Amazon.com Review

Developing a cohesive, dynamic team requires a coach to commit his or her own time and talents "one hundred percent," as the saying goes. But when the team is a group of family members--and two coaches are in charge--a whole new level of commitment is required. Husband and wife psychologists Darlene Powell Hopson, Ph.D., and Derek S. Hopson, Ph.D., explore the principles of creating strong family relationships in this concise, logical, and heartfelt guide for parents.

Their goal to help married, single, and divorced moms and dads come together as a coaching duo involves a few critical first steps: make peace with the past, make peace with your parenting partner, and communicate compassionately. The authors help readers uncover stale emotional issues, replace self-defeating messages, and become positive role models for their children. Once parents have taken time to explore their current parenting styles and incorporate the Hopsons' many valuable suggestions for synching these styles, they can better face the next level of work: gaining support from outside the immediate family, directing their children's behavior, nurturing the sibling bond, and coping with peer pressure. The eighth principle discusses the role of spirituality (defined here as any joyous response to the beauty and challenges of life, with special tribute to God) in maintaining tight family bonds. Each chapter offers surveys, discussion questions, stories shared by the Hopsons' clients, and handfuls of workable ideas for fostering a loving, cooperative spirit among family members--at any stage of the game. --Liane Thomas

From the Inside Flap

A renowned husband and wife team shows you how to develop your natural ability to improve every aspect of your child’s life

Informative, compassionate, and inspiring, Team-Spirited Parenting is more than a guide to parenting. It shows you how to become the best parent–and person–you can be. With the Hopsons’ expert guidance, you can renew your spirit and powerfully shape your bond with your child. Affirming your potential to be more joyful and effective, you will discover how team spirit works on all levels of your parenting experience.

In their workshops, private seminars, and extensive practice as psychologists, the Hopsons train parents to become true partners in raising children. Now you can learn the Hopsons’ proven principles, skills, and techniques. These are the tools you need to remove the hidden roadblocks that shut your child off from valuable relationships and limit your ability to listen, assert yourself, resolve conflicts, and work out problems.

Inside, discover the essence of parenting success and learn how to: Make peace with the pastMake peace with your partnerCommunicate compassionatelyReach out to your villageDirect your child’s behaviorNurture the sibling bondAcknowledge peer pressureAllow time for spirituality and joy

Full of inventories, checklists, real-life exercises, and the down-to-earth strategies that have already helped thousands of parents, this book offers all parents the powerful message that you are not–and should not be–alone in raising children. Whether you are divorced, married, never-married, or a single parent, Team-Spirited Parenting is an indispensable resource that will show you how to effectively create the nurturing family environment your children need to thrive.