With a title like this, it's no surprise that authors Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish had a monster bestseller on their hands when the book first appeared in 1988. From the subsequent deluge of readers' stories, questions, and issues, they have created nearly 50 pages of new material for this, the 10th anniversary edition. The central message remains the same, and sounds almost too simple: avoid comparisons. But parents know that's easier said than done. The value of Faber and Mazlish's discussions is precisely that they talk you through umpteen different situations and outcomes to help you teach your brawling offspring a new set of responses. The highly informative text is punctuated with helpful summary/reminder boxes and cartoons illustrating key points. It's a must-read for parents with (or planning on) multiple children. But parents of young children who get along fine (so far) should read it too--as the authors make very clear, rivalry is inevitable. The only question is how to manage the rivalry with intelligence and compassion, and on that subject they offer a wealth of good advice. --Richard Farr


From Library Journal
Disciples of the late Haim Ginott, a child psychologist, Faber and Mazlish have conducted workshops on family relationships and co-authored Liberated Parents, Liberated Children (Avon, 1975) and How To Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk (Rawson Wade, 1980). The present book states that sibling rivalry stems from jealousy similar to that a spouse might feel if asked to welcome another husband or wife into the household. It outlines ways to defuse such explosive situations as comparing, assigning roles, or taking sides and suggests specific remedies to avoid conflict. Cartoon-like illustrations and "quick reminders" help reinforce new behavior. A welcome assist over the rough times that too often leave lifetime scars. Suzanne Druehl, Little Rock Public Library, Ark.Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From AudioFile
Smart and sensitive, the authors address one of the most frustrating and provoking parts of parentingÐfighting siblings. By comparing children's intense rivalries to reasonable adult jealousies, they carefully cover the intricacies and emotional demonstration of sibling rivalry and engage the parent's empathy. Their presentation is organized, clear and pleasant to listen to. Their voices carry the right amount of inflection to emphasize the important points while letting the humor elicit a laugh. Every parent with more than one child will appreciate these tapes and enjoy the process of learning how to help their children live together. E.W.S. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine



"A very human book about one of the toughest problems parents have to handle."



"Have I got a book for you! Run, don't walk, to your nearest bookstore."


Book Description

When parenting authorities Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish sat down to write the national bestseller How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk, they found that they couldn't contain their chapter on sibling rivalry.No matter how much they tried to pare down their advice, they found the subject inexhaustible -- and their readers agreed!

The result is this seminal book -- revised and updated after more than ten years of feedback from parents' letters, TV and radio talk shows, and Faber and Mazlish's highly successful parenting workshops. Siblings Without Rivalry guides the way to family peace and tranquillity with humor and compassion for both parents and children. Illustrated, action-oriented, and easy to understand, it's packed with sensitive yet sensible ways to turn quarreling siblings and frustrated parents into an open, communicative family.


About the Author

Internationally acclaimed experts on communication between adults and children, Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish have won the gratitude of parents and the enthusiastic endorsement of the professional community. Their first book, Liberated Parents/Liberated Children, received the Christopher Award for "literary achievement affirming the highest values of the human spirit." Their subsequent books, How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk and the #1 New York Times bestseller Siblings Without Rivalry, have sold over 3 million copies and have been translated into more than twenty languages. Their group workshop programs and videos produced by PBS are currently used by thousands of parents' groups around the globe. Their most recent book, How to Talk So Kids Can Learn-At Home and in School, was cited by Child magazine as the "best book of the year for excellence in family issues and education." Both authors studied with the late child psychologist, Dr. Haim Ginott, and are former members of the faculty of The New School for Social Research in New York City and The Family Life Institute of Long Island University. In addition to their frequent lectures throughout the United States and Canada, they have appeared on every major television show from "Good Morning America" to "The Oprah Winfrey Show." They currently reside in Long Island, New York, and each is the parent of three children.

ANNOTATION

With compassion and humor, the authors challenge the widespread belief that constant sibling conflict is natural and unavoidable; instead, they offer a positive approach with suggestions parents can use to teach their children how to get along with each other.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

When the authors of the childcare classic How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk wrote the sanity-saving Siblings Without Rivalry, grateful parents everywhere rushed to buy the book that offered solutions to constant squabbling. As the book skyrocketed to the top of bestseller lists all over the country, the authors were deluged with letters of praise and requests for personal advice on a subject that was central to all parents of two or more children.

Now, after ten years of communicating with parents through letters, TV and radio talk shows, and in their workshops, the authors have added fresh thoughts and information for special situations. "Home alone" children are given particular attention, and the authors also show how to help very young children interact in positive ways. Siblings Without Rivalry guides the way to peace and tranquility with humor, compassion and understanding, and the illustrated, action-oriented, easy-to-understand stories will make life easier for both siblings and their parents.

 When the authors of the childcare classic How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk wrote the sanity-saving SIBLINGS WITHOUT RIVALRY, grateful parents everywhere rushed to buy the book that offered solutions to constant squabbling. As the book skyrocketed to the top of bestseller lists all over the country, the authors were deluged with letters of praise and requests for personal advice on a subject that was central to all parents of two or more children.

Now, after ten years of communicating with parents through letters, TV and radio talk shows, and in their workshops, the authors haveadded fresh thoughts and information for special situations. "Home alone" children are given particular attention, and the authors also show how to help very young children interact in positive ways. SIBLINGS WITHOUT RIVALRY guides the way to peace and tranquility with humor, compassion and understanding, and the illustrated, action-oriented, easy-to-understand stories will make life easier for both siblings and their parents.

SYNOPSIS

Now out in paperback with three new chapters, SIBLINGS WITHOUT RIVALRY argues that constant conflict between siblings should not be the accepted norm, and offers parents practical advice on how to teach kids to get along.

FROM THE CRITICS

Ann Landers

Have I got a book for you! Run, don't walk, to your nearest bookstore.

Benjamin M. Spock

A very human book about one of the toughest problems parents have to handle.

AudioFile - E. Whitney Soule