Normal Children Have Problems, Too: How Parents Can Understand and Help

by Sarah Wernick and Stanley Turecki

Book Overview

Lack of friends * poor self-image * sibling rivalry * hyperactivity * sadness and fearfulness * eating problems * nervous habits * aggressive behavior * defiance * sleep problems * lying * learning... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0553374389
• ISBN13: 9780553374384
• Release Date: October 1995
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

this book is helpful for understanding the range from normal to concerning

Dr. Turecki has gone to the next step from describing temperament in his previous book, to now showing how it can present itself in individual children. Has has instructive scenarios about children with problems and struggles, that he approaches from the temperament perspective to better understand their needs. He doesn't say that children can't have anxiety, depression, or other significant mental health issues, but rather helps the reader see where the child is on the spectrum from a temporary situation to a more chronic problem in need of more intense assistance.

Step-by-step approach to analyzing problems and solving them

This book goes through the process psychologist Dr. Turecki would take if you brought your child to his office for counseling, using several case studies to illustrate his points (which are common areas of concern). He starts by helping you determine the actual problems your family is experiencing, and getting past everyone's emotional reactions. Turecki discusses common discipline problems and how parents may unknowingly contribute to them, and how parents can talk to each other (even when they disagree). Guidelines are given on how to choose which behaviors to start working on changing, and how to describe the problem objectively. One of the strengths of this book is you are then guided in thoroughly looking at your child's temperament and history to help you see the issues in his or her unique situation which will help you in finding solutions. Turecki does not pretend that one solution works for all children, since children have inborn temperaments which affect how they relate to the world. The author gives practical advice for specific behaviours and provides guidelines to knowing when to seek professional help, and how to work with teachers. As a teacher, child care worker, lay counselor and mother I found this book to be one of the best on the subject. If you enjoyed Kids Are Worth It, Raising Your Spirited Child, or How to Talk so Kids Will Listen, you will find this book a welcome addition to your library.