Riviting!October 23, 2005 7 out of 7 found this review helpful
The book, Seven Habits for Highly Effective Families, is a remarkable book that can change the way your family dynamics work. If you have read Covey's greatest book, Seven habits of Highly effective People than you know the power contained within the pages. Covey is not the perfect example of a parent, but like all of us, is striving to reach a type of family "nirvana". This book is full of precious information that you cannot afford to pass up. Covey touches on the seven habits that you and each of your family members can utilize in everyday interaction. Covey talks about the four human gifts, self awareness, conscience, imagination, and independent will. Covey explains how we can use these gifts to solve from the simplest to the most complex problems in our lives. He reiterates the bad trends that are attacking families in our modern age and how we as parents can guard ourselves and our families from falling victim. If you are struggling with relationships or looking to improve the relationships that you already have than read this book with your family, you won't regret it.
Family Lessons From "The Inside Out "February 3, 2005 19 out of 20 found this review helpful
Covey encourages every parent to do some soul searching to become aware as to what really is priority in life. Then, he suggests we put "first things first." I believe that most parents would admit that they do wish to have "FAMILY" comes first--above all else. But, in today's busy, often stressful daily routine of life, accomplishing that goal is often "easier said than done". Covey clearly points out the essentials...such as establishing effective communication lines through family meetings and one-on-one talks with the kids. He makes so much sense as he describes with personal anecdotes how love, values, morality, and empathy for others is a process of teaching and learning from "the inside out"...in other words from within the family rippling out to society at large. He talks about establishing a family mission statement and helps to direct moms and dads to find the courage and the skills to make changes for the better. Covey's book creates the mindset and the outline. If you have young kids like me, I recommend a perfect compliment 'how-to book' with Covey's ... called "THE POCKET PARENT." This handy book, written for parents of 2-6 year olds, is loaded with compassion and humor along with over one thousand tips and skills to try. It literally trouble-shoots many of the problem behaviors we all deal with daily-such as Angry outbursts, Bedtime, Mealtime and Clean-up refusals, Tantrums, Disrespectful attitude, the "Gimmes", Morning "Crazies", Sibling fights, Whining and many more. These 2 books (one more theoretical, the other more "hands on" practical) have changed our lives. We now have more peace and cooperation in our family---and that gives us more time to enjoy each other. Consider both books for your home reference library.
A Bit Too Sappy For MeDecember 19, 2004 11 out of 16 found this review helpful
While this book had some good insights and "a-ha" moments, it was too sappy for me to get past the third chapter. I enjoy a good metaphor for life as much as the next person, but there were so many in this book that the author's real messages got clouded by them. I much prefered Family First by Dr. Phil McGraw.
Helpful informationSeptember 16, 2004 2 out of 4 found this review helpful
This book is informative and would make a great resource for any family eager to improve their communication and family involvement. Gets a bit wordy after awhile and there are lots of testimonials touting Covey's other books, but overall this was a well-written & informative read.
More good advice on how you manage your family life.July 14, 2004 4 out of 4 found this review helpful
After reading about Highly Effective People, Covey gives more sound advice on how effective families function. I think Covey does a good job in describing how effective family structures place all members in a win/win situation. This reading is rather light on how to tackle issues with family members in difficulties and/or problems situations. Covey just feels that all members are in the family to work together. In most circumstances, there is always one or more family members battling difficulties such as drug abuse, depression, uncontrollable behavior. Covey would probably argue that good family structures would prevent/minimize such problems. However all families face some difficulties and the book is rather light on facing these problems. A good read on how to structure a family and make each member a contributor to the team. This book is not a cure all, but it has some sound advice.
