Parenting Mindfully

Communication between parents and their children is a key component of successful parenting.  Dr. DePino makes a huge contribution to this effort by providing a litany of specific techniques, strategies, and concrete examples of how to foster an effective communicative family experience. Dr. DePino’s carefully constructed parenting text is a virtual handbook of recipes for child-rearing and for promoting successful intra-family relationships.  Each strategy and suggested behavior speaks directly to help so many specific issues that often arise in any family dynamic. The practices offered in this book appear to run the gamut of situations, problems and issues that might confront any parenting adventure.  Dr. DePino offers an innovative yet pragmatic approach for a successful resolution of the problems that concern many parents. -- Michael P. Freedman, EdD, Assistant Professor of Science Education, Graduate School of Education of Fordham University
DePino covers all bases in her parenting book by including segments on how to bolster confidence in kids, encourage responsible behavior, motivate excellence, teach coping skills, and discipline wisely and compassionately. The principles of Mindfulness permeate all of the anecdotes about issues that every parent encounters such as kids’ preoccupation with electronic devices, respect for parents and other authority figures, and dealing with conflicts at home and school. While reinforcing important parenting skills in a practical, user-friendly manner, the author stresses Mindfulness techniques such as mindful listening and talking, assertive communication, and loving kindness to help parents communicate better with their kids and to help families live more happily and harmoniously. As the author states in her introduction: ‘If you incorporate Mindfulness into your daily dealings with your children, it’s highly likely they’ll turn out to be smart, caring, and responsible kids who know how to deal with all the problems that come their way.’ -- Elaine Karmilowicz, principal, Bright Horizons, St. Mary Hospital Child Development Center