Simple, effective and backed up with case studies that prove ‘What’s the rule?’ can be a golden phrase for your family. A helpful resource for parents.

‘How to Get Your Kid to Do Anything With Just 3 Words’ by Dr. Robert Pressman promises a simple yet effective approach to parenting, focusing on three-word phrases that are designed to motivate children to follow instructions and exhibit good behaviour. The concept is intriguing, particularly for parents seeking quick and easy solutions to common parenting challenges. However, as with any parenting advice, it's important to critically evaluate the methods suggested to ensure they align with your values and the needs of your child.

Accuracy: ★★★☆☆
The book offers a variety of strategies grounded in behavioural psychology, but the effectiveness of these methods may vary depending on individual circumstances. While some parents may find success with the techniques suggested, others may not see the same results. The advice is generally practical but lacks the nuance that comes with understanding the diverse needs of children. As with any one-size-fits-all approach, it's essential to adapt the advice to fit your specific situation.

Perspective: ★★☆☆☆
Every parent has their own philosophy when it comes to raising children, and this book may not resonate with everyone. While Dr. Pressman attempts to maintain a respectful tone towards children, the strategies suggested may come across as overly simplistic or even manipulative to some readers. The focus on getting children to comply with instructions without considering their emotional or developmental needs could be seen as a drawback. Parents who prioritize building a respectful and empathetic relationship with their children may find the advice in this book lacking in that regard.

Relevance: ★★★☆☆
The book addresses a common issue that many parents face—getting children to follow instructions without resistance. In this sense, the content is relevant to a broad audience. However, the methods may not align with modern parenting approaches that emphasise positive discipline, emotional intelligence, and mutual respect between parent and child. The book may appeal more to parents looking for quick fixes rather than those interested in long-term, relationship-focused strategies.

Engagement: ★★☆☆☆
The book's premise is intriguing, but the execution may leave some readers wanting more. The content can feel repetitive, and the examples provided are often too generic to be truly helpful. While the idea of using three-word phrases is catchy, the book struggles to maintain engagement due to its lack of depth and the overly simplistic nature of the advice. Parents looking for more comprehensive guidance may find themselves disengaged as they progress through the chapters.

Readability: ★★★☆☆
The writing is straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. However, the simplicity of the content may also be a downside for those seeking more substantial insights. The book is relatively short, and the chapters are concise, which may appeal to busy parents. Nonetheless, the lack of detailed explanations and in-depth exploration of the concepts may leave some readers unsatisfied.

Enjoyment: ★★☆☆☆
While the book may offer some useful tips for parents looking for quick solutions, it may not be particularly enjoyable for those who prefer a more thoughtful and empathetic approach to parenting. The methods suggested can feel too transactional, focusing on getting compliance rather than fostering understanding and cooperation. Parents who value a more holistic approach to child-rearing may not find this book enjoyable or particularly helpful in the long run.


‘How to Get Your Kid to Do Anything With Just 3 Words’ by Dr. Robert Pressman presents a catchy concept that may appeal to parents seeking quick fixes for common parenting challenges. However, the book's simplistic approach and lack of depth may not resonate with all readers. While it offers practical advice, the methods suggested may not align with modern parenting philosophies that prioritise respect, empathy, and long-term relationship-building. Parents should consider their own values and parenting goals before deciding if this book is the right resource for them.

Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this eCopy to review

How to get your kids to do anything with just 3 words is a helpful book that gives advice for a number of situations. I particularly liked the case studies as they helped me understand the principles of SMART goal setting and creating habits better

A short clear book with lots of good advice for different difficult situations such as lieing or playing 1 parent of another

How to Get Your Kid to Do Anything With Just 3 Words is a non-fiction parenting book.
If you are curious what those three words are, they are not hard-and-fast words, and they depend on the situation based on the suggestions by the authors.
This is a short book that manages to incorporate many useful techniques and examples (case studies).
What stood out for me:
1. The specific cases of difficult situations parents may find themselves in: white lies by our kiddos, children who shoplift, sleeping alone, homework time, one parent undermining the other and many more. I have not seen most of these in any parenting books that I have read and I read a lot of them both for my work and my own family.
2. The suggestion that a routine must be kept no matter what, for example, after an exciting event, because that is the reality of things was extremely helpful.
3. Mostly similar nuanced techniques, tips, suggestions etc.

I must admit that the writing was not always to my taste, and I expected a bit more of flow and engagement, but this is my personal view.
The same goes for some of the information and techniques suggested - I was familiar with some of them. It was at times nice to be reminded of them, and sometimes I was less engaged due to my prior knowledge. The SMART goal approach and the habit change techniques are handy in most aspects of life, yet of course, what the authors are suggesting are specific to parenting.
I wish this book were longer. Overall, this was a 3 star read for me, but I am thinking of readers who might immensely benefit from reading this book, and for them this would probably be a 4.5-5 star read. Hence, I will aim for the common ground here. 4 stars.