What Not To Say: Tools for Talking With Young Children by Sarah MacLaughlin...Review & Giveaway

I just finished what has to be one of the most helpful guides for raising young children...What Not to Say:  Tools for Talking With Young Children by Sarah MacLaughlin.  What Not To Say is a compilation of 66 common expressions to avoid using and why they don't work.  The author does not only tell you what NOT to do she gives you tips on what could potentially work better.

What Not To Say is geared toward parents or caregivers with children aged 1-6.  As the mother to twin 4 year olds, I can appreciate the challenges of this age group.  This age group is wonderfully interesting and funny but can also be stubborn and reactive...my boys are certainly the toughest bosses I have ever had!  I could not wait to crack into this book!

Right away I recognized many of the common expressions listed as either something I have said or have heard another parent say to their child.  For instance how about the old stand by "Because I said so"?  This one doesn't really work does it, but we all know someone who has said or we ourselves have uttered it.  MacLaughlin explains that by using this we dismiss our child's feelings and close the lines of communication.  Sure, the steady fire of questions from a pre-schooler can be a bit draining at times but isn't it far more satisfying (for them and us!) to answer their questions rather than cut them off?  What about "There's nothing to be afraid of?".  Of course there are things in the world to be afraid of...aren't we all afraid of something (BEARS!!)??  Instead of dismissing our child's fears we should address them and find a way to navigate them.

Those are just two of the expressions addressed in this book but each and every one gave me pause and made me think about what I say to the kids and how I say it.  What Not To Say is broken up into easy to navigate sections and many of the common expressions include book suggestions for your child to help drive positive points home and address any tough times they may be going through.

What Not To Say earns huge points from me and I happily recommend this book for anyone with young children.  This book really helps you to understand you child, understand how your words can affect him//her and give you pointers on how to make more meaningful connections.  I think we all want our interactions with your children to be joyful ones and Sarah MacLaughlin gives some solid tips for helping you to do that.  A must read!

You can purchase What Not To Say:  Tools For Talking With Young Children on Amazon....


I am so excited to tell you that one lucky Reviewed By Mom reader will be receiving an autographed copy of What Not To Say!  Here is how to enter... 

Mandatory Entry: Visit Sarah MacLaughlin's website and read her helpful questions and answers section and leave a comment telling me something you found interesting or helpful.  You must complete this entry for all extras to be counted.

For Extra Entries:
1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry
2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry
3.  Like What Not To Say on Facebook=1 entry
4.  Enter one of my other giveaways & let me know you have done so = 1 entry per additional giveaway entered.

5.  Follow Sarah MacLaughlin on Twitter= 1 entry

6.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry
7.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it = 1 entry
8.  Follow the authors blog (you will love it!) = 1 entry
9. Leave a comment on What Not to Say's Facebook page telling the author hello and why you are excited about her book = 1 entry.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to include your e-mail.  Contest is open to US residents and will end on October 13th    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on October 14th and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.  Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was provided with the above mentioned book for purpose of review.  The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.

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