Has anyone managed to turn their parenting around with a course/book?

[zumarud]

Ok, the situation is this. Like most people we muddle through, have good and bad days. And I'd say that I do a lot of things that make me a good mother. BUT I always - always without exception - feel that I am fundamentally damaging my children because of the kind of person I am. I am not depressed, I don't need therapy, I just need a personality transplant and some skills to help me cope with my delightful, but very emotional and needy - probably because of my parenting - children. I keep pushing these feelings to one side because life is very busy, but it seems to me
that I will never be happy/ a really good mother unless I address these things. Is this too vague?
Does anyone know what I am talking about?

I think Aloha read a parenting book which she said was v refreshing & had a real impact on her family

The Social Toddler did it for me. I now parent with regard to the way DS's little brain works.

God z you sound like me! I'm going to the library today to borrow Pampered Child Syndrome- Maggie Mamen (saw it on tv)in an effort to trouble shoot my obvious probs.

I really like the Social Toddler, also Why Love Matters by Sue Gerhardt (though read after a good day, not a bad one!) and a great book called - I think - The Heart of Parenting - and emotional intelligence book by - I think! - John Goleman. Very interesting and positive and practical, esp for children past the toddler stage.
I still shout and am horrible though - I think only people with nannies can be lovely all the time.

Yes, I know what you're talking about.....trouble is, I find books are good for practical tips/strategies but nothing more. In my case, I know I have big gaps in myself due to my own upbringing, so I DO go to therapy, and it DOES make an enormous difference - to how I feel about myself as me and as a mother, if nothing else! Not saying its a viable solution for everyone, though.

is there a Parentline near you? If so they do various courses which have been very informative. It's also refreshing to sit in the same room as others in the same situation which makes you feel at least you're not the only one!