner's book, Is That Me Yelling? is a breath of fresh air. Authentic, helpful, easy-to-read, and useful are words that describe her messages to parents as well as professionals.”
Intisar Shareef, EdD, cochair of the Early Childhood Education Department at Contra Costa College, San Pablo, CA
The future will be defined by the generation we are raising right now. In the face of global challenges, we must remember that we, as parents, shape the future one decision at a time. Our children will be the ones to reinvent society, business, and humanity's relationship with the natural world. They are the innovators and the peacemakers; the caretakers and the stewards; the visionaries and the implementers. It is our duty to our children and to the planet to give them the best start possible. This begins with knowing ourselves, healing our families, and acting intentionally. As Renner eloquently states, world peace begins at home.”
Rinaldo S. Brutoco, futurist, business leader, and founding president of the World Business Academy
Is That Me Yelling? is a great way to bring guidance from the wise and warm Nurse Rona into your home. With extensive experience as a nurse, temperament counselor, parent educator, and parenting radio host, her advice is valuable for anyone with kids. Regardless of how much they yell, moms and dads are certain to feel more calm and confident having her by their side.”
Will Courtenay, PhD, The Men's Doc” and author of Dying to Be Men
Yelling doesnt workat least not for long. Kids get inured to it and stop listening. Then parents have to yell louder, and say more hurtful things. Is That Me Yelling? is the best book Ive seen on parenting because it shows how to stop the damaging anger and create a spirit of true cooperation with your children. Highly recommended.”
Matthew McKay, PhD, author of When Anger Hurts Your Kids
Review
Is That Me Yelling? is a complete and compassionate companion for every parent, educator, and parenting educator.
With excellent examples from her extensive professional and personal experience, nurse Rona illustrates fundamental psychological principles and functional parenting practices with empathy and enthusiasm. Bravo, thanks!”
Marisol Muñoz-Kiehne, PhD, clinical psychologist, parent educator, author, columnist, and former host of Nuestros Niños radio show (www.nuestrosninos.com)
Review
"As a pediatrician and parent, I truly appreciate Rona Renner's holistic and practical approach to parenting. This book should be required reading for all new parents.”
Lawrence Rosen, MD, founder of The Whole Child Center (wholechildcenter.org)
Review
Engaging and practical, humorous and evidence-based, prescriptive but not preachy, authoritative yet never stuffy,
Is That Me Yelling? quickly rises to the top of the many parenting books I've ever read. All parents get engaged in power struggles with their kids, and through numerous case examples, easy-to-follow self-assessments, a welcome review of temperament, and just the right dosage of pure wisdom, Rona Renner provides thoughtful and achievable solutions. If you're a parent who has ever yelled at your kid and wished you hadn't, this book is for you.”
Stephen P. Hinshaw, PhD, editor at the Psychological Bulletin; professor in the department of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley; and vice-chair of psychology in the department of psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco
Review
Is That Me Yelling? speaks directly to all of us parents who love our kids with all our hearts, yet still find ourselves losing it. Rona Renner is wise, funny, and right on the mark with this exceptionally useful guide to being the adult in the family.”
Katherine Ellison, author of Buzz: A Year of Paying Attention and Square Peg: My Story and What It Means for Raising Innovators, Visionaries, and Out-of-the-Box Thinkers
Review
Among the many books on parenting, this one stands out for me because it encouraged me to fundamentally change the way I am with my children. With Rona Renner's help, I have stopped yelling and become the patient, compassionate parent I always hoped to be.”
Rhonda Collins, documentary film editor and mother of twins
Review
There is nothing more heartwarming and healing than a parent striving to be a better parent.
Is That Me Yelling? is a powerful, loving, and effective book for parents who want to learn how to foster healthier communication and relationships with their children.”
Jorge Partida, PsyD, author of The Promise of the Fifth Sun and A Week of Awakening
Review
Rona Renners approach is warm, practical, and wise. She provides a sturdy helping hand for even the toughest situations. Based on real-life experiences, this book is full of sensitive, sound advice that truly works. It should be mandatory reading for every parent.”
