Between Parent and Child by Haim G. Ginott Summary
Overview of Between Parent and Child
Revolutionizing parent-child communication since 1965, Ginott's classic has transformed millions of families with its empathetic approach. Can effective parenting exist without punishment? This pioneering psychologist's techniques remain so influential they're still taught in therapy programs worldwide today.
Similar books to Between Parent and Child
Feel the book through the author's voice
Turn knowledge into engaging, example-rich insights
Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning
Enjoy the book in a fun and engaging way
Key takeaways
When Words Wound or Heal
A five-year-old spills juice at breakfast. One parent sighs, "You're so clumsy! Can't you ever be careful?" Another simply says, "The juice spilled. Here's a sponge." Same situation, radically different outcomes. The first child internalizes a damaging label that may shape their self-image for decades. The second learns that mistakes are manageable events, not character flaws. This distinction lies at the heart of transforming parent-child relationships. We speak to children dozens of times daily, yet rarely consider how our words land in their developing minds. Children are like wet cement-every word leaves an impression. When labeled "stupid" or "lazy," they don't think, "My parent is having a bad day." They think, "This must be who I am." Then they adjust their behavior accordingly, fulfilling the prophecy we've inadvertently created. The child called clumsy avoids sports; the one called stupid stops trying academically, adopting the motto: "If I don't try, I can't fail." Our everyday language, used carelessly, becomes the architecture of their inner world.
Understanding the Emotional Language of Children
The Paradox of Praise and the Power of Description
Expressing Anger Without Destruction
Cultivating True Responsibility
Discipline Without Harm
Creating Compassionate Humans
Quick Summary Mode - Read or listen to Between Parent and Child Summary in 9 Minutes
Break down key ideas from Between Parent and Child into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.
Flash Card Mode - Top 7 Insights from Between Parent and Child in a Nutshell
Distill Between Parent and Child into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight Pixar’s principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.
Fun Mode - Between Parent and Child Lessons Told Through 20-Min Stories
Experience Between Parent and Child through vivid storytelling that turns Pixar’s innovation lessons into moments you’ll remember and apply.
Personalize Mode - Read or listen to Between Parent and Child Summary in 0 Minutes
Ask anything, pick the voice, and co-create insights that truly resonate with you.
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
Get the Between Parent and Child summary as a free PDF or EPUB. Print it or read offline anytime.