Possible interview questions for Dr. Jane Bluestein:

• Why lists?

• Where did the lists come from?

• Were you concerned that some of the context or explanations might get lost without the text you provide in your other books?

• You use the metaphor of an impressionistic painting—little dots of visual information working together to present a complete image. How does that translate to parenting?

• You write, “We either change our behaviors… or change our goals…” What do you mean by that?

• The first section is about “character building.” But the lists actually refer to the parent’s character. Do you think that surprises your readers?

• You talk about unconditional love and acceptance? Don’t you think most parents already love and accept their children unconditionally? And don’t kids often do things that just aren’t loveable or acceptable?

• You recommend treating your children respectfully. Isn’t that a switch from what we grew up with?

• Why should I have to motivate my kids or accommodate their needs?

• Can the ideas in this book actually change the quality of parent-child relationships?

• Besides the specific ideas in this book, what else do parents need, especially in terms of attitude, to make changes in their relationships with their children?

• You write, “[kids] change when we change.” What do you mean by that?

• You also write, “Remember, the best solution to parenting problems is prevention…” Why is prevention so important?

• You talk about creating an authority relationship in a section titled Wheeling and Dealing. This is very different from the kinds of authority most parents grew up with. How do they respond to the lists in this section?

• All of the lists are presented in the context of the parent-child relationship. Why is that important?

• You’ve noted that two of the lists that have generated the most attention are the ones identifying the best and wost things an adult ever said to a child. Two-part question: Where did these lists come from? And why did you feel it was important to include them?

• In the skill building section, you cover a wide range of topics. Why are things like success and thinking skills so important?

• Why did you include space for parents to make their own lists?

• It sounds like people have to start being a little more conscious of what they say when they talk to their kids. What do you recommend?

• What do you tell parents who have severely damaged relationships with their kids? What about parents whose kids are in a great deal of trouble? Is there hope?

Feel free to ask about any of the specific sections, lists, or list items, or about any of Dr. Bluestein’s resources included on this site.

Check out Dr. Bluestein’s Media Policy.
Learn more about this book: Parents, Teens and Boundaries: How to Draw the Line.

Related links:

© 2012, Dr. Jane Bluestein

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