Dreamers, Discoverers & Dynamos: How to Help the Child Who Is Bright, Bored and Having Problems in School

by Lucy Jo Palladino

Book Overview

Does your imaginative, computer-proficient daughter tune out in the classroom? Does your spirited son become headstrong and aggressive when faced with the simplest decisions? Does your bold, energetic child have trouble focusing on basic tasks? Millions of children--one in five--have what psychologist Lucy Jo Palladino, Ph.D., calls the Edison trait- dazzling intelligence, an active imagination, a free-spirited approach to life, and the ability to...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345405730
• ISBN13: 9780345405739
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.64 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.6" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Great Book to Understand Your Child

Good book for parents to read about their children. It goes into three types of children that confuse and frustrate many parents. It gives many examples of these types of children and even gives a section on the adult versions of each type. And good advice on how to handle these children. I wish my parents and I knew this information, so we could have helped our children that were these types.

I wish this book had existed 50 years ago!

I approached this book with some skepticism because it sounded like yet another excuse for bad parenting ("My child isn't an undisciplined brat, he's a GENIUS"). Instead, I was amazed to read the story of my life. I was in trouble for my entire elementary school career for being "distracted" and "uncooperative" and not completing my assignments. But my grades steadily improved as I became interested in my subjects for their OWN sake; also, in college and graduate school my offbeat way of thinking actually contributed to my academic success, whereas my elementary and high school teachers rewarded conformity. Based on my own experience, I feel that the author's recommendations are right on the button: instead of considering "divergent thinkers" a problem and trying to force them to conform, parents should value them for their strengths, communicate with them in a way they understand, and guide them in forming the self-discipline they need to achieve academic and personal success. It's clear to me, from many of the author's examples, that parents' problems with these children often arise from the PARENTS' expectations of themselves as much as from the child's behavior ("if I were a good parent, my child wouldn't act this way"). So I feel that the author's emphasis on trying to understand your child's thinking and putting yourself in his/her shoes was salutary: you can't change the way your child's mind is wired, but you *can* make a big difference in how your child feels about him/herself and whether your child can make the most of his/her strengths. I turned out OK in the long run, but many "Edison trait" children have problems all their lives; and I know that my childhood and adolescence would have been far less stressful if this book had existed then. I think it provides helpful guidance for anyone who works or lives with children, and it's absolutely essential reading for anyone with a "difficult" child.

Expert help to equip you to stand up for your special child

What an absolute lifesaver! As parents of two kids- (one dreamer and one dynamo) we had run through the endless "experts" in our town for answers. This is a priceless resource for anyone who wants to stand up with facts to experts in both the medical and the school-related fields. It gives reasons for behavior and what works ,and more importantly, why what a lot of people want you to do won't work! I have given it to each teacher/specialist who works with my children. Her advice does work and your special bright child will blossom with it. It is written in an engaging and segmented format. Be sure to read the part addressing whether or not to medicate. Perfect for carpool wait times as most parents of these bright and energetic kids don't get any other time to sit still!

This book was comfort food for my soul!

This is the first book I have EVER found myself in. I have always been fascinated by psychology, but have never fit into anyone's theory or box. I have usually found myself relating to the negative characteristics of two opposite types in someones personality groups. My spirit was broken by well intentioned parents trying to make me fit in with what is supposed to be "normal" in our society. Lucy Jo Palladino has seen in children what so many professionals refuse to, or cannot see. I saw Dr. Palladino on TV promoting this book and was drawn to it because at that time I was beginning to see the hopelessness in my 2yr old son that I remembered feeling as a child, but never did understand. Dr. Palladino understands how my brain works. I never understood it, I just knew I was different but didn't know why. The book is invaluable now that my son is 5 and I need guidance on how to teach him self control and discipline. It's not easy, but the methods in this book help me nurture and teach to his strengths instead of trying to change the very nature of who he is. The biggest surprise in this book was that I found out my husband is also an Edison thinker, just a very different one than I am. He's a dreamer and I and my son are discoverers. By the way I don't label lightly, this book seems to be written about my family. Is there anymore out there about this? Is there any way to write to the author? I am so thankful for this book and would recommend it to anyone who thinks their child might be in this book. It could literally save their life. I am very fortunate that my attempts to check out of this world that did not accept or understand me were not successful.

How to preserve a child's gift and improve parenting skills

Because I was an Edison Trait child, I wasn't sure if I was reading the book for my son or for me! Many times I thought how much better our lives would have been if I had purchased this book earlier. Instead of struggling against the "strong will" of my son, this book provides parenting techniques, recognition skills and positive advice for Edison Trait kids and parents. Unfortunately, many school systems would rather have the child conform rather than take the time and effort necessary for Edison Trait children to learn most effectively. Indeed, the standardized "gifted" tests used in our school system are more geared to convergent thinking children, as is the program itself. The book needs to be followed up with a short assessment guide for parents and teachers. So often, the Edison Trait is confused with ADD as it was with my son. Rather than fight the perception, the assessment guide could be handed to teachers to help them understand the Edison Trait vs. ADD. Overall, the book provides incredible insights and is extremely well-written using colorful examples and humor.

OPRAH, put this book on your book of the month club.

I have NEVER been so excited about a book before. With every page and chapter I felt as if the author had come to live in my house for the last 5 years and then write the story of "my household". How she describes your home as a "war zone" (mine literally was), how many times I read a phrase of another Edison Trait parent and then asked my self "how many times have I said or felt that". How many times the actions of a child was described and I would say "oh my god, my child does exactly that". Not only do I FINALLY have a diagnosis for my "hard to be told, argumentative, rambunctious (sp?), always have to have the last word, imaginitive, always does first then ask later, bright, loving 10 year old child" , I now have the tools to teach and help myself to understand and teach my child in the loving POSITIVE way she deserves. I have also been enlightened to how my child feels. This was truely a gift (Thank you Dr. Pallandino) in that it helped me to see that I had been hurting and alienating my daughter by my anger, words and frustrations. What parent wants to hurt their child? I have practiced some of the techniques suggested by Dr. Pallandino with my child and have seen dramatic results. Any time I see a child with the Edison Traits I recognize, I want to go to their parents and tell them that there is light at the end of the tunnel and it is in this book. Because Oprah is such a roll model for literally millions of people, I wish she would feature this book on her book of the month club or at the very least have a show about Edison Trait children. What greater way is there to help a child than to begin with educating the parents. I want to stand on the highest mountain and shout out to the world that if you have a child that you just can't handle or understand then PLEASE, PLEASE do your child a favor, and yourself and READ THIS BOOK. You will feel as though you were blind but now have the gift of sight. I welcome any online discussion with other parents on the topic of this book, please feel free to contact me at my e-mail address.