Have a New Kid by Friday

How To Change Your Child’s Attitude, Behavior and Character in 5 Days

by Kevin Leman, PhD

4.5(1,822 ratings)

10 min read

Brief overview

This book offers practical advice on transforming your child’s attitude, behavior, and character in a matter of days. Its insights focus on setting boundaries rooted in consistency, respect, and genuine understanding. By applying these strategies, you can foster deeper family connections and nurture a child who grows into a responsible, confident adult.

Introduction

Parenting can feel overwhelming when you face constant arguments or disrespect. This book’s central idea is to equip you with a fresh perspective on why kids behave the way they do and how to guide them gently yet firmly. By the time you finish, you’ll have a renewed sense of confidence and purpose in your day-to-day parenting.

Think of your child as a smart learner who quickly figures out what it takes to get attention. If you’ve felt like your child runs the show, you’re not alone. The aim here is to show you that you can make immediate, impactful changes in just five days by adjusting how you respond.

At its core, parenting is about building a safe, affirming environment. This includes teaching boundaries, modeling respect, and saying what you mean—only once. Consistency turns confusion into clarity, and your child will begin to trust that you mean business without harshness.

Before diving in, give yourself permission to experiment with these new strategies. Don’t expect perfection. Your family’s transformation relies on calm dedication rather than fancy explanations. Now let’s explore how to bring about this positive change—starting with a stronger understanding of why parents need to be in charge.

The Core Idea

One of the book’s central themes is the belief that kids are creatures of habit. Whenever something works in their favor—whether it’s whining or throwing a fit—they’ll keep doing it. Children quickly learn how to get what they want if parents give in or become inconsistent.

Imagine a child who screams for sweets at the grocery store. If you cave once, the child takes note: “Screaming brings candy.” The book shows how small, repetitive actions shape big behavioral patterns. When parents shift tactics and remain calmly firm, kids adjust rapidly.

Consistency comes down to meaning what you say. You give an instruction once—no nagging, no repeated warnings. Then you enforce logical consequences. By stepping away from endless negotiations, you return authority to yourself and stability to your child’s day.

Parents often feel tension between wanting to be loved and wanting to be firm. But, as this book emphasizes, children actually feel more secure when adults set loving limits. That security leads to less pushback and more genuine connection.

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What is Have a New Kid by Friday about?

"Have a New Kid by Friday" by Dr. Kevin Leman is a transformative guide aimed at helping parents instill positive changes in their children's attitude, behavior, and character within a five-day timeframe. This insightful book delves into practical strategies that encourage setting consistent boundaries and building a parenting framework grounded in respect and understanding. With its emphasis on fostering meaningful connections and nurturing responsible and confident children, the book offers invaluable guidance to parents striving for a harmonious family life.

The core themes revolve around addressing common parenting challenges, including tackling tantrums and fostering accountability. By providing practical advice and actionable steps, Dr. Leman empowers parents to redefine their parenting approach, ultimately creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive. By adopting these insights, parents are equipped to navigate power struggles and turn them into moments of cooperative bonding, promoting healthier family dynamics.

Review of Have a New Kid by Friday

Dr. Kevin Leman's "Have a New Kid by Friday" stands out as an essential parenting guide, addressing key challenges faced by modern parents through relatable scenarios and expert advice. A pivotal strength of the book lies in its emphasis on practical and achievable methods that parents can implement to bring about change within a week's time. It's an actionable approach, not just theoretical, empowering parents with tools to transform their family's dynamics effectively.

One of the book's standout aspects is its focus on fostering self-worth through consistency and accountability. It demonstrates the significance of setting boundaries, which, contrary to popular belief, enhances rather than diminishes a child's sense of security. The author tackles common pitfalls like frequent power struggles in a concise manner, offering techniques to handle them constructively, such as transforming conventional discipline into a collaborative exercise.

Dr. Leman’s writing style beautifully marries professional insights with approachable, conversational prose, making it accessible for a wide audience. His guidance resonates with parents looking for a grounded, non-judgmental path to nurturing responsible, self-reliant adults. This book serves as a heartfelt recommendation for parents seeking practical solutions infused with wisdom and empathy.

Whether you're a seasoned parent or navigating the early stages of raising children, "Have a New Kid by Friday" provides a refreshing perspective on the influence of parental actions on a child’s development. It successfully bridges the gap between theoretical parenting advice and real-life application, making it a vital read for any parent aiming to cultivate positive and meaningful relationships with their children.

Who should read Have a New Kid by Friday?

Parents seeking practical, actionable strategies to address challenging behavior in their children will find clarity and guidance in this book.
Educators and childcare providers devoted to fostering a supportive learning environment can benefit from the book's techniques for managing group dynamics and individual behaviors.
Therapists and counselors focusing on family therapy and parent coaching can leverage insights from this book to empower clients with effective parenting tools.
Guardian figures, including grandparents and foster parents, who are actively involved in child-rearing, can find reassurance and new ideas to strengthen their approach to discipline and guidance.
Individuals preparing to become parents can gain early exposure to effective parenting methods, laying down the foundation for healthy family relationships.

About the author

Kevin Leman, PhD, is an internationally renowned psychologist, bestselling author, and acclaimed speaker known for his practical approach to parenting and relationships. He holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology, a Master's degree, and a Doctorate degree from the University of Arizona. With over 50 books authored, including "The Birth Order Book" and "Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours," Dr. Leman has made numerous appearances on television programs such as "The View," "Today," and "Oprah." He is also the founder and chairman of the board of Leman Academy of Excellence and the founder and president of "Couples of Promise," an organization dedicated to helping couples maintain happy marriages.