I Saw an Angel in the Stone and I Carved to Set it Free

The imagery of a sculptor chipping away to free an angel from the stone suggests the idea that children have "miraculous human" qualities that can be released if a sculptor takes the time to free the child. In this book Doug Whitener asserts that parents and teachers are the lead sculptors who can help free children to live meaningful and responsible lives.

Mr. Whitener draws upon forty-five years of experience as a parent and as an educator to outline key child guidance ideas. The reader is treated to over forty stories that illustrate principles from real life events in homes and schools.

The near death experiences Mr. Whitener has had with cancer have caused him to celebrate every moment he has had as an educator of children. In each chapter the reader is invited to pause and reflect about his or her opportunities to appreciate childhood and to help children "Strengthen their Wings."

Key child development concepts in the book include the following:

* unconditional love

* critical learning activities

* empathy development and relationship building

* responsibilities, empowerment, and child uniqueness

* family mission statement



Key child discipline concepts in the book include the following:

* understanding yourself as an adult, positive modeling, and support systems

* defining discipline as a teaching-learning process focused upon the development of inner discipline

* determining expectations, teaching expectations, and building competencies

* understanding the purpose of misbehavior

* meaningful logical consequences

* restorative justice

* the intensive-care child

This book is a must-read for parents, teachers, guidance counselors, school psychologists, family therapists, and school principals.