Review:
Scream Free Parenting by Hal Edward Runkel is an easy to read, though sometimes difficult to apply, parenting guide. The author is a licensed marriage and family therapist and father of five. He draws from his personal and professional experiences, using examples from both to make his point. Runkel’s primary assertion is that positive parenting begins with parents taking care of themselves. He states that parents are not responsible for their children, but rather have a responsibility to their children. His theory is that parents should model the kind of behaviors and decision-making that they hope their children will use. Aditionally, it is the responsibility of the parents to allow their children to experience the natural consequences of their decisions. Runkel also emphasizes that parenting is not about a series of discipline tips and techniques. He believes that parenting is about creating a special kind of relationship and can be managed through relationship-building practices.

 

This parenting how-to book can be used as a reference for counselors to share with clients who have children from toddlers to teens, but may be most meaningful to parents of middle and high school age children. Counselors recommending the book should be aware that Runkel makes references to Christianity which may be off-putting to some clients. Single parents, non-Western families, and parents of special needs children may find other resources more helpful. This book is limited in its applicability because of the focus on nuclear family forms, however the message to build relationships based on connection not control is useful.