NanceXToo Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 Protecting The Gift, Keeping Children and Teenagers Safe (And Parents Sane), by Gavin De Becker. http://www.amazon.com/Protecting-Gift-Keeping-Children-Teenagers/dp/0440509009 It was recommended to me last week by my daughter's Judo instructor. I borrowed it from my library, and so far I'm only about 1/3 of the way through it, but I highly recommend it. From the jacket cover: "...Now, in Protecting the Gift, de Becker empowers parents to trust fully their own intuition when it comes to their children's safety. In this indispensable resource, de Becker provides keen insights into the behavior and strategies of predators. He offers practical new steps to enhance children's safety at every age level: specific questions parents can ask to screen effectively and evaluate baby-sitters, day-care services, schools, and doctors; a "Test of Twelve" safety skills children need before being alone in public; warning signs to help parents protect children from sexual abuse; and how to keep teenage girls and boys from unsafe situations with peers and adults. De Becker also shatters the myth that rules like Never Talk To Strangers will keep your children safe. By showing what danger really looks like- as opposed to what we might imagine it looks like- de Becker gives parents freedom from many common worries and unwarranted fears." and from the back cover: "All parents face the same challenges when it comes to their children's safety: whom to trust, whom to distrust, what to believe, what to doubt, what to fear, and what not to fear. America's leading expert at predicting violent behavior shatters the widely held myths about danger and safety, and helps parents find some certainty about life's highest-stakes questions: How can I know a baby-sitter won't turn out to be someone who harms my child? What should I ask child-care professionals when I interview them? What's the best way to prepare my child for walking to school alone? How can my child be safer at school? How can I spot sexual predators? What should I do if my child is lost in public? How can I teach my child about risk without causing too much fear? What must my teenage daughter/son know in order to be safe? And finally, in the face of all these questions, how can I reduce the worrying?" --- Anyway, I am finding it to be interesting and informative reading- some of it I already know of course, but there's still some good stuff in here, and even though I'm not even halfway done with the book yet, I would recommend it to any parent. Just thought I'd pass it on. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie in Austin Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 Oh yeah. I recommend this to EVERYONE! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wyndie Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 Love love love this book. I was raised in an atmosphere of fear. I saw myself doing that to my kids so I was thrilled when someone here recommend that book. I could finally let go of my unfounded fears and listen to my instincts instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 GREAT book!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gratia271 Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 Thanks for the recommendation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margo out of lurking Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 I first heard of deBecker on the boards several years ago. I've read two of his books; they've been terrific, very encouraging actually, and helpful to discuss things with my kids. Another recommendation here! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathleen in VA Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 Just seconding or thirding or whatever that this is a great book. I recommend it too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danybug Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 Heard about it on here awhile back and ordered it. It is a great book! In a way I felt like it was all areas I already discuss with my kids, but it also helped me see what areas I needed to be sure they were aware of. I think he has other books as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texasmama Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 I agree with you! Also, by the same author, "The Gift of Fear" is excellent - geared towards adults. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldberry Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 Great book. I loaned it out so much it finally disappeared. I need to get another copy! This book really helped me as I am a chronic worrying by nature. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NanceXToo Posted December 16, 2010 Author Share Posted December 16, 2010 OK so apparently all I did was preach to the choir over here huh? LOL. Well, maybe somebody will come across this thread who hasn't already heard of/read this book, and now they'll have a BUNCH of recommendations and not just mine! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kewb Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 I love that book and recommend it to everyone along with the other one The Gift of Fear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wyndie Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 OK so apparently all I did was preach to the choir over here huh? LOL. Well, maybe somebody will come across this thread who hasn't already heard of/read this book, and now they'll have a BUNCH of recommendations and not just mine! :D We should get royalties or something for all this PR work eh? :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennyD Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 I love that book -- great recommendation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 I agree! It's a great book.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FO4UR Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 :iagree: I changed the way I teach general safety after reading this book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NanceXToo Posted December 17, 2010 Author Share Posted December 17, 2010 So, did you guys who already read this book go to the yellodyno.com website and download the free video and pdf booklet? I read about them in this book, went to their website, and they have things to purchase, but they also have a "free" section where you fill out a form and then can download a video and a pdf 'script' thing- it's meant for grades 1-3 but I think that it could be "give or take" a year or two. Just a heads up. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5forMe Posted December 29, 2010 Share Posted December 29, 2010 I love both books by deBecker! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alessandra Posted December 29, 2010 Share Posted December 29, 2010 Thanks for the recommendation! I thought The Gift of Fear was great, but I didn't know about this book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.