The Joy of Parenting

"This book will help you become a better parent by helping you to more effectively deal with parenting situations and to deepen your understanding of your own values, thoughts, and feelings. Take some time to read this work, let go of the past, and take your child’s hand to move more mindfully into the future."

—Thomas J. Dishion, PhD, codirector of the Child and Family Center, professor of psychology at the University of Oregon

"Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is one of the newest, most influential, and most powerful forms of therapy to be developed by psychologists in a long, long time. As scientific support for ACT grows, so too has the breadth of its application. This book is an example of a new frontier for that growth—parenting. By reading and carefully following the advice this book contains, you can not only become a more effective parent, but also a more effective and happier person."

—Patrick C. Friman, PhD, ABPP, director of clinical services at Boys Town, clinical professor of pediatrics at University of Nebraska School of Medicine

"For many, the joys of parenting are lost, hidden by the mind’s chatter to ‘parent the right way’ or by the heart’s desire to escape the emotional pitfalls of parenting. But the joys of parenting are found in the space that lies between parent and child—in a relationship where parents know the value of simply being with their child. Lisa Coyne and Amy Murrell wisely and gently guide readers to that space."

—Timothy A. Cavell, PhD, author of Working with Parents of Aggressive Children and You’re Not the Worst Parent in the World

"Parenting is always challenging, no matter how much we love our children. This book offers practical ways to accept the challenge, choose what matters most in our relationship with our children, and take action to build this relationship one day at a time."

—Jean E. Dumas, PhD

"Most people know that parenting is a supremely difficult job and no one ever gets it right all the time. This book is filled with examples, questions, exercises, and strategies to help you look at who you are as a parent: your values, your limits, and your fears, and thus enable you to do what’s right (for you and your child), not what’s easy."

—Carolyn Boehne, LICSW

"I was at the end of my rope with my daughter. I called around and was able to find this program, ACT, and it was very helpful. I had hope that things would work out when they gave me ways to deal with the issues at home. My daughter is doing great, and I think it’s because of some of the things I was able to use from the ACT program."

—Liz S., client

"ACT taught me that there isn’t a perfect or easy fix to my problems, but I learned not to get so wrapped up in my child’s behavior. I am calmer in most situations now, and that facilitates my understanding of myself as well as my child."

—Traci S., client