For parents fed up with constant challenges to their authority--but who dread becoming tyrants in their own homes--this book provides a powerful new alternative to "because I said so." Trusted family therapist and author Michael P. Nichols takes on the number-one problem of parents today with the insight and humor that has made his earlier The Lost Art of Listening an enduring bestseller. Presented is a simple, easy-to-follow, yet remarkably effective way to put an end to arguments by refusing to argue back. Instead, the techniques of responsive listening help parents open up better communication in the family; create an atmosphere of respect and cooperation; and take children's feelings into account--without giving in to their demands. Loads of realistic examples help parents defuse whining and defiance and manage common conflicts with preschoolers to teens.
--- from the publisher Contents: Preface
I. How Responsive Listening Works to Eliminate Arguments
1. Taking Charge of Your Children without a Battle
2. The Five Steps of Responsive Listening
3. How to Head Off Arguments before They Start
4. How to Inspire Cooperation in Your Children
5. Breaking the Cycle of Chronic Arguing
II. How to Apply Responsive Listening to Different Age Groups
6. Young Children: Tears and Tantrums
7. School-Age Children: "Do I Have To?"
8. Teenagers: "You Can't Tell Me What to Do!"
III. Complications
9. The Changing Dynamics of the Adolescent Family
10. When Arguing Seems Unavoidable: How to Use Responsive Listening in the Toughest Situations About the Author: Michael P. Nichols, PhD, is Professor of Psychology at the College of William and Mary. He is a well-known family therapist and popular speaker who has been a guest on national television programs. Dr. Nichols is the author or editor of over a dozen books, including The Lost Art of Listening: How Learning to Listen Can Improve Relationships. | 
