The content of the book was potentially useful, but I found the tone off putting. I think the author misjudged her audience, as most people who are going to pick up this type of book are probably pretty self-aware and introspective. I feel that the book oscillated between mom-splaining and worthwhile information. Glad it’s behind me, but I do hope to learn from it.

(Review posted to Goodreads.)

I really liked this book. It has great advice for a lot of situations you might find yourself in. It helps relieve some anxiety that, as stressful as how some of the times spent with your children feel, we are most likely not messing up our kids. If you're looking for specific answers to more difficult scenarios, this book probably isn't going to help you. If you're looking for some good ideas on how to relate better with your angsty teenager, give this a try.

This is a helpful parenting book with practical advice. It covers general communication with children and also how to talk about specific topics. It is a book I will return to as my children age and different topics come up.

As a mother of a soon to be teenager and more to come I have been searching books that would help me guide my teen as well as my little's I have in my own home.
This book is practical hands on lessons that even teens could use as a reference when talk to adults and their friends. I learned so much from this book on how words can effect someone from when they are growing as young child to adulthood. Just the difference between the use of a term as well as the sound of your voice can change who a child will interpret you.
I am sharing this book with all the moms I know.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Wendy Mogel Voice Lessons for Parents

Wendy Mogel has written an accessible and straightforward guide for parents who want to communicate more effectively with their children. The book is organized by age and then a chapter with specific suggestions for boys and another for girls. I really liked the honesty and lack of condescension in this book. As the mother of a third grade daughter, I admit that I gave the chapters focusing on girls a much closer read than those that focused on boys.
I appreciate the very specific advice in Voice Lessons for Parents and know that I will be referring to it frequently.

In Voice Lessons for Parents: What to Say, How to Say It, and When to Listen, Wendy Mogel, Ph.D. provides a guide for parents to communicate with their children at all stages of development. Relying on three decades of experience working with parents and children as well as new research on neuroscience and biology, she provides guidance for all parents who may be struggling with communication in their homes.

She stresses that parents need to adapt their communication style to the child. Factors such as age, developmental level and even gender all play a role in determining how best to talk to a child. She points out that learning communication skills is an ongoing process and that parents should actively engage their children in conversation from infancy through adulthood. At its best, communication matches the cognitive development, interests and temperament of the child.

Parents do this instinctively with babies, and narrating everyday activities helps with speech and vocabulary development. Early conversations with children are about teaching communication skills, for example, when to talk and when to be silent. With older kids, being quiet and listening is more important than speaking. Model the behavior you want to see. Ignore your own technology in favor of in-person conversations.

Mogel discovered that techniques used by voice teachers can be valuable. Use of these techniques can influence how parents are heard, help parents hold their children’s attention and encourage engagement. She points out that the high-pitched, high-volume voice so many parents use when they are frustrated conveys a loss of control and is counter-productive, resulting in their children tuning them out. She encourages the use of vocal techniques and self awareness to promote better communication.

Studies show that male and female brains are different and develop skills at slightly different rates. These differences are spelled out with helpful suggestions on how to talk to children, using their age and gender as a guide. The author likens communicating with boys to working like an anthropologist, while with girls it is better to take an approach like a sociologist.

As children enter the teenage years, separation is developmentally appropriate. Though it may be difficult, when talking to them, parents need to remember these vocal techniques and that certain traits are common to teens (and temporary). More tips include: Ignore the attitude rather than take it personally; Use chores as a time to talk, and take full advantage of these moments.

The book rounds out with tips for talking to grandparents and avoiding/handling issues that frequently arise as well as tips for clear communication with nannies, teachers, coaches, etc. It also includes lists for parents of teens, such as: Things teens would like to say to parents; Ways to make teens feel loved; Things that parents don’t need to worry about; and Advice to parents.

Voice Lessons reinforces the importance of communication in family life. It not only addresses talking to kids, but also acknowledges that moms and dads have difference approaches and that’s okay. The author reminds parents to model appropriate communication with their partners, pointing out that kids watch how adults act and often learn more from that than what they are told

Few books on parenting offer such abundant, hands on and practical learning opportunities. With each of Mogel's books, she touches upon so many areas where I have so much potential to grow as a parent. Voice Lessons is immediately impacting how I talk and has thoroughly remedied some challenges.

I will be posting my review to Instagram and Facebook during the week this book releases.

This book is helpful for parents of children of any age. The skills within these pages are very helpful and the details are useful too. Even teachers might find this book helpful. I recommend it!

This is the third of Wendy Mogel’s parenting Books that I have read and I would recommend all of them wholeheartedly. Mogel gives sane, balanced advice that benefits parents and children. This latest volume deals with communication between parents and children as well as the adults in your children’s lives.

“This is a book for parents who want to find their voice.”
As a stay-at-home-mom of two little girls, it is sometimes frustrating to repeat the same things over and over. And then my husband comes in and the girls listen to him perfectly. I’ve been struggling to figure out what I’m doig “wrong” and why they won’t listen to me. This book helped me find new ways to approach the same tired situations. From learning the language of children, to knowing how to talk with children of different ages and genders, this book is full of useful information for parents old and new!