Mary Sheedy Kurcinka, EdD, author of Raising Your Spirited Child and Sleepless in America
Review
This reader-friendly book is a masterful guide for parents. With great gentleness and humility,
Mindful Discipline weaves together the rigor of science, the wisdom of reflection, and decades of clinical experience, offering parents one of the most exceptional road maps on how to raise happy, resilient, and emotionally healthy children.”
Andrew Weil, MD, author of Spontaneous Happiness and Eight Weeks to Optimum Health
Review
If you raise your children with respect for who they are, nourishing compassion, clarity, and wise limits, they will bloom and blossom. The tools for mindfully doing so are here in these pages.”
Jack Kornfield, PhD, author of A Path with Heart
Review
Im deeply impressed and inspired by what [Shapiro and White] are offering the world! It fills such an essential niche, and moves forward our understanding of how to in an important way.”
Tara Brach, PhD, author of Radical Acceptance and True Refuge
Review
This intelligent, tender, and beautifully written book helps parents tap into their inner wisdom and create the optimal emotional environment for their child's growth and development. Loaded with powerful exercises grounded in clinical expertise and scientific theory, this book will help all of us navigate the path of parenting with greater ease, clarity, and grace.”
Kristin Neff, PhD, associate professor of human development and culture at the University of Texas at Austin and author of Self-Compassion
Review
Coming from an expert on mindfulness and a leading pediatrician, this deeply wise book shows parents how to nourish both self-discipline and self-worth inside the children they love. Grounded in research, full of personal examples, and loaded with down-to-earth suggestions, this book is a gem.”
Rick Hanson, PhD, author of Hardwiring Happiness
Review
Shauna Shapiro and Chris White have created a wonderful integration of the power of mindful awareness and the insights from studies of child development and the brain to lovingly guide us to a more rewarding and effective way of being as parents. The science of attachment reveals that the most robust predictor of our childs development is how we have come to make sense of our lives from the inside out. This book beautifully illuminates how the previously independent fields of attachment and of mindfulness actually share common groundthat knowing yourself is the best gift you can give to your children. An effective way of achieving this parental presence is through mindfulness, and the stories, ideas, and exercises of
Mindful Discipline offer a fabulous guide to creating the deep and receptive internal knowing that will empower your children to become resilient, reflective, and compassionate beings themselves. What better gift can you offer of yourself to your child, and the world?”
Daniel J. Siegel, MD, clinical professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, school of medicine; author of Brainstorm and The Mindful Brain; and coauthor of No-Drama Discipline, Parenting from the Inside Out, and The Whole-Brain Child
Review
Mindful Discipline should be read by every parent. This book contains the operating instructions for family life that none of us received in school. Twenty-five years ago mindfulness saved my life. Now it informs all of my actions, including the way I am with my children.”
Noah Levine, author of Dharma Punx and Refuge Recovery
Review
This finely and sensitively written book points to the fragility and resilience of a childs soul and demonstrates so clearly how in need each child is of an equally fragile and resilient adults guidance. An adult, however, having been on the Earth much longer, has been able to add experience to the fragility and resilience and thus becomes the author of the childs life until he or she is experienced enough to become the author himself or herself. This beautiful book is a wonderful guide to parents who wish to lovingly, mindfully, and clearly accompany their children at the beginning of their life journey.”
Meinir Davies, management and teaching team coordinator at the New Village School, Sausalito, CA
Review
Mindful Discipline is the perfect guide for conscious parents and teachers. Grounded in solid neuroscience, it shows how to be loving and remain centered, while teaching children to develop their own internal wisdom and good hearts. This book is a gift!”
James Baraz, cofounder of Spirit Rock Meditation Center and coauthor of Awakening Joy: 10 Steps to Happiness
Review
Mindful Discipline is an intelligent and creative approach to the omnipresent challenge of parenting: how to be kind and loving yet firm and in control. I was struck by the multiple levels of authority the authors drew upon: deep scholarship, personal struggles with parenting, and hard-earned meditative insight.”
Fred Luskin, PhD, director of the Stanford Forgiveness Project and author of Forgive for Good
Synopsis
There really is a way to talk so that kids will listen. This is an empowering work, filled with practical skills that will help end sibling fights, boost children's self-esteem, and let parents handle discipline with understanding and authority.
