Final Thoughts on Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline

I'll be the first to admit that Becky Bailey's Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline was not the easiest book I could have started with on my quest to read and write about a parenting book each month. However, I chose this as the first book of the year because I believe that the principles of parenting and the discipline skills discussed in it are foundational. This is also why I chose to do a chapter-by-chapter review of this particular book; it is important to understand these skills and the motivations behind them. In the future, I will probably not write about each individual chapter, but for this one, it was fitting. Thank you for your patience, and I hope you found the information helpful.

I understand that this book can be a difficult read. For many people, it is a complete paradigm shift away from punitive, fear-based parenting. The author focuses a lot on the psychological motivations, implications, and outcomes of both punitive parenting and the more positive methods she recommends. The book also focuses heavily on how to develop self-control and self-discipline in your own life so you can model appropriate behaviors for your children. I cannot emphasize enough how vital this is! If Becky Bailey's writing isn't quite your style, that's okay. There are many other excellent books out there that discuss a lot of the same ideas.

While I've read Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline four or five times now, the next book I will be reading and writing about is one that I'm reading for the first time. It is called Dealing With Disappointment, and I've chosen it because I hope it will help me with some specific challenges I face with my oldest child. I do not plan to review each chapter of the book; instead, I will read it throughout the month and write a post or two about it at the end of February. In the meantime, I will be writing about other things that are on my mind. I hope you'll join me!