Curious Not Furious: Empowering children to take charge of their brains and behaviour - a practical toolkit

by Alison Rendle

‘This book combines academic research with a clear, proven pathway to better outcomes for young people – in an entirely readable way.’ – Sarah Edwards, secondary school headteacher ‘I’ve been a foster parent for thirteen years and I can honestly say that the approaches within this book are life changing for how you can support young people and yourself for better mental health outcomes . ’ – Liz Saunders, foster parent More than ever before, young people face tough challenges as they navigate their way through our fast-changing and often confusing world. It can be hard for them to know how to respond to the situations they face, especially if they don’t yet have the skills they need. In Curious Not Furious , Alison Rendle and Kit Messenger explain how you can support young people to develop their skills to cope with these challenges now and in the future. Based on the latest research into neuroscience, psychology, attachment and trauma, this book is packed with examples, stories, models and tools that will help you respond effectively and with kindness, no matter what happens. Whether you are a professional, a parent – or both – this book will help you Curious Not Furious is essential reading for any adult who wants to build their skills to support young people to be at their best. It can be read in its own right but it also sits alongside the ground-breaking Empowerment Approach Training Programme, created and delivered by Changing Chances CIC®.

Genres: Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

Published March 14, 2023

Reviews

[Graham Caldow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this book had been around when my daughter, who has additional needs, was younger. It would have been such a useful resource to support us as a family as we supported her on her journey. The empowerment approach that the authors explain so clearly would have certainly helped her at those times when she struggled to understand why she was feeling a certain way.

The section on how our children's brains work was particularly insightful, especially the explanation of the six executive function skills and the important role they play in how our children respond to the world around them. It was also refreshing to be reminded these are skills that can be learned, and this positive approach very much fits in with the author stance that nobody rises to low expectations.

The authors have also developed a unique approach using animal scales to help explain the six executive function skills and how we all have different strengths. I found this was a really easy way to talk with my daughter about things like memory, attention, and emotional regulation in a way she found entertaining, accessible, and which she wanted to talk about more.

The tips and what to think about sections also made it easy to apply the ideas in each chapter. The short case studies to illustrate points also added extra insights showing how the ideas in the book could be applied.

Although this is a book of ideas to better support our children to be happy and confident, much of what is in here like how to get “brain fit” is useful to most of us.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is supporting their child to build the skills they need to live more independently.

[Patricia Rykiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Alison Rendle and Kit Messenger you are in a safe pair of educational hands. A book for everyone who wants some 'brain shaping' to help empower the young people in their lives. There are clearly presented steps and tips, plus real stories in Curious Not Furious. The easy-to-understand presentation (and little visuals) gives off good vibes! My parent brain feels engaged, more confident, and ready to respond calmly to the tricky kid moments. Top Marks!

[Caitlin W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super interesting, definitely gave me things to think about!