Parenting for a Peaceful World [Kindle Edition]

The greatest ideas are always seen in retrospect to be the most simple. What could be more simple than the plain, common sense observation that the conditions a child is presented with will be the conditions they return upon the world when they become more than a passive observer in it? This is indeed a simple concept, but by no means is it a simplistic one, and it finds expression in this book with astounding clarity and conciseness.
This is the kind of book which is in danger of receiving a bagful of positive reviews from the wrong people. The ideas presented could be seen as "alternative", but it will be a great shame if this book goes under the radar of the more rationalist crowd. Reviews of the "Life changing!" and "The only book you need to read on alternative parenting!" variety could definitely be considered accurate, but can unfortunately set alarm bells ringing with many people, fearful that the ideas expressed in it are somehow quirky and not grounded on a solid foundation of disciplined research. This is not a charge that can be applied here, and Robin Grille's knowledge of the relevant material is impressive.
The author challenges some widely held views on parenting, but very little he presents can easily be refuted by anyone with sufficient awareness of the pertinent historical facts. Some would most certainly take issue with the conclusions reached on such culturally cemented concepts as the "gentle" smacking of children, but a book which tackles the violent causes of childhood repression (and the way it limits us as parents) is bound to come into conflict when facing the people who are the carriers of that repression. An honest reader brave enough to turn the authors evidenced observations upon their own childhood, and the adult mindset it created, will discover valuable insights, provided they can face up to the obvious truth that the current cultural mode is always seen and judged from within. Human progress requires the ability to stand outside our (supportive but limited) cultural preconceptions and consider new methods based on the available evidence; an ability which will one day hopefully be the rule across all members of society, instead of just the few among us who bring such treasures back from their cognitive voyages of discovery.
The negative review above, and it's advocation of "life experience" seems a clear case of this tendency to cling to cultural norms. To be sure, nothing can replace real, long term parenting experience, but as with any human endeavor, a balanced appraisal of the available theory is equally important. Practice without theory is just as flawed as theory without practice, and there is a wealth of vital theory presented in Parenting for a Peaceful World from many of the leaders in the field.
The welcome examination of earlier cultures parenting methods and their evolution into what we have today is eye opening and an essential aspect which is usually missing from similar books. The correlation the author draws between the emergence of repressive dominator patriarchies and the historical mistreatment of children is a vital point, an understanding of which is, in my opinion, absolutely essential as the starting point of any true and worthy social reform.
In all honesty, I initially picked up the book with mild apprehension, as the title seemed to set a tone which reminded me of some of the more idealistic and less intellectually grounded books available on parenting. However, after reading I realised it could never have been given a more perfect title. Reading this book has been a nice reminder to a career cynic that a hopeful message, stepping outside of cultural assumptions, and aimed at real social reform is not always doomed to fall to the flawed research that often ensues when too much blind optimism causes an inability to face hard facts. Once again a charge that may not be laid here.

What Robin Grille has crafted is far more than a parenting manual. I would consider it valuable reading even for those with no intentions of raising children, since the social mechanics he examines are the deciding factor in the society we must all play a part in, parent or not. The wonderful, hopeful realisation that dawns however, is that the precious gift of parenthood, and the REAL opportunity to change the world which is contained with in it, is an opportunity not to be refused lightly.

For me, this book carried a truly hopeful and inspiring message. That throughout the ages of our development we have been moving, quite inexorably, toward eventual liberation from the defensive shield of repression which, while necessary, remains the eternal symbol that there is yet work to be done, both within and without.
The only question seems to be: will we be part of the problem or part of the solution?

Robin Grille brings together a long-range understanding of the development of child-rearing from Psychohistory, developed by Lloyd DeMause, with contemporary child development, brain development and his own remarkable work with families. The gift of this book is that paying attention to how we are with the next generation, when they are growing up, is supported and valued. This is important because as Grille shows, the way that mothers and fathers are with their children turns out to be the cutting edge for how society progresses. This is a serious and substantial point to come to terms with, cutting across historical ideas of progress and notions of political power that have been taken for granted for a long time. As Grille makes clear, it is important to pay attention to child-rearing because how our successors are with each other and the planet is critical to all of our long term well being.
What a book and what a stunning contribution!
Elmer Postle

I can't even begin to summarise the profound effect this book has had on me and my life. It has given me so much hope for the future! Even if we do nothing more than what we're doing, as a society, parenting will continue to evolve and improve. Robin Grille PROVES how each generation has improved on the last and now with the dawn of technology and good information available at the tips of our fingers the next generations of parents and children will ensure the safe keeping of our delicate earth.

This book is a masterpiece. It is rich with information and thoroughly researched to convince the greatest skeptic. It should be read by parents, policy makers, educators, carers, health care professionals and anyone passionate about social change. I have shared it with many of my family and friends and can't wait to see it explode as a worldwide bestseller.

But even if it stays in the hands of a select number (which I sincerely doubt), those people will feel solace that a peaceful world is at their doorstep - while the evolution of parenting continues without force - yet profoundly moved to help accelerate social change.

Thank you, Robin Grille. This is the book I have waited a lifetime to read. Yes, the power is in our hands!