Synopsis
Would you like to know how to get your children to willingly cooperate? Would you like to eliminate many of your daily battles and end the yelling, nagging, and pleading? Would you like to handle discipline issues with knowledge and authority? During this process, would you like to learn how to boost your children’s self-esteem, feel better about yourself as a person, and even improve your marriage?
This book is filled with real ideas for real families—practical, purposeful things you can do to improve family life. With the tools and skills presented in Kid Cooperation you can achieve the goal of raising happy, confident, self-disciplined children, and enjoy the process!
Synopsis
When children refuse to do even little thingslike picking up their toys or getting in the car to go to schoolits easy for parents to become frustrated. But what if there was a gentle, effective way for parents to improve their kids behavior, without losing their cool or raising their voice? In Is That Me Yelling? a registered nurse and child temperament specialist shows parents how to effectively communicate with their kids by focusing on their childs unique temperament. Using mindfulness techniques based in cognitive behavioral theory (CBT) and temperament theory, readers will learn to reduce conflict and foster cooperation, respect, and understanding in their family.
Synopsis
Kids need both love and limits in order to thrive. In Mindful Discipline, a pediatrician and an internationally recognized mindfulness expert offer parents simple yet powerful tools for raising mindful, respectful, and responsible children. Grounded in mindfulness and the latest research in neuroscience, this book will teach readers how to foster their child's emotional intelligence and self-esteem while also encouraging genuine cooperation. With simple practices, such as honoring a child's strengths, setting limits, and setting a positive example, parents can teach their child the self-discipline and resilience they will need to thrive in life.
Synopsis
Raising happy, compassionate, and responsible children requires both love and limits. In Mindful Discipline, internationally recognized mindfulness expert Shauna Shapiro and pediatrician Chris White weave together ancient wisdom and modern science to provide new perspectives on parenting and discipline.
Grounded in mindfulness and neuroscience, this pioneering book redefines discipline and outlines the five essential elements necessary for children to thrive: unconditional love, space for children to be themselves, mentorship, healthy boundaries, and mis-takes that create learning and growth opportunities. In this book, you will also discover parenting practices such as setting limits with love, working with difficult emotions, and forgiveness and compassion meditations that place discipline within a context of mindfulness. This relationship-centered approach will restore your confidence as a parent and support your children in developing emotional intelligence, self-discipline, and resiliencequalities they need for living an authentic and meaningful life.
About the Author
Shauna Shapiro, PhD, is a professor at Santa Clara University, a clinical psychologist, an internationally recognized expert in mindfulness, and a mother. With twenty years of meditation experience studying in Thailand and Nepal, as well as in the West, Shapiro brings an embodied sense of mindfulness to her scientific work. She has published over one hundred journal articles and chapters, and coauthored the critically acclaimed book,
The Art and Science of Mindfulness. Shapiro is the recipient of the American Council of Learned Societies teaching award, acknowledging her outstanding contributions to education, and has been invited to lecture for the King of Thailand, the Danish government, and the World Council for Psychotherapy in Beijing, China. Her work has been featured in
Wired, USA Today, Oxygen, The Yoga Journal, and the
American Psychologist. Shapiro lives in Mill Valley, California, with her eight-year-old son, Jackson.
Chris White, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician, parent educator, certified life coach, and father. He is the creator and director of Essential Parenting, an organization that supports the psycho-emotional development of children and their parents. His writing has been featured in Pathways to Family Wellness and the PBS series This Emotional Life blog. White lives with his two boys, Kai and Bodhi, and the love of his life, Kari, in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Foreword writer Christine Carter, PhD, is a happiness expert, sociologist, and the author of Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents. Carter has helped thousands of people find more joy in their lives through her books, online classes, coaching, and speaking engagements. She teaches happiness classes online throughout the year to a global audience on her website www.christinecarter.com.
Foreword writer Dean Ornish, MD, is the founder and president of the non-profit Preventive Medicine Research Institute and clinical professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. Ornish received his MD from the Baylor College of Medicine, was a clinical fellow in medicine at Harvard Medical School, and completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He is the author of six books, all national bestsellers, including: Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease; Eat More, Weigh Less; Love and Survival; and his most recent book, The Spectrum.
Table of Contents