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Raising the Challenging Child: How to Minimize Meltdowns, Reduce Conflict, and Increase Cooperation
What's the worst you've ever faced as a parent? An all-out tantrum at the mall? A son who won't take out his earbuds to listen to you? A daughter who's failing at school and won't do her homework? A teen who constantly breaks curfew? A call from the police? Whatever you're dealing with, Raising the Challenging Child will help.
Building on their work at Chaddock, a nonprofit organization that has worked with some of the most challenging kids in the nation for more than 150 years, the authors empower frustrated parents with practical tips and real-life examples on how to
- minimize behavioral meltdowns
- reduce conflict
- increase cooperation
- promote healthy attachment
- improve family relationships
The strategies they share work both for the child who is going through a difficult phase brought on by life disruption or trauma, and for the child who faces chronic struggles. Parents, teachers, and those who work with children and youth will find positive, practical steps they can start taking today in order to understand and address the baffling behavior of the child under their care.
Building on their work at Chaddock, a nonprofit organization that has worked with some of the most challenging kids in the nation for more than 150 years, the authors empower frustrated parents with practical tips and real-life examples on how to
- minimize behavioral meltdowns
- reduce conflict
- increase cooperation
- promote healthy attachment
- improve family relationships
The strategies they share work both for the child who is going through a difficult phase brought on by life disruption or trauma, and for the child who faces chronic struggles. Parents, teachers, and those who work with children and youth will find positive, practical steps they can start taking today in order to understand and address the baffling behavior of the child under their care.
- GenresParentingNonfiction
272 pages, Paperback
Published January 7, 2020
76 people are currently reading
1233 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 20, 2019
So much you just need to help with parenting a child from hard places this is a must book to help, empower and encourage parents to see beyond the behavior!
January 1, 2020
This book is filled with excellent research-based strategies to improve EVERY relationship! As a school counselor, I have parents often seeking how to best deal with a variety of issues. “Raising the Challenging Child” eloquently addresses how parents or anyone can navigate and help change challenging behaviors. I will be encouraging many of my students’ parents to buy this book!
A great analogy from the book, to make more deposits in the relationship “bank” (specific genuine compliments, spending time listening, and sharing fun activities, etc.) than withdrawals (not trying to understand another perspective, having to say “no”, etc.) can be used to improve any relationship! The book is also filled with real-life situations and strategies proven to get to the thoughts and feelings driving undesirable behaviors. Parents can then help their children learn better ways to cope based on the authors’ suggestions.
I highly recommend this well-organized, wisdom-packed guide to anyone desiring to improve and deepen connections with their children and others.
Constance Bracey, M.S.Ed., NCC
A great analogy from the book, to make more deposits in the relationship “bank” (specific genuine compliments, spending time listening, and sharing fun activities, etc.) than withdrawals (not trying to understand another perspective, having to say “no”, etc.) can be used to improve any relationship! The book is also filled with real-life situations and strategies proven to get to the thoughts and feelings driving undesirable behaviors. Parents can then help their children learn better ways to cope based on the authors’ suggestions.
I highly recommend this well-organized, wisdom-packed guide to anyone desiring to improve and deepen connections with their children and others.
Constance Bracey, M.S.Ed., NCC
November 22, 2019
The book is written in a style that is easy to read. I like the numerous TIPs, which are useful one-line summaries, and the many anecdotes that were shared. At the end of each chapter there is a “Perhaps you’ve done this... Instead, try this... section”. It helps with self-reflection.
December 31, 2019
Raising the Challenging Child by Buckwalter, Reed, Sunshine is the best tool not only for parents, going-to-be-parents, but also for teachers. I cannot tell you how many times, this book would have came in handy when dealing with difficult students. Knowing what to say, how to say what we should have said, and how to promote better attitudes is exactly what teachers need.
There are always going to the group of kids every year that behave differently and need a different softer but firm approach unlike the rest of their peers. Sure, teachers use the soft yet firm approach but depending on how we say could maximize or minimize the affect we have on that student.
Children know what is expected and what wrong is from right. However, there are times they still misbehave and cause trouble not only for their parents but also for teachers during school time.
Let's face it, teachers see the kids every day for 5-days a week totaling 30 hours each week.
