Book Review
Wonderful Ways to Be a Family
By Judy Ford
Reviewed by Beth Moscov
From NEW BEGINNINGS, Vol. 18 No. 2, March-April 2001, p. 71
Parenting can be a powerful,
magical learning experience. Judy Ford captures much of this experience
in Wonderful Ways to Be a Family. In this small, gift-sized book,
Judy shows how many daily events can become life lessons for us and
for our children. In fact, she often manages to reframe negative experiences
in a positive way so they can be seen as growth experiences for all
members of the family.
Ford tells about the day
that her six-year-old daughter, Amanda, first learned about the phrase
"grounding." Amanda had gone to a friend's home where the
older sister was "grounded." Later that day she asked her
mother, "When can I get grounded?" Upon further discussion,
it turned out that Amanda thought that getting grounded meant playing
in the dirt! The author takes this cute story one step further. She
thought about the idea of discipline and guidance and decided to apply
the idea of "getting grounded" to her family. Now when anyone
is grumpy or angry or just can't find anything to do, Mom suggests going
out to the garden and digging. So far, working in the dirt has never
failed to change the mood of whoever needed to be "grounded!"
Wonderful Ways to Be A
Family is full of these short, sweet, pertinent thoughts about being
a family. Each section is two small pages long and easy to read at one
sitting. Titles include "Be Willing To Be Wrong," "Provide
A Safe Haven," "Admit Your Quirks," "Frolic, Romp,
and Play," "Eat Your Meals Outdoors," and "Provide
A Loving Presence." Each small section contains a brief story or
discussion about healing ourselves, laughing, or helping our children
grow. One of my favorite quotes is: "It takes true guts and maturity
to approach life's annoyances while remaining lighthearted." This
passage reflects the book's philosophy on parenting and family.
This book would be good to
leave lying on a table, so any family member can pick it up when he
or she needs a lift, or to give as a gift. Just reading a few pages
can help you reframe your approach to the world more positively. Judy
Ford is inspiring, just when you need it most: "By sharing your
dreams, hopes, fears, and aspirations, you become intimate. Opening
your heart and exposing your secrets strengthens your capacity to love."
Wonderful Ways to Be a
Family is published by Conari Press © 1998.
Page last edited Sun Oct 14 09:30:23 UTC 2007.
