What was the most helpful bit in the book for you?

[SarahNewton]

I would love to know what helped you most in the book.

[Tarce]

Hi Sarah,

Thanks for this book, I really think it is going to help motivate me to try to make things better (for all of us) at home!

I'm only on chapter 3 and have yet to put anything into action but everything I have read so far seems to apply to our situation! There is lots there to digest and I think I will be reading this more more than a few times .. and making notes! :)

Glad to be the first to kick off the replies, hope this gets the ball rolling!

[SarahNewton]

Tarce,

My advice would be read the book first then jot down the things that you feel resonated with you and that you feel able to put into action first easily. It is best to start with something small that you will succeed with. :-) Keep me posted....

[Suzanne Franklin]

Hi Sarah
The thing that helped me the most was the role divining from manager to coach. I think thats the mistake we all make instead of letting them find their own feet as a person we keep intervening and telling teens what to do. One of the things Amy said to me when I asked for the thousandth time (well it felt like it!) Why she hadn't done her room, was. Because you kept nagging me to do it! So if I had given her a consequence and a time zone and stepped back It would have been her decision.

[Helen]

Suzanne, I am with you the moment I read that my role as a manager was over and I was now a coach was like being released from a yoke around my neck. I have tried several times to pass over responsibility and given my Amy choices however I did not have the freedom of being a coach rather than a manager at that time.
I bought the book on Thursday and had read it from cover to cover by Saturday evening, and with small changes to my own attitude have noticed a difference, I had a eureka! moment. All that I have being trying to achieve is there in black and white. I am now attempting to decide which agreement we need to implement the soonest and I think it may be the useful advice on siblings. I will keep everyone posted how things develop.

[SarahNewton]

Hi Helen,

Thanks so much for your praise - I am so glad my book is helping people.

Keep us informed

Sarah

[Suzanne Franklin]

I think I read it as quickly as you Helen and have passed my copy on to my brother who is dealing with the same thing, Good luck hope it works for you too.

[Heidi]

I bought the book just a few days ago :) now finished and starting to read it *again* Reallyreallyreally hope you write s'more :)

I can't depict upon any-one particular point that was the best or most helpful. It's the culmination of thoughts and solutions that really spoke volumes. It made me feel not so alone in such an extrenuating circumstance being a step-mum with two *extremely* difficult step-children. In attempting to strive toward making things better, because I so firmly believe reading/learning can open my eyes to new possibilities and solutions (in life!) - It's as though I'm constantly seeking the solution(s) for these 'two' to get along and for the rest of us to not go mad in the process. (both have ADHD and one has aspergers....my eye is twitching at the mere thought of them both in the same room together! it's *awful*)

The 'thoughts' conveyed really, are immense and believe that NO parent should go without this book. You've done a *really* terrific job - just wish I knew how to write like you! :)

So, I'm headed back to start re-reading and digesting, making notes that I can use and refer to. Maybe not to keep as a 'cheat sheet' but to reaffirm through my own 'writ' what I'm reading and learning...

Just wish there was more to the book :( heheh

[SarahNewton]

Wow Heidi

Thank you so much for that it menas a lot to me and I am glad it helped you. Step-Children can be a challange that is for sure. Keep me updated and let me know if you have any questions.

Yes I will be writing more....perhaps the second one will be started this year :-)

Would you mind if I shared this testimonial on my website I think it is so awesome. Or could you put a review on amazon?

Thanks so much for sharing

Sarah

[Heidi]

ooh gosh sure! And forgot about Amazon! (uk) tis where I got it from hehe :)

Heidi

[SarahNewton]

Thanks and if you could do a testimonial there that would be great :-)

Sarah