Even though I do not have children or am able to I really wanted to read this book. Nowadays it does not matter where you go there are screaming out of control children of all ages. This book had wonderful approaches on how to handle all stages of childhood. I loved the part about the terrible twos, it just makes common sense. There were big portions of the book that reminded me of how children used to be raised and how I was raised. "In spanish they do not have a word for spoiled, just badly raised." She writes in the book about positive attention and how much of a success it is. True. Like she says in the book "we all thrive on a little kindness, attention and sincere flattery".

Every person should have to get this book if they get pregnant. Than use it as a guide.
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This was a quick, informative, interesting book about parenting written from the unique perspective of a mother of five who happened to spend many years employed as a corrections officer in a prison. It made sense, though, when I thought about it. As parents, we want our children to become good people who make good decisions as well as becoming productive members of society. If we fail as parents and our children grow up without guidance, a correctional facility, unfortunately, may be part of their future. This sad reality, I believe, is one of a parent's worst nightmares.

Ms. Nelson gives practical, down-to-earth advice. Nothing earth-shattering or controversial but all given from a place of logic. I would recommend this book to any parent looking for guidance and something to add to their resource library.

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Even though I do not have children or can I really wanted to read this book. Nowadays it does not matter where you go there are screaming out of control children of all ages. This book had wonderful approaches on how to handle all stages of childhood. I loved the part about the terrible twos, it just makes common sense. There were big portions of the book that reminded me of how children used to be raised and how I was raised. "In spanish they do not have a word for spoiled, just badly raised." She writes in the book about positive attention and how much of a success it is. True. Like she says in the book "we all thrive on a little kindness, attention and sincere flattery". The one point I had trouble with was as her children got older she felt as her opinion counted in what they did with their life. That is a lot of wishful thinking.

Every person should have to get this book if they get pregnant. Than use it as a guide. ( )

This book was actually pretty funny, although shorter than I expected. I didn't really learn anything new about parenting, although I did find some things thought-provoking (the idea that you can give a two-year-old something she wants and not have her turn into a spoiled brat was new to me and something I have not seen born out thus far) and will turn them over in my head for weeks to come.

I think this book's strongest point is not the parenting part but the insights it gives you into the world of prison. Like most people, I think I had a vague notion of what goes on in there from one of my friends (who is also in corrections) and what I'd seen in movies. It was eye-opening to read about what actually goes on in there (and inmates being believed over guards, seriously? That smells like defamation of character to me).

Overall, the book is enjoyable and worth getting if only for the inside perspectives on prison life. Not anything really earth-shattering when it comes to parenting advice but it is funny and I'm glad I read it.

Note: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review. ( )

This book has an easy, conversational tone. Ms. Nelson shares parenting tips which she learned from her time working as a corrections officer. There really are many similarities between parenting children and handling inmates, and much to be learned.