Books

About the Book

Whether your child is having trouble resolving an argument with a friend or even making a friend in the first place, whether your child is painfully shy or a bit rambunctious, this book gives you the tools you need to nurture your child’s social well-being.

This book offers sensitive and insightful descriptions of nine typical children who have trouble getting along with their peers, such as The Born Leader, The Little Adult, The Shy Child, The Different Drummer, and The Short-Fused Child. It spells out practical strategies parents can use to help children learn the social guidelines that they haven’t managed to pick up on their own.

Translations

Praise from experts

“This book is saturated with really good advice for parents, and at least indirectly, for children themselves. It will be of enormous benefit to those kids struggling to master crucial interpersonal skills.”
- Mel Levine, M.D., author of A Mind at a Time

“At last—a book that gives due emphasis to the importance of children’s relationships! In a vivid and engaging style, the authors show how to identify and avoid those behavior patterns that separate youngsters from the friendships they crave.”
- Carol R. Lewis, Psy.D., author of Listening to Children

“A practical, easy-to-use book that gives parents the tools they need to help their child navigate the social world.”
- Dorothy Cantor, Psy.D., author of What Do You Want to Do When You Grow Up?

Praise from reviewers

“A welcome addition to the parenting library.”
Publishers Weekly

“Colorfully written and practical…Recommended for public library parenting collections.”
Library Journal

“Although written primarily for parents, The Unwritten Rules of Friendship is a book every elementary school teacher should read and have available to parents who are concerned their child is having a difficult time making friends…”
George A. Clowes, School Reform News

Praise from readers

“It gives specific advice that is actually realistic and sometimes novel..I've been using it as a springboard for discussion with my middle schooler. The tips for learning activities are very do-able and effective. I'd recommend this book to anyone with a child. Even if they don't have social problems- it would be helpful to understand the motivations of their peers.

“This book offers very practical advice that will help parents guide their children to learn "friendship skills". What greater gift can we give our children?”

“As an elementary school counselor, I've been using [The Unwritten Rules of Friendship] for years and it is so HELPFUL to my work and how I view children…Over the years, I've received phone calls from frustrated parents or heard comments from teachers about how so and so can't make friends...this book offers hope. I will continue to recommend The Unwritten Rules of Friendship and look forward to re-reading it again this year as a refresher.”