Consumer Critique: The Power of Validation

I recently had the chance to review The Power of Validation: Arming Your Child Against Bullying, Peer Pressure, Addiction, Self-Harm, and Out-of-Control Emotions.

I was a child who really struggled with bullying and also with self-harm. So I really appreciate what was in this book, and I'm thankful that my parents laid such a strong foundation, or I would have been a lot less able to deal with those issues as a child and through my young adult years.

This book makes a clear distinction between validation and other positive parenting techniques such as teaching or praise - and also stresses that validating a child's feelings is not the same as being permissive and not disciplining when necessary. There is a very clear and easy-to-understand chapter on applying the principles of validating to parenting - and this is followed by two equally helpful chapters on why and how parents invalidate their kids' feelings. The closing chapter is also very helpful, on dealing with roadblocks.

Some parents may read this book and feel like they're already doing the things in it - and to them I say congratulations! But most parents can still pick up a few things about the importance of - and ways to - make sure your child feels like their emotions and feelings are validated.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary digital copy of the book to facilitate this review.