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Parenting Resources
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Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12
by Thomas W. Phelan
In this 2-hour video, Dr.
Phelan, a clinical psychologist, speaks to an audience of parents about
this effective discipline program focused on the use of counting and
time-outs. You've done that, you say? Well, watch the tape and see what
Dr. Phelan suggests. Following this program consistently will help
your kids to STOP doing what you don't want them to do (arguing, whining,
tantrums) and will encourage your kids to START doing what you want them
to do (cleaning rooms, going to bed, homework, etc.). The video also
includes advice for handling misbehavior in public, dealing with
manipulation, and steps for building self-esteem.
Your
Defiant Child: 8 Steps to Better Behavior
by Russell A. Barkley & Christine M. Benton
This book discusses what causes defiance in children,
when it becomes a problem, and how it can be resolved. The eight-step
program emphasizes consistency and cooperation, and promoting changes
through a system of praise, rewards, and mild punishment.
Resources for parents and children about separation
and divorce
Helping
Your Kids Cope with Divorce: The Sandcastles Way
by M. Gary Neuman
A comprehensive guide on helping your child cope with divorce,
including advice on telling your child about the divorce, developing a
co-parenting relationship with your ex-spouse, communicating with your
child through play, and how children of every age experience and deal
with divorce. The book also addresses custody and visitation, helping
your child by helping yourself, talking to your child about dating, and
finally, the issue of step-families.
I
Don't Want to Talk To About It
By Jeanie Franz Ransom
This book for children is appropriate for all elementary-aged
children. It is aimed at helping children of divorce deal with their new,
difficult, and conflicting emotions. As the parents of a little girl tell
her about their impending separation, the narrative goes through the
range of the child's possible emotions. The child in the book imagines
herself to be a variety of animals that would allow her to express these
emotions. When her father tells her that it's OK to be scared, her
response is, "I wanted to be a lion with a roar so loud that everyone
would think I was very brave." Assurances of her parents' continued
love and that certain family rituals will remain the same make her feel
better. The book concludes with a two-page note to parents suggesting
ways to deal with their children's reactions.
Dinosaurs
Divorce: A Guide for Changing Families
By Laurene & Marc Brown
This book for children addresses a variety of issues
that come with divorce, including why parents divorce, living with one
parent and visiting the other, celebrating holidays and special
occasions, telling your friends, and dating and remarriage. One pages
simply states, "Divorce takes place between mothers and fathers. You
are not to blame if your parents get divorced." Every page is
colorfully illustrated with cartoons of a dinosaur child and his or her
family.
Resources about Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity
Disorder
The
ADD/ADHD Checklist: An Easy Reference for Parents & Teachers
by Sandra Rief, M.A.
The purpose of this book is to better understand
children and teenagers with ADD/ ADHD and the kind of support and
intervention that is necessary for their success. It begins by providing
information about the characteristics of the disorder, then provides tips
on advocating for and supporting an ADD/ADHD child.
ADHD
in the Young Child: Driven to Redirection
A Guide for Parents and Teachers of Young Children with ADHD
by Cathy L. Reimers
This is a good first book to consult about the
characteristics of ADHD and simple steps to take to help your child. The
first section of the book is devoted to a brief yet thorough overview of
ADHD. The second part is devoted to one page guides on dealing with
particular problems areas at home or school. The front side of each page
describes the characteristics a child will show in the situation, and the
back side gives a list of practical strategies and suggestions to help
the child in that situation.
Resources on miscellaneous topics
Jessica
and the Wolf: A Story for Children Who Have Bad Dreams
by Ted Lobby
All children have bad dreams. They can usually be
comforted with a hug or a lullaby, but sometimes nightmares persist, and
a more serious response may be needed. Jessica and the Wolf tells the
story of a young girl who dreams nightly of being chased by a sleek,
black wolf. She discusses the problem with her parents, and together they
devise a plan. Armed with her parents' support, her faithful teddy bear,
and a large dose of her own personal "magic". Jessica succeeds
in vanquishing the wolf. This delightful story offers a spirited and
useful tool for children and parents to deal with troubled dreams. It
also increases children's confidence in their own ability to solve life's
problems.
The
Saddest Time
by Norma Simon
This children's book tells three separate stories
about children's experiences with death. The first tells how a boy deals
with the death of his uncle. The second, how students deal with the
sudden death of a classmate. The third tells of a girl who is at the
bedside with her family when her grandmother dies. Each one deals with
the sad feelings surrounding death, but also celebrates the life of the
deceased individual. Each story ends with how the children cope and come
to terms with loss. Before and after each story are poems that connect death
with the celebration of life. These explain that endings and beginnings
are all connected. The author deals with a child's sadness and gently
shows ways of coping.
Alexander
Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move
by Judith Viorst
Alexander is snarling and scowling because he has to
move. He won't pack. His parents try to be sympathetic, but Alexander
broods about what he'll miss and fantasizes that he'll hide and stay
behind. The illustrations and the examples given express the depth of
Alexander's feelings. Gradually, a few images of the new home creep in.
Reluctantly he begins to pack. This story of being uprooted provides
wonderful empathy for the child's point of view. Alexander just can't
bear it. Kids will laugh at the wild exaggeration even as they recognize
his heartfelt grief. This book is a great starting point for discussion
with your children if your family faces this change.
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