This book's title is deceptive. It sounds like a gimmick. How can you possibly have a new kid by friday? SO you open the book. ?What say something turn around and walk away? MY kid will never fall for that, or so I thought.
I tried it when I can stick to the principles (which are amazingly old-fashioned) they actually work. Kids are smart, if I tell them something they actually do it hear it the first time. They are just waiting for me to get to a certain energy level before they react. It's so much better to expect them to do it and if they don't respond appropriately. It's how things work in real life. My boss doesn't hold my hand to do a job he says "hey do this" and I either do it or not. My job life span will depend on whether or not I listen to him. This book is short (the size is deceptive to) and is worth way more than the price. Dr Leman pulls off a first by saying avoid the shrink and take your kid on a vacation. Imagine a shrink saying your problems easy stop coming to me and spend your money and time on your kid instead!

I am not a new parent. I have 5 children ranging in age from 2-21 and I've had my share of power struggles and stubbornness over the years. I just have to wonder how much of it could have been avoided if I'd had this book 20 years ago! I credit the things I learned in this book with much of the newly restored peace in my home. The strategies Dr. Leman offers are as effective on my older children as they are on the younger ones. The book is a quick read and i really like the index of specific problems that I can flip to whenever I need to. This book is a must have for any parent who ever feels that their child is ruling the roost.

This book is all about taking the time to figure out some specific changes you want to make and then implementing some strategies to make it happen. You have to have more than just a desire to bring about a change in your home, you have to make a plan to begin dealing with the problem.
I don't know about getting it done in a specific time-frame, but I do know you will see improvement when you stick to it and keep consistent with your kids. Becoming a student of your child's personality and what motivates him or her, will be a plus in your parenting. Dr. Leman has a good understanding of kids and families and I got some valuable skills from reading this book.

Ok, so I don't have kids. But even so, sometimes I enjoy reading parenting books because 1) It's good information for when I do have kids and 2) They are interesting looks into human behavior. "Have a New Kid by Friday" is a good look at why children act the way they do, and how your behavior affects them and can change how they see things. I found this book to be down to earth, and yes some parts may sound harsh - but some parents need that. The book really is about modifying your behavior as a parent, not really your child's - as that will follow in suite. It's also witty and at times humorous. After all, parents need to have a sense of humor.

Hi Friends, bringing up kids is Herculean task. Giving the right education, the exposure to culture and tradition, meeting their incessant demands, inculcating the best of values in them are all part of it. This is a task every parent wants to experience and enjoy. In India, we consider every child is a form of God. When this so called form of God does some mischief, to some extent parent may enjoy it. I personally believe it is the fundamental right of every kid to do mischief with their beloved ones. But when this mischief becomes nuisance to others; parents are left with no other option than punishing the child. For those parents who think that their Child is wise enough to fool them, is capable of blackmailing them emotionally, then here is a book “Have a New Kid by Friday” written by Dr. Kevin Leman, who is an internationally recognized children psychologist to counter the child’s game plan and bring back normalcy in the home atmosphere. The author explains few strategies to keep your kid under your control. The author talks about “control” which is a healthy world in the context of Child behavior. I think some strategies explained in the book are slightly harsh but keeping in mind the future of the kid it can be overlooked. Due to exposure to internet at an early age, there is every chance of your child becoming a victim of an indifferent attitude, and this is the right book for those parents who want to bring a healthy change in their kids.

I purchased this book on my Amazon Kindel hoping to help me turn around the attitude that my 8 year had developed. I found the book quick to read which is always nice. The author is straight forward and perhaps unforgiving when explaining his views on how to change things in your house. I found him to a bit condescending at times but overall helpful. I do not recommend this book as a Kindel Read because the layout is not conducive – even for die hard Kindel readers I would purchase this book in hardcover. I was able to take some of his concepts and ideas and apply them to my daily life to help make our home a little more peaceful. You must be open to self criticism and strong opinions to use this book. In other words you need to be ready and fully committed to making changes or this book is not for you!