Book Review - My Goodness: My Kids

Although My Goodness: My Kids by Nesta Aharoni , was a thought provoking book, I think it is more in tune with parents whose children are in elementary school and above. I really liked how the author separated each chapter by the differing attributes she feels you need in order to raise a good kid. Each chapter could be read separately or all together. This book does not need to be read in one sitting.

I believe the author raised good kids because they themselves were a good family with good morals and good traditions. Some parts of the book I found hard to believe. For instance, she maintained that as part of fear she would count to three to change one of her children’s behaviors. However, she never got to three (and wouldn’t know what she would do if she got there since that situation never arose for her). Now I know she is not talking about toddlers for sure. And I know my son (who is almost 4) loves to see how far he can get. This is not practical. Counting to three – yes; not having a follow through plan – no.

I also disagreed with her no curfew policy. While this worked well for her and her family, it may not work well for everyone. Not to mention, in some cities there are laws – curfew laws.

I also disagreed with her thought process when it came to the chapter on separation. I agree with the author on the fact that you should send your child to summer camp. I don’t agree that by having them go to summer camp, this will make them a better person and that it will allow them to either not “go wild” when they go to college, or run home homesick. I was sent to summer camp. Every summer as a child growing up I went to girl scout camp for two weeks at a time. Each and every year, I was home sick. Did I end up having fun? Absolutely. Am I glad I went and stuck it out? Yes. Was I still homesick when I went to college? YES! Going to summer camp did help me, but not in the ways it helped her children. Will I send my children to summer camp? Absolutely. I just have to realize that since they are like me, I will have to fight the homesickness and push through because in the end, it’s for their own good. And that is where I do agree with the author.

I guess in the end, you have to read this book and take from it what you can attribute for your family. Did I learn anything from reading this book? ABSOLUTELY. Will it change some of my ways of thinking of how to raise my children? I’m not sure. My children are still very young and I think parents of older children will get more out of this book. But I will definitely keep it on my shelf and refer to it as my kids get older for help and guidance on what worked for another mother and family.