Cover image of Family First: Your Step-by-Step Plan for Creating a Phenomenal Family
Family First: Your Step-by-Step Plan for Creating a Phenomenal Family
Phillip C. McGraw
Quick Take
From Dr. Phil's Letter to Parents: I want to talk to you about family: yours and mine. I know and feel that as parents, you and I share some very important priorities. Just like you, I love my family more than anything in this world and I want us all to be safe, healthy, happy and prosperous in everything we do both within our family and as we go out into the world. Cynics will tell you that in our fast-paced society "family" is becoming obsolete, that it is just an old-fashioned, lost concept, getting buried in a busy world of "enlightened" people. I'm here to tell you that that is not right, not even close. Family is even more important today than in generations past, and its erosion is unacceptable. This is a fight we can and must win. This is a fight we will win if we just do our homework and plug in. What I intend to do in Family First is tell you with great precision what you need to stop doing and what you need to start doing to lead your family with such a pure purpose and power that the competing messages and influences are drowned out. I plan to help you define success and then take the steps to create and claim it for you and yours. Your children are the stars in your crown and it is time for them to shine; it is okay for them to shine and, if you do your job, shine they will. -- Dr. Phil
Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Family First: Your Step-by-Step Plan for Creating a Phenomenal Family

Introduction

"Family First: Your Step-by-Step Plan for Creating a Phenomenal Family" by Dr. Phil McGraw is a book that aims to provide parents with practical and actionable advice to create a thriving family. Dr. Phil, a renowned psychologist and television personality, shares his insights and expertise to help parents navigate the challenges of raising children and building strong family relationships. This book has received positive reviews from readers who appreciate its straightforward language, practical tips, and the author's ability to inspire and raise awareness about the importance of family.

About Phillip C. McGraw

Phillip C. McGraw, also known as Dr. Phil, is an American television personality, psychologist, and author. He gained celebrity status following his appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show and later became the host of his own television show, "Dr. Phil." Dr. Phil has also written several books on self-help and personal growth, including "Family First." His expertise in psychology and his ability to communicate complex concepts in a relatable manner have made him a popular figure in the world of personal development.

Analysis of Views

  1. Practical and actionable advice: Readers appreciate the book's practicality, as it provides clear steps and guidelines for parents to follow in order to create a phenomenal family. They find the advice easy to implement and believe that it can make a significant difference in their lives.
  2. Straightforward language: Many readers appreciate the author's ability to convey complex ideas in a straightforward and accessible manner. They find the book easy to read and understand, even if they have limited knowledge about parenting or family dynamics.
  3. Relevance to different stages of parenting: Readers have found that the book is relevant at various stages of parenting. Some have found it helpful when their children were younger, while others have found it useful when dealing with teenage issues or navigating challenging family dynamics.
  4. Emphasis on personal growth: Readers appreciate the book's focus on personal growth and self-awareness. It encourages parents to reflect on their own past experiences and confront any personal issues that may be impacting their parenting style. This self-awareness is seen as essential for creating a healthy family dynamic.
  5. Comprehensive approach: The book covers a wide range of topics related to parenting and family relationships, including communication, discipline, boundaries, and setting goals. Readers appreciate the comprehensive nature of the book and feel that it provides a holistic approach to family life.

Reasons for Recommendation

  1. Practical tips for parents: Readers recommend this book for its practical tips and actionable advice for parents. They find the steps outlined in the book easy to follow and believe that implementing these strategies can lead to positive changes in their family dynamics.
  2. Inspirational message: The book's emphasis on the importance of family resonates with readers, inspiring them to prioritize their families and work towards creating a strong and supportive environment. The author's passionate message encourages parents to take action towards building a phenomenal family.
  3. Insights into personal growth: Readers appreciate the book's focus on personal growth and self-awareness, as it encourages parents to reflect on their own experiences and confront any personal issues that may be impacting their parenting style. This self-awareness is seen as essential for creating a healthy family dynamic.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

  1. Repetitive content: Some readers feel that the book is repetitive and lacks new insights or fresh perspectives on parenting. They find that some of the advice is common sense and may not be applicable to all families or situations.
  2. Lack of depth in certain areas: Some readers feel that the book does not delve deeply enough into certain topics or issues related to parenting. They wish that the author had provided more in-depth analysis or explored alternative perspectives on certain topics.

Conclusion

"Family First: Your Step-by-Step Plan for Creating a Phenomenal Family" by Dr. Phil McGraw offers practical advice and actionable steps for parents who want to create a thriving family. The book's straightforward language, comprehensive approach, and emphasis on personal growth make it a valuable resource for parents at various stages of their parenting journey. While some readers feel that the book lacks new insights or depth in certain areas, the majority recommend it for its practical tips and inspirational message about the importance of family. By following the steps outlined in this book, parents can work towards building a strong and supportive family environment that fosters growth, love, and happiness for all members involved.