How do I get DH to read a GD book?

[*Robin*]

My DH is a research-aholic, if there is such a thing. When he wants to do something, like plant a garden, or put in a new cement pad off our porch, or build a garage, he researches it like you couldn't imagine. He devours everything written on the subject, both online and in books. So how come I can't get him to read a SINGLE PAGE from a parenting book? And he is at his wits end with our 3 year old, so it's not like he doesn't need it, or that he would even think everything is under control and he doesn't need it. Anyone have a good way to get him to read something, anything, that will help bring a little peace to this house.

Sorry, I am a little frustrated, so I am venting a bit too. :

[phathui5]

Leave it on top of the toilet?

Read sections of it to him? Say "Hey, listen to this..."

[lolar2]

Put it in the bathroom and remove all other reading material.

[readytobedone]

i would talk to him about why he doesn't want to read it. does he think parenting should come "naturally" and you shouldn't have to research it? or maybe he feels overwhelmed by books on home improvement and doesn't feel that he has time to take on more reading.

talk about it! also, it is perfectly possible for him to consider/implement GD strategies without reading a single word about it. DH has basically told me he won't read discipline books, but he's very open to my reading them and talking to him about the ideas they present.

[*Robin*]

Originally Posted by lolar2

Put it in the bathroom and remove all other reading material.

I tried this! He came out of the bathroom, said, 'You forgot your book in there', and grabbed a magazine on his way back in.

I have started reading little bits and pieces out loud to him in an effort to at least have him hear it that way. He doesn't take too well to me telling him about the books or what we should do with parenting, but the reading little clips to him seems to work a little. Maybe if I read enough to him, he'll finally realize the book is worth a read.

[Quinalla]

I assume you have asked him to read it already and he wasn't interested? That would be my first suggestion if not I think the little tidbits help, especially if you can relate it to a RL situation. For example: "Hey honey, I read in X book yesterday about Y and tried it out with DC this morning and it worked!" or "I've been trying Y from X book and while it took a few times with DC, it is really working now!"

[kiwiva]

My husband is exactly the same way. He researches absolutely everything but parenting stuff. He just has no interest in reading it so I have given up. I just tell him about what I am reading (but not when we are in the thick of it, of course) and that works for us.

I spend far more time with DD so I take the lead on it and if he is unwilling to do any reading at all, my opinion has more weight as I do a lot of reading. Though obviously he can have his own way of doing things, if it is being counterproductive I may suggest things or just take the lead so he can see what I am doing and then I will address it later with "I have found lately that x seems to be working."

[Down2Earth]

Originally Posted by *Robin*

I tried this! He came out of the bathroom, said, 'You forgot your book in there', and grabbed a magazine on his way back in.

I learn about whatever subject backwards and forwards. So then when I talk to DH I am very knowledgeable about it and he generally agrees that my ideas are sound and should work. (Does that make sense?) He won't read the book, but he outright told me at one time I should just read it and tell him about it!

OT: If you read the subject of this thread without reading GD as "gentle discipline" it is hilarious! I almost thought it was going to be about a stubborn DH that wouldn't read any books at all!