Stephen R. Covey presents a practical and philosophical guide to solving problems – large and small, mundane and extraordinary – that confront all families and strong communitites. By offering revealing anecdotes about ordinary people as well as helpful suggestions about changing everyday behavior, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families shows how and why to have family meetings, the importance of keeping promises, how to balance individual and family needs, and how to move from dependence to independence. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families is an invaluable guidebook to the welfare of families everywhere.”What is ‘effectiveness’ in a family?” asks author Steven R. Covey. He promptly answers with four words: “a beautiful family culture.” Building this culture is the primary theme of Covey’s parenting guide, a manual based on concepts introduced in his blockbuster, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Covey, a New-Age business guru and leadership authority, has consulted with the world’s top corporate and political leaders, but closer to home he is the father of nine children. Here, Covey reinterprets each of his now famous “habits” (Habit 1: Be Proactive, Habit 4: Think Win-Win, Habit 6: Synergize) to apply to parenting and family-life issues. Covey suggests writing a family mission statement, implementing special family times and “one-on-ones,” holding regular family meetings, and making the commitment to move from “me” to “we” as techniques to improve family effectiveness. Covey is a brilliant storyteller. By weaving the voices and anecdotes of his wife and children with his own inspirational and informative stories, exercises, and parables, he has created a book with something for all parents interested in enhancing the strength and beauty of their own families. –Ericka Lutz
