Doc Pop's 52 Weeks of Active Parenting Book Review

What a joy it has been for me during the past 30 years both to witness the "birth" and now the "young adult" stage of Dr. Michael Popkin’s (and associates) "Active Parenting" series. The collected written and recorded works have made an important contribution of the basic principles of psychologist Alfred Adler and others presented in such concrete and practical ways.

Doc Pop’s 52 Weeks of Active Parenting is the most recent addition to the helpful series. What is unique about this publication is how complex parenting suggestions are presented in a clear and concise manner. Many parents say they want to have "quality time" with their child or children. This book has an implied optimistic assumption that parents will make weekly commitments that can significantly nurture parent-child understanding and relationships.

The book integrates proven Adlerian theory with specific "picture-this" applications that are extremely "user-friendly" through open-ended questions and charts parents can use throughout the week with their children.

Rather than the usual global parenting suggestions, Doc Pop's presents 52 interrelated parenting concepts broken down into weekly "small bites." The focus of each week is a specific concept coupled with suggested applications; it is theory and research based on over 70 years of field testing with Adlerian-based parent study groups and family education application.

In an age of instant "sound bites," the chapter titles alone convey important concepts in and of themselves. For example, "Every day, a little play (2); "Defuse power struggles with the method of choice" (4); "Respond to feelings, not just content (14); "Bedtime routines (16); "Family meeting: no smoking (18) (read the chapter to learn the metaphor); Logical consequences vs. punishment" (23); and "Your temper: use it; don't lose it" (26) are examples of important parenting recommendations.

A few concise paragraphs then explain the chapter headlines. Fifty-two practical "picture this" applications follow each theoretical input. "Hold a prevention talk" (6); "Keep a self-care chart" (8); "Catching ourselves in the (communication) blocks" (12); “Identifying your payoffs” (19) and “Catch them doing good with a positive 'I' message" (25) are examples of how parents can "walk the talk" with their children with the assistance of this book. "Getting to know you" (10) features 10 specific basic questions parents can ask their children to learn more about them. Look at the list and see if you might not learn more about your child by asking these questions of him or her.

Prior to my own career as a psychologist, I was fortunate to be drafted by legendary coach Vince Lombardi of the Green Bay Packers. I remember the first day in training camp: we worked on our football stance—how we line up before the play even started. "Didn't we do this in fifth grade 'peewee' football?" I arrogantly asked myself prior to being given some helpful coaching suggestions on the NFL practice field.

Sometimes it is the most basic concepts that we take for granted. This book helps you, the parent, improve both your "stance" and your "game-day” performance. Master these 52 concepts and you will indeed be well on your way to becoming an "all-pro parent." Take the "Doc Pop" challenge and invest the time to develop mastery of both a home and a work commitment to excellence. Our children are indeed our future—this book provides 52 practical building blocks toward helping actualize that noble vision.

- Daniel Eckstein, Ph.D.

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"This hopeful, inspiring guide offers practical advice and solutions to everyday situations faced by parents... Popkin writes in a style that is both accessible and credible."

-Adam Asar, New Age Retailer, Fall 2005

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"Doc Pop’s 52 Weeks of Active Parenting by Dr. Michael H. Popkin, Ph.D, is written to help today’s overworked, overstressed, and overtired parents. An expert on parenting, this book will help parents navigate the sometimes choppy waters of parenthood with confidence and ease. To learn the basics of how to communicate effectively, how to discipline, teach responsibility, and help children succeed, it’s all in this easy to read book."

-Bookviews, August 2005

 

"The techniques may seem deceptively simple at first glance, yet have been tested and proven to promote good parenting skills and quality family time. Highly recommended."

-The Midwest Book Review

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"MyParenTime.com highly recommends this book—the lessons are simple, easy to understand and implement, and include a variety of activities geared toward helping families be the best they can be."

-My ParenTime, November 2005