From early morning to mid-afternoon, children's behavior can change like the wind. I loved how this book not only demonstrated issues and what could have been done or said differently but how to promote good and healthy behaviors in and among students.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
There are always going to the group of kids every year that behave differently and need a different softer but firm approach unlike the rest of their peers. Sure, teachers use the soft yet firm approach but depending on how we say could maximize or minimize the affect we have on that student.
Children know what is expected and what wrong is from right. However, there are times they still misbehave and cause trouble not only for their parents but also for teachers during school time.
Let's face it, teachers see the kids every day for 5-days a week totaling 30 hours each week.
From early morning to mid-afternoon, children's behavior can change like the wind. I loved how this book not only demonstrated issues and what could have been done or said differently but how to promote good and healthy behaviors in and among students.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
January 26, 2020
This book is titled Raising the Challenging Child but I believe that it offers excellent advice for rasing all children. Parenting is never easy and guiding a child to adulthood can seem overwhelming but this book offers a wealth of information. Divided in three parts, it focuses on (1) the parent or caregiver; (2) the child; and (3) the steps for parent and child to follow so that conflict can be reduced and cooperation will increase. I was impressed with the excellent advice in the thirty chapters and I especially liked that each chapter offered sections such as " Perhaps you've done this...instead, try this...", "Perhaps you've said this...instead, say this...", and "Perhaps you've thought...instead, try considering this..." I often found myself thinking "Wow, I really have done that!"
I was eager to read this book and I believe that Raising the Challenging Child is a valuable resource for ANYONE who works with children!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
I was eager to read this book and I believe that Raising the Challenging Child is a valuable resource for ANYONE who works with children!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
December 6, 2019
A very well put together, practical book. I particularly like how often natural consequences are used, as I’m a big proponent of those. This is a simple, straight forward toolbox for the overwhelmed parent. The scenarios and tips are helpful, as are the tried and true methods that are explained in detail. I think this is a great book for every parent, and not necessarily one with a challenging child. Thank you to the publisher for the free review copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 30, 2019
Raising the Challenging Child is an invaluable resource for parents, caregivers, educators, and counselors alike. Filled with practical advice and new and varied strategies to apply to any type of challenging behavior, this is a toolbox that I will revisit over and over.
The authors focus on warm connection and providing a stable place for children to land in an increasingly unstable and disconnected culture. The practical application within every chapter provides wonderful “at-a-glance” expert advice without requiring an in depth reading. If you do have a chance to read chapter by chapter, you will have the opportunity to reflect on your own pitfalls as a parent, to dig deeper into a stronger emotional connection with your child, and the lens to view and celebrate successful growth.
The authors focus on warm connection and providing a stable place for children to land in an increasingly unstable and disconnected culture. The practical application within every chapter provides wonderful “at-a-glance” expert advice without requiring an in depth reading. If you do have a chance to read chapter by chapter, you will have the opportunity to reflect on your own pitfalls as a parent, to dig deeper into a stronger emotional connection with your child, and the lens to view and celebrate successful growth.
December 30, 2019
To often we read, or offer to friends or clients a book to read to help them with parenting that is hard to access for various reasons: 1) too long, 2) too clinical, 3) too unrealistic. This book is not one of those! It is simple and straightforward in both its explanations and examples. I can see parents first reading this in one go, but then returning to it again and again as a resource and reminder at key ages and stages. Most importantly perhaps is the fact that it’s guidance is applicable to both families of “challenging children” and those that are just making their way through normative parent/child developmental milestones with a few bumps along the way. It will be one I keep close even as I begin to wrap up my stint at parenting and someday turn to grand-parenting.
February 24, 2022
Of all the parenting books I’ve read (and I’ve read a LOT) this is my favorite! It’s like all the best things I’ve pulled from other parenting books compacted into one book. My ideal parenting style. It’s respectful but firm & consistent parenting and the tips and examples in this book are so good. Also, it applies to all ages of kids - toddlers through teens. If you only pick up one parenting book ever, make it this. I don’t know how it’s not more popular!
January 7, 2020
As a clinical social worker who is also an RPT (registered play therapist), and has been through Level 1 Theraplay training, I love how this book is readable and will be a great book to recommend to parents and teachers.
The short chapters have great content with highlighted tips and examples of age-appropriate ways to talk to kids at the end of each chapter.
The short chapters have great content with highlighted tips and examples of age-appropriate ways to talk to kids at the end of each chapter.
