📖 Overview
John Rosemond is a family psychologist, author, and syndicated columnist known for his traditional, authority-based approach to parenting advice. His newspaper column on parenting has been in continuous publication since 1976, reaching millions of readers through hundreds of newspapers across the United States.
As a public speaker and author of over fifteen books on parenting and family life, Rosemond advocates for parenting methods that were common before the 1960s, emphasizing parental authority and leadership. His best-known works include "Making the Terrible Twos Terrific" and "Parent Power: A Common-Sense Approach to Parenting in the '90s and Beyond."
Rosemond holds controversial views within the child psychology community, often criticizing modern, psychology-based parenting approaches and rejecting many contemporary theories about child development. His stance against "permissive parenting" and advocacy for strict discipline has drawn both strong supporters and critics in the parenting advice field.
Throughout his career, Rosemond has appeared on numerous television programs, including "20/20," "Good Morning America," and "The View." He continues to conduct parenting seminars across the country while maintaining his syndicated column and writing new books on family dynamics and child-rearing.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently mention Rosemond's traditional, no-nonsense parenting approach. His books receive average ratings between 3.8-4.3 stars across platforms.
Positive reviews focus on:
- Clear, actionable advice
- Success implementing his discipline methods
- Biblical alignment and traditional values
- Humor and straightforward writing style
Critical reviews cite:
- Inflexible/harsh approach to discipline
- Dismissal of child psychology research
- Lack of empathy for children's emotions
- Religious overtones some find heavy-handed
On Goodreads, "Making the Terrible Twos Terrific" averages 4.1/5 from 412 reviews. Amazon reviews average 4.3/5 across his titles, with "Parenting by The Book" receiving 4.4/5 from 856 reviews.
One reader notes: "Finally, common sense parenting without the psychobabble." Another counters: "Too rigid and lacks understanding of child development stages."
Reviews frequently debate his stance against modern parenting trends and psychological approaches.
📚 Books by John Rosemond
Making the Terrible Twos Terrific!
A guide for parents addressing common behavioral challenges during the toddler years, with specific focus on the development period between 18-36 months.
Parent Power! Examination of traditional parenting principles and their application in contemporary child-rearing situations.
Teen-Proofing: Fostering Responsible Decision Making in Your Teenager Instructions and strategies for parents to help teenagers develop independence and decision-making skills.
Because I Said So! Collection of previously published newspaper columns addressing various parenting topics and common disciplinary challenges.
The Well-Behaved Child: Discipline That Really Works! Systematic approach to establishing and maintaining household discipline for children ages 2-12.
A Family of Value Discussion of family dynamics and the importance of maintaining parental authority in modern families.
Six-Point Plan for Raising Happy, Healthy Children Step-by-step guide outlining core principles for child-rearing and family management.
New Parent Power! Updated version of the original Parent Power book, incorporating contemporary parenting challenges and solutions.
Parenting by The Book: Biblical Wisdom for Raising Your Child Integration of biblical principles with practical parenting advice and disciplinary methods.
The Diseasing of America's Children Analysis of the trend toward medical explanations for common childhood behavioral issues.
Parent Power! Examination of traditional parenting principles and their application in contemporary child-rearing situations.
Teen-Proofing: Fostering Responsible Decision Making in Your Teenager Instructions and strategies for parents to help teenagers develop independence and decision-making skills.
Because I Said So! Collection of previously published newspaper columns addressing various parenting topics and common disciplinary challenges.
The Well-Behaved Child: Discipline That Really Works! Systematic approach to establishing and maintaining household discipline for children ages 2-12.
A Family of Value Discussion of family dynamics and the importance of maintaining parental authority in modern families.
Six-Point Plan for Raising Happy, Healthy Children Step-by-step guide outlining core principles for child-rearing and family management.
New Parent Power! Updated version of the original Parent Power book, incorporating contemporary parenting challenges and solutions.
Parenting by The Book: Biblical Wisdom for Raising Your Child Integration of biblical principles with practical parenting advice and disciplinary methods.
The Diseasing of America's Children Analysis of the trend toward medical explanations for common childhood behavioral issues.