If the Buddha Had Kids: Raising Children to Create a More Peaceful World
Charlotte Kasl
4.13
165 ratings17 reviews
The bestselling If the Buddha . . . series continues with some Zen wisdom for frantic parents
In an age when so many kids seem to be glued to video games and eating fast food dinners on the way to a soccer game, author Charlotte Kasl urges parents to step back and examine what is important in their lives, and to take the time to truly get to know their children.
Using spiritual guidelines as well as practical advice, Kasl encourages parents to raise their children to be peacemakers in a turbulent world. Like her previous Buddha titles, If the Buddha Had Kids includes exercises for readers to apply to their own lives, and is filled with wonderful quotes that will inspire readers and keep them coming back to this book for advice as their children grow older.
320 pages, Paperback
First published August 28, 2012
Kindle EditionPenguin Books2012
ebookAltamira
Filters
Displaying 1 - 10 of 17 reviews
Cindy Hudson
Author 14 books23 followers
Follow
January 31, 2013
There are many books to help parents decide how to raise their children. But a new book by Charlotte Kasl, Ph. D., takes an approach I haven’t seen before. It’s called If the Buddha Had Kids: Raising Children to Create a More Peaceful World. While the guide touches on the tenets of Buddhism and how they relate to parenting children, it also has lots of common sense advice for parents who are searching for ways to raise their children with both love and discipline.
Kasl starts by explaining some of the basic tenets of Buddhism, then she goes on to explore how they can be applied to common situations parents find themselves facing. Each chapter takes an issue—why children misbehave, managing emotions feelings and impulses, use of electronics, struggles over food, and more—and looks at how parents can respond.
Kasl uses examples, both good and bad, from her own parents and discusses challenges she faced raising her own daughter. The chapters are written so it’s easy to focus and reflect on a single issue before moving on to another. To help with the reflection, Kasl frequently lists suggestions and questions for parents.
You don’t need to believe in Buddhism to find the ideas helpful, and Kasl isn’t trying to convert readers to those beliefs as she writes. Rather, she provides advice that will help parents even if they don’t accept all of her suggestions.
The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
2 likes
Like
Comment
Kim
121 reviews2 followers
Follow
June 19, 2019
When you set out to read an "advice book" that is exactly what you are going to get, the author's personal adviced and opinions about the subject at hand. It felt really long and was a bit dry to get through. Some of the advice seemed pretty good: respect your children, be patient, listen, give them plenty of opportunities to learn and grow.
320 pages, Paperback
First published August 28, 2012
Kindle EditionPenguin Books2012
ebookAltamira
Filters
Displaying 1 - 10 of 17 reviews
Cindy Hudson
Author 14 books23 followers
Follow
January 31, 2013
There are many books to help parents decide how to raise their children. But a new book by Charlotte Kasl, Ph. D., takes an approach I haven’t seen before. It’s called If the Buddha Had Kids: Raising Children to Create a More Peaceful World. While the guide touches on the tenets of Buddhism and how they relate to parenting children, it also has lots of common sense advice for parents who are searching for ways to raise their children with both love and discipline.
Kasl starts by explaining some of the basic tenets of Buddhism, then she goes on to explore how they can be applied to common situations parents find themselves facing. Each chapter takes an issue—why children misbehave, managing emotions feelings and impulses, use of electronics, struggles over food, and more—and looks at how parents can respond.
Kasl uses examples, both good and bad, from her own parents and discusses challenges she faced raising her own daughter. The chapters are written so it’s easy to focus and reflect on a single issue before moving on to another. To help with the reflection, Kasl frequently lists suggestions and questions for parents.
You don’t need to believe in Buddhism to find the ideas helpful, and Kasl isn’t trying to convert readers to those beliefs as she writes. Rather, she provides advice that will help parents even if they don’t accept all of her suggestions.
The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
2 likes
Like
Comment
Kim
121 reviews2 followers
Follow
June 19, 2019
When you set out to read an "advice book" that is exactly what you are going to get, the author's personal adviced and opinions about the subject at hand. It felt really long and was a bit dry to get through. Some of the advice seemed pretty good: respect your children, be patient, listen, give them plenty of opportunities to learn and grow.
However, interspersed in the logical advice of respectful parenting, was some odd, and not at all scientifically backed opinions.
One head scratcher was the endorsement of eating for your blood type. She didn't say you had to do this, but clearly she thought it was good advice. Also, for a book about Buddhism, she references her Quaker upbringing quite a bit and it doesn't feel like this book is really grounded in Buddhism, per se.
Anyway. If you feel like you need some pointers on parenting I say it doesn't hurt to skim through and take what feels right to you and leave the rest.
Like
Comment
Alie Stumpf
69 reviews4 followers
Follow
December 31, 2018
I really loved the beginning of this book & it’s humanistic view of raising children. The author encourages parents to see their children as part of a collective rather than cherishing them simply as individuals. I really appreciate this perspective & tips on how to raise my children this way & beginning was 5 stars.
Anyway. If you feel like you need some pointers on parenting I say it doesn't hurt to skim through and take what feels right to you and leave the rest.