December 23, 2019
I have read so many parenting books over the past 5 years since becoming a parent. Therefore, I can attest to what is helpful and not helpful advice. Most of what I read in "Raising the Challenging Child" is advice I heard from other sources. It is a very comprehensive book and you can tell the authors did a lot of research and took from their own experience. I think most of the advice is applicable and helpful especially if you are a first time parent. However, I think the title is misleading. While some of the suggestions would help a child who is "challenging," I was hoping for more discussion of how to work with a strong-willed child. My oldest son was very hard to raise and I had to do a lot of trial and error before finding something that worked. (Not saying "no," as the authors suggest, only works to a point.) If you are looking for a book that gives you guidelines on how to help raise children in general, this book would be helpful to you. If however you want a book more focused on a true challenging child, try "You Can't Make Me (But I can be persuaded)," "Setting Limits with your Strong-willed Child," "Raising your Spirited Child" and "The Difficult Child."
*I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher prior to its release. The opinions and review are mine.*
*I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher prior to its release. The opinions and review are mine.*
December 31, 2019
This is one of the best parenting books I have ever read. The scenarios presented are very realistic, as are the tips and techniques suggested (most of which are explained in detail for those who may never have used them before). I love that natural consequences are encouraged, as I have used those with all of my children and grandchildren for over 30 years now.
Not only did I find the book useful for myself, but I also passed it onto my oldest grandson's other grandmother, and she has been using the techniques with him on a daily basis (she lives with his family).
This is a wonderful book for all parents, even those who may not be avid readers. It is a quick easy read, without much technical writing, simple to follow and understand.
*I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher prior to its release. The opinions and review are mine.*
Not only did I find the book useful for myself, but I also passed it onto my oldest grandson's other grandmother, and she has been using the techniques with him on a daily basis (she lives with his family).
This is a wonderful book for all parents, even those who may not be avid readers. It is a quick easy read, without much technical writing, simple to follow and understand.
*I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher prior to its release. The opinions and review are mine.*
December 4, 2019
This book is full of practical examples for handling common challenging behaviors. If you feel like you've read every trauma-informed parenting book known to man, there's not too much new here. If you are raising a really hard child, you may feel like this book is too simple and doubt that it will actually work. However, if you're a fan of The Connected Child and feel like your life revolves around your child, Raising the Challenging Child will help you raise structure. To be successful our kids need both high nurture and high structure.
For more neurotypical kids, this book is gold. I'm tempted to get it for every new mom I know. After all, our kids don't come with manuals!
For more neurotypical kids, this book is gold. I'm tempted to get it for every new mom I know. After all, our kids don't come with manuals!
January 7, 2020
I’m an avid reader of parenting and classroom management books for 20 plus years. This resource with the examples and scripts built in is exactly what tired weary parents and teachers need. The tips. Seal the deal.
This is the parenting book for the non-reader. Achievable. Simple. Clear to understand. Takes a heart focused on serving and growing kids to achieve. And do overs galore. Grace as it’s best modeled for us.
This is the parenting book for the reader. Well formatted. Clear strategies. A book to be read over and over to remind you that you are growing and improving as a parent and that it matters.
Whether you are parenting a child from a hard place, a neurotypical child, or a special needs child, this book brings all the best practice strategies of research alive and models them well with tips, scripts, and real life examples.
I rarely give a book five stars, but this book is well deserving of this high accolade! Pre-order it today.
This is the parenting book for the non-reader. Achievable. Simple. Clear to understand. Takes a heart focused on serving and growing kids to achieve. And do overs galore. Grace as it’s best modeled for us.
This is the parenting book for the reader. Well formatted. Clear strategies. A book to be read over and over to remind you that you are growing and improving as a parent and that it matters.
Whether you are parenting a child from a hard place, a neurotypical child, or a special needs child, this book brings all the best practice strategies of research alive and models them well with tips, scripts, and real life examples.
I rarely give a book five stars, but this book is well deserving of this high accolade! Pre-order it today.
January 13, 2020
**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
About the Book:
What's the worst you've ever faced as a parent? An all-out tantrum at the mall? A son who won't take out his earbuds to listen to you? A daughter who's failing at school and won't do her homework? A teen who constantly breaks curfew? A call from the police? Whatever you're dealing with, Raising the Challenging Child will help.
