The Sneaky Parent: Crafty Tactics for Raising Cheerful, Cooperative Kids

More than 200 clever tricks to help stubborn kids go to bed, clean their room, take a bath, and more—without tears or fights.

As a parent, you want nothing more than to keep your child fed, clothed, clean, healthy, and safe. Your kid, meanwhile, wants nothing more than to eat junk, go nude, stay up all night, and fall down a well. Begging doesn’t work. Bribery isn’t sustainable. You don’t want to shout. But what are you supposed to do?

It’s time to get sneaky.

The Sneaky Parent offers a full playbook of clever ploys for beating kids at their own game. With the strategies outlined in this book, you can gently guide kids towards positive choices—while letting them think they’re the ones in control. Learn how to:

Boost oral hygiene by pretending a toothbrush is a paintbrush for teethRender long plane trips painless with a game of “name that cloud”Calm separation anxiety by developing fun ways to wave goodbyeAnd dozens of other clever tactics, tricks, and games

With a little benevolent sneakiness, your child will enthusiastically try new foods, embrace bath time, go to sleep on a schedule, and other necessary but unpopular life skills. The best part? They’ll be sure it was their idea.

Previously published as How to Con Your Kid (2012) this edition includes gender-neutral language, updated screen time advice, and more for today's parent.

About the Author

David Borgenicht is the creator of the Worst Case Scenario brand and co-author of all of the books in The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook series. He has appeared on hundreds of television and radio programs, including the Today Show, 20/20/, Late Night With Conan O’Brien, The Tyra Banks Show, and The Big Idea With Donnie Deutsch. He has also given speeches at American Express, The Commonwealth Club, The 92nd Street Y, and at dozens of other venues to students, executives, and fans of the series. He is also the president of Quirk Books!

James Grace is the coauthor of several books, including the New York Times bestselling The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Golf. He is a lawyer and runs a non-profit that supports artists and arts organizations. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife, Lisa, and is the father of three cunning and now adult kids, Avery, Cooper, and Dustin.

Author Residence: Philadelphia, PA (DB)

Author Hometown: Salt Lake City (DB)

Hailing from Toronto, Jason Schneider is an editorial illustrator with over 25 years of experience providing advertising, print, and web content for leading North American and European publications and clients.