Like
Comment
Alie Stumpf
69 reviews4 followers
Follow
December 31, 2018
I really loved the beginning of this book & it’s humanistic view of raising children. The author encourages parents to see their children as part of a collective rather than cherishing them simply as individuals. I really appreciate this perspective & tips on how to raise my children this way & beginning was 5 stars.
I found later chapters on school & sexuality a bit repetitive & overly simplistic. I did lots of skimming/skipping. Maybe the later parts will mean more to me when my kids are older.
Like
Comment
Stephanie
4 reviews
Follow
May 25, 2018
I love everything from this writer, she uses great examples to help you understand the concept.
Like
Comment
Allison
258 reviews
Follow
September 4, 2020
I was hoping for more Buddhist teaching and less psychology.
Like
Comment
Shawn Persinger
Author 6 books8 followers
Follow
March 3, 2022
2.75 stars. In my opinion, anyone inclined to read such a title will find the author preaching to the choir. No insights, simple reminders – be kind.
Like
Comment
Becca Crane
57 reviews4 followers
Follow
April 2, 2021
I liked this book quite a bit. The author was vulnerable about her own experiences as a mother as well as her childhood experiences.
She had the book portioned out into different topics, so you could read it in any order and easily reference.
Overall, relatable and helpful.
Like
Comment
Tracy
255 reviews1 follower
Follow
December 22, 2014
I've read a lot of parenting books, and this is in line with a lot of the books that I have liked.
Like
Comment
Stephanie
4 reviews
Follow
May 25, 2018
I love everything from this writer, she uses great examples to help you understand the concept.
Like
Comment
Allison
258 reviews
Follow
September 4, 2020
I was hoping for more Buddhist teaching and less psychology.
Like
Comment
Shawn Persinger
Author 6 books8 followers
Follow
March 3, 2022
2.75 stars. In my opinion, anyone inclined to read such a title will find the author preaching to the choir. No insights, simple reminders – be kind.
Like
Comment
Becca Crane
57 reviews4 followers
Follow
April 2, 2021
I liked this book quite a bit. The author was vulnerable about her own experiences as a mother as well as her childhood experiences.
She had the book portioned out into different topics, so you could read it in any order and easily reference.
Overall, relatable and helpful.
Like
Comment
Tracy
255 reviews1 follower
Follow
December 22, 2014
I've read a lot of parenting books, and this is in line with a lot of the books that I have liked.
Emphasizing listening and empathy and encouraging your children to express their feelings, emotions and opinions.
Based on the title I was a little worried that this book would be too idealistic and impractical, but the author did a good job of using real-world examples and situations and emphasizing that children need structure and boundaries as well as the freedom to be individuals and make choices that we might not agree with. While this isn't a book I would say everyone should read, it is definitely worthwhile if you do.
Like
Comment
Indiana Todd
1 review
Follow
January 20, 2016
One of the best "parenting" books I've ever encountered. I don't usually go for any packaged ideas about what parenting should look like from any individual or socially biased perspective - this is anything but - a philosophical approach to parenting steeped in scientific theory and the unparalleled compassionate guidance of The Buddha.
Like
Comment
Indiana Todd
1 review
Follow
January 20, 2016
One of the best "parenting" books I've ever encountered. I don't usually go for any packaged ideas about what parenting should look like from any individual or socially biased perspective - this is anything but - a philosophical approach to parenting steeped in scientific theory and the unparalleled compassionate guidance of The Buddha.
I've read it three times now in my son's three years and each time I've received guidance and encouragement to trust myself and the courage to allow my son to grow into exactly the little man he is supposed to be.
Very few books empower one to empower others - this is one of them.
Like
Comment
Tamara
301 reviews1 follower
Follow
January 25, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. It is not just a 'parenting' guide or how to, it's also a book to help you in your own journey. It is also easily implemented - you can be more peaceful immediately.
The extensive reading list at the end had me adding many many more books to the TBR shelf!
author-female library non-fiction
...more
Like
Comment
Displaying 1 - 10 of 17 reviews
Like
Comment
Tamara
301 reviews1 follower
Follow
January 25, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. It is not just a 'parenting' guide or how to, it's also a book to help you in your own journey. It is also easily implemented - you can be more peaceful immediately.
The extensive reading list at the end had me adding many many more books to the TBR shelf!
author-female library non-fiction
...more
Like
Comment
Displaying 1 - 10 of 17 reviews
====
Profile Image for Suphatra.
Suphatra
199 reviews
25 followers
Follow
January 2, 2013
Better read for parents of older children (5-18) than of a toddler (mine is 2.5 years old). I'll pick this back up again in the future.
non-fiction
Like
Comment
Profile Image for Jamie.
Jamie
6 reviews
25 followers
Follow
January 22, 2013
This book changed my life. I am definitely going to read it again and again.
Like
Comment
====
SomeLady
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely book to read and re-read as a reminder to ...
Reviewed in Canada 🇨🇦 on 25 November 2014
Verified Purchase
Lovely book to read and re-read as a reminder to be present and peaceful as a parent. I will often pick this book up and just read a chapter or two to keep me focused on my kids.
Report abuse
====