Building on their work at Chaddock, a nonprofit organization that has worked with some of the most challenging kids in the nation for more than 150 years, the authors empower frustrated parents with practical tips and real-life examples on how to
- minimize behavioral meltdowns
- reduce conflict
- increase cooperation
- promote healthy attachment
- improve family relationships
The strategies they share work both for the child who is going through a difficult phase brought on by life disruption or trauma, and for the child who faces chronic struggles. Parents, teachers, and those who work with children and youth will find positive, practical steps they can start taking today in order to understand and address the baffling behavior of the child under their care.
My Review:
Well, let me tell you what having a child that challenges you at every turn is NOT easy. Ever! Parents have a hard enough time these days without their children not cooperating. The generation we are living with these days is beyond "out of control". Our kids are subjected to things we never were at that age and it makes this mama very sad. My boys see things and hear things and learn about things that I never want them to see, especially at their age. To me, they should be left along to experience being children.
With all that being said, you have to see that they have so many things being thrown at them on a daily basis, it can be hard for them to decipher what is real and what isn't. Its our jobs as parents to clear the clutter and show them whats important in life. Raising the Challenging Child, will show you many ways to approach a child that well, challenges you at every turn. This book will be able to help no matter the situation. The authors have tried to think about this from every angle.
And as a parent I welcome this. We need something like this as a virtual guidebook to help our kiddos today before its too late.
About the Book:
What's the worst you've ever faced as a parent? An all-out tantrum at the mall? A son who won't take out his earbuds to listen to you? A daughter who's failing at school and won't do her homework? A teen who constantly breaks curfew? A call from the police? Whatever you're dealing with, Raising the Challenging Child will help.
Building on their work at Chaddock, a nonprofit organization that has worked with some of the most challenging kids in the nation for more than 150 years, the authors empower frustrated parents with practical tips and real-life examples on how to
- minimize behavioral meltdowns
- reduce conflict
- increase cooperation
- promote healthy attachment
- improve family relationships
The strategies they share work both for the child who is going through a difficult phase brought on by life disruption or trauma, and for the child who faces chronic struggles. Parents, teachers, and those who work with children and youth will find positive, practical steps they can start taking today in order to understand and address the baffling behavior of the child under their care.
My Review:
Well, let me tell you what having a child that challenges you at every turn is NOT easy. Ever! Parents have a hard enough time these days without their children not cooperating. The generation we are living with these days is beyond "out of control". Our kids are subjected to things we never were at that age and it makes this mama very sad. My boys see things and hear things and learn about things that I never want them to see, especially at their age. To me, they should be left along to experience being children.
With all that being said, you have to see that they have so many things being thrown at them on a daily basis, it can be hard for them to decipher what is real and what isn't. Its our jobs as parents to clear the clutter and show them whats important in life. Raising the Challenging Child, will show you many ways to approach a child that well, challenges you at every turn. This book will be able to help no matter the situation. The authors have tried to think about this from every angle.
And as a parent I welcome this. We need something like this as a virtual guidebook to help our kiddos today before its too late.
January 14, 2020
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell at Baker Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts below are my own.
I chose this book to read and review because as newly licensed foster parents, I thought this would perhaps provide us with some insight on parenting children who’ve faced trauma, changes and challenges in their young lives. Upon reading this new, nonfiction release from Revell, I was delighted to find a valuable resource with practical tips, tried and proven methods, and easy to apply techniques for any parent, teacher, resource worker or caregiver!
This book was easy to read, well planned and simple to reference at a moment’s notice. As a reader, and parent, I enjoyed the real-life illustrations that were used as well as the highlighted tips and “Try This” segments. The insights from Chaddock staff (the resource center for children which the authors are affiliated) and parents are also thought provoking and helpful.
I recommend this book to caregivers of any child or teen, even the most complacent, well disciplined child or teenager. Raising the Challenging Child can act as a guide; a well-planned resource offering advice that encourages caregivers to not only to be well intentioned in their thoughts and actions, but also proactive. By simply learning not to react to situations and emotions a child may present, a caregiver can choose to use positive, relationship building language and actions to steer their child to proper behavior. In the premise of this book, the authors encourage caregivers to invest into the “relationship bank” with their child(ren) and offered ways to do so as well as avoid ways to deplete that “bank” by using negative responses and instructions. This concept is profitable in creating a spirit of connection and understanding with your child or teen. This book is less about disciplining a child and more about cultivating a strong, respectful bond with your child while utilizing tools and techniques that build and strengthen a child’s behavior and character. I believe any parent will find this resource useful and be able to apply some, or all, of the techniques mentioned to their own situations. This book may also be especially useful to foster and adoptive parents, single or divorced parents and parents of the strong willed child.
