“This is exactly the kind of book I wish I’d had when I was raising my two kids. Funny, isn’t it, that parenting will be the most important thing we ever do, and remains the thing we’re least trained for? Here, however, is the guide you want—full of truly useful information, advice, and, most of all, love. Simple concepts made easy by a double pro; that is, a woman who helps people for a living, and who’s also a mother. Brava!”

Linda Ellerbee • Author of Take Big Bites and Executive Producer of Nick News

“One of the hardest parts about parenting is that it takes such a long time to know if you’ve done a good job. Parenting Is a Contact Sport is that valuable, wisdom-packed book that is always there for you as you navigate the challenges of parenthood. Having Joanne’s expertise within reach is a gift you will treasure and a resource you will want to share with others.”

SuEllen Fried • Founder of BullySafeUSA and Coauthor of Bullies, Targets & Witnesses: Helping Children Break the Pain Chain

“If you’re a parent, read this book. If you’re interested in creating powerful relationships, read this book. Joanne writes lucidly and honestly about all the pitfalls and joys of the greatest journey of all — raising happy, resourceful children. Joanne has been on this journey every day for over thirty years and has been a massive success. I know because I watched her daughters grow up.”

Thomas Crum • Educator and Author of The Magic of Conflict, Journey to the Center, and Three Deep Breaths

“Every now and then, a few wise people emerge with special compassion and competence for guiding us through the kinds of human challenges that test our ability to think, act, and even love. Joanne Stern is such a person. She generously and skillfully provides us with an approach to parenting that not only works but also creates a clear path that will open you to the powerful joy that is possible with parenting. It is readable, practical, and very human.”

Jean McLendon, LCSW, LMFT • President of The Virginia Satir Global Network; Psychotherapist, Trainer, and Consultant for nearly forty years

“The unique connection between you and your child: Is there anything simultaneously so rewarding and challenging? Without jargon or scolding, this book shows you how to build and live a resilient and vibrant connection with your kids and stepkids. This approach is a bit miraculous in its clarity and simplicity, but Joanne Stern shows you that it can and does work. You will be the one they want to talk with — and listen to — now and for the rest of your life.”

Joe Kelly • Cofounder, Dads & Daughters and New Moon magazine and Author of Dads and Daughters: How to Inspire, Understand, and Support Your Daughter When She Is Growing Up So Fast and The Pocket Idiot’s Guide to Being a New Dad

“Our children today find themselves engrossed in a world of nonstop, sound- bite advertising, video game addiction, and relentless reality television bombardment. For many parents, it feels that we are becoming more and more disconnected from our kids. Never has the role of parenting been more challenging or more crucial. In Parenting Is a Contact Sport Dr. Joanne Stern masterfully and powerfully gives the wisdom and tools to transform our relationships with our kids as we build trust, honesty, dignity, and respect that will last a lifetime. This is not about controlling our children’s spirits, but rather connecting with their hearts. This tremendous book will help you break through with your children and bring your family together as never before!”

Brian Biro • America’s Breakthrough Coach and Author of seven books, including Beyond Success: The 15 Secrets to Effective Leadership and Life!

“Through engaging personal vignettes, Dr. Stern models how parents can build and sustain healthy relationships with their children. I highly recommend this book to all parents and educators.”

Rosa Riccio Pietanza • Senior Associate and Coordinator for Partnership Schools, New York University, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development Department of Teaching and Learning; and Former High School Principal, New York City

“Learn how to play the most important game of your life with the guidance and coaching of Dr. Joanne Stern. In Parenting Is a Contact Sport she will show you how to rely on all of your senses to do what is right for you and your children. Dr. Stern is a seasoned therapist whose practical good sense as a psychotherapist and mother is invaluable. Every reader will benefit from Dr. Stern’s open, honest sharing of her own journey first as a daughter, then as a mother, and then as a therapist, as she found her own way to engage her daughters in a strong, trusting relationship. We all go through tough times. Dr. Stern’s wisdom and empathetic approach to parenting will calm you as you contemplate finding the right answers for you and your family. So no more sitting on the sidelines. Jump right into the ring and begin to build the foundation for a meaningful relationship that will last your entire lifetime.”

Dale Atkins, PhD • Psychologist and Author of I’m OK, You’re My Parents and other books on family, balance, and relationships

“This is a ‘must read’ for all current and future parents. In Parenting is a Contact Sport, Joanne Stern has addressed issues that many parents would much rather avoid. As the mother of six adopted children, grandmother to fourteen grandchildren, as well as being a forty-year business owner, I certainly appreciate her common sense advice on connecting within the family. Well done!”

Diane Tice • Cofounder, The Pacific Institute

“I do not know of any parent who would not greatly benefit from Joanne’s book. Any person who hopes to be an inspiration to children needs this information. I wish she had written it decades ago, but it’s not too late to communicate with your children — no matter how old they are. This is a good place to start. Frankly, I wish my own parents had had this book when I was growing up. It’s really fantastic!”

Scott Krabacher • Founder of The Mercy and Sharing Foundation and Author of
Angels of a Lower Flight

Single dad blogger David Mott at Dad's House blog says: “. . .Parenting is a Contact Sport isn’t some preachy psychology manual. Instead, it’s filled with anecdotes involving Joanne Stern and her daughters in real life situations, as well as stories from Joanne Stern’s therapy practice. The book shares good times as well as mistakes, reminding us that we don’t have to be perfect parents.”

Read the entire online blog review (with reader comments)
at DadsHouseBlog.com