The Biggest Job We'll Ever Have: The Hyde School Program for Character-Based Education and Parenting

by Malcolm Gauld and Laura Gauld

Book Overview

Attitude over aptitude. Effort over achievement. Character over talent. In this groundbreaking book, Laura and Malcolm Gauld draw on their experience as parents and as educators at Hyde -- an... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743210581
• ISBN13: 9780743210584
• Release Date: February 2002
• Publisher: Scribner Book Company
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Been there, done that - THANK GOODNESS!

I am currently in Sarasota, FL, visiting my daughter, a former 4-year student and graduate of the Hyde-Bath campus. I was online searching for some resources, as I am considering a private position tutoring a student with dyslexia; although I don't have a lot of direct experience in this area, I am guessing that these students are frustrated, often underappreciated and underestimated...I was adding a copy of the Gauld's book, The Biggest Job, to my shopping cart (even though I was a participant in "the process" for seven consecutive years)when I decided to take a look at the reviews...When I think back on the things I've done as a parent, the choice to become involved with Hyde (please know that I corrected myself and DIDN't write 'send my daughter to' - there's such a difference!)was THE BEST THING I have ever done, absolutely NO REGRETS!! My experience helped me to see my kid for the awesome person she is, rather than focus on a list of shortcomings, which I would subsequently 'FESS UP to being a model for... I must say that I read, WITH AMUSEMENT I might add, a current student's review, and the complaints are typical of one who is not used to the word NO and accepting/establishing limits. I can't wait to share this kid's review with E. - I know she will chuckle...Anyway, my purpose was to revisit the thinking behind the Hyde model as I entertain the possibility of working with a student who has not had much school success, I have learned that there is so much more than meets the eye! My daughter blossomed in this challenging environment, and my own Hyde experience made me re-think just about everything, including my work with students...sooner or later it all comes down to being honest to yourself and others - I am forever inspired and forever grateful. And yes, even after tuition, I am buying the book! For a FRESH way of reflecting on your role as a parent, especially when it seems all that you "do" is for naught, this is so worth it...

Help your kids be competent and caring!

I started reading this book by flipping around the chapters and finding useful ideas about parenting and was so profoundly effected that I studied it from cover to cover. I asked my husband to read it also, and at first he was luke warm to the idea because he is reading his own books, but he is sailing through it and talking a lot about the different concepts. We have a whole new understanding of what it means to be good parents. This book offers a different perspective, which is parenting by working on yourself and expecting a lot from yourself and your children. If I had more money I would buy this book for all my friends with kids. Since I can't do that I am recommending it to everyone I know. I feel so empowered personally to be more of the person I want to be, and very excited about parenting in a new, more confident way. Also, I think I understand my own development better after reading this book. This book is a must read for parents who want kids to be successful at being themselves! Competent, happy and socially caring, that's what I want for my kids. I have nothing to do with the Hyde school or anything, this book is for parents everywhere.

The Biggest Job We?ll Ever Have by Laura and Malcolm Gauld

This is a fantastic book that focuses on the importance of character development in our children, and it provides an outline of how to achieve it. The book is well written and easy to understand. Suggestions for "homework" at the end of many chapters are highly effective and provide a mechanism to start using the tools that are introduced in the book. Not only has Hyde provided our son the tools to work toward his unique potential; as parents of a Hyde student, the lives of my wife and myself, our relationship, and our relationship with our other children, have been enriched by our efforts to follow these guidelines. In a society where cheating, dishonesty, and self-destructive behavior are all too common, this book is a must read for all educators, all teachers, all parents, and even couples without children! Having read the book, I am now buying copies for all of my friends.

ESSENTIAL READING FOR ALL PARENTS!

This book by Laura and Malcolm Gauld opened my eyes to a new approach to parenting. While they admit that there are no easy answers, they give us a clear and useful guide to raising children of character in today's world. The authors are very candid about their own lives and experiences as parents and educators. Their use of personal anecdotes of their own and parents they have worked with make the book an entertaining read. In addition, the book offers tools to apply these principles to your family. An excellent addition to the literature on parenting- a fresh approach that everyone can relate to!