I chose this book to read and review because as newly licensed foster parents, I thought this would perhaps provide us with some insight on parenting children who’ve faced trauma, changes and challenges in their young lives. Upon reading this new, nonfiction release from Revell, I was delighted to find a valuable resource with practical tips, tried and proven methods, and easy to apply techniques for any parent, teacher, resource worker or caregiver!
This book was easy to read, well planned and simple to reference at a moment’s notice. As a reader, and parent, I enjoyed the real-life illustrations that were used as well as the highlighted tips and “Try This” segments. The insights from Chaddock staff (the resource center for children which the authors are affiliated) and parents are also thought provoking and helpful.
I recommend this book to caregivers of any child or teen, even the most complacent, well disciplined child or teenager. Raising the Challenging Child can act as a guide; a well-planned resource offering advice that encourages caregivers to not only to be well intentioned in their thoughts and actions, but also proactive. By simply learning not to react to situations and emotions a child may present, a caregiver can choose to use positive, relationship building language and actions to steer their child to proper behavior. In the premise of this book, the authors encourage caregivers to invest into the “relationship bank” with their child(ren) and offered ways to do so as well as avoid ways to deplete that “bank” by using negative responses and instructions. This concept is profitable in creating a spirit of connection and understanding with your child or teen. This book is less about disciplining a child and more about cultivating a strong, respectful bond with your child while utilizing tools and techniques that build and strengthen a child’s behavior and character. I believe any parent will find this resource useful and be able to apply some, or all, of the techniques mentioned to their own situations. This book may also be especially useful to foster and adoptive parents, single or divorced parents and parents of the strong willed child.
January 6, 2020
Raising the Challenging Child was a wonderful read. First of all, there are hundreds of parenting books out there. However, this one presents in a way that is extremely informative and clear, yet does not have a judgmental sort of tone that some take on. As a parent who is struggling with their child in any capacity, it takes a lot of courage to reach out for help or try to look outward for answers. The authors did a beautiful job of balancing their knowledge of the top things that would benefit any parent-child relationship and support a child’s social-emotional development with a tone that is gentle, encouraging, and suggestive to the reader. The book is broken out into three sections: Be a Leader, Dig Deeper, & Prepare for Success. While the information inside includes critically important topics for parents (a few of my favorites: balancing structure and nurture; how to help children calm down; why we share power to gain power; limit-setting and being playful; understanding the need underneath the behavior; helping children feel validated and valued; looking inward as parents; healthy touch; and setting limits without saying no), it is done in a way which is easy to understand and even easier to practice. The book is full of concrete, practical ways to implement the mini “lessons.” They include tables with examples of ways you “perhaps” might be parenting, and if so, concrete examples to try it or think about it differently. The book is filled with “strategies that help,” different ways to get curious and understand your child’s behaviors, and concrete ways to respond. What’s even better for very busy parents who may be struggling with challenging behaviors, is that they can flip to sections to get the immediate information and suggestions needed for what they are struggling with in their family and it would make sense without reading cover to cover. As a therapist and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant, this book is going in my list of top books to recommend to parents and to professionals in the helping field working with children and their caregivers.
January 28, 2020
This book is divided into 3 parts: Be a Leader, Dig Deeper, and Prepare for Success. “Be a Leader” focuses on the parent, “Dig Deeper” focuses of the child, and “Prepare for Success” lays out steps for child and parent to help reduce trigger points.
First, I was very impressed with the three authors experiences and insight to this topic. Alot of times we don’t want to “label” or even think that our child(ren) can be difficult or challenging. But the reality is, that every child is different and will respond to different methods of praise and discipline. It can be very frustrating and overwhelming when a child doesn’t respond or interact the way we as parents want or expect them too.
In the introduction it says, “We hope you will view this book not as a checklist but as a toolbox filled with thirty tools that have proven effective even in the most difficult situations. You won’t need every tool for every child, but these lessons will help prepare you for a range of common situations…You can read the lessons in order or head straight to the one that speaks to a current challenge you may be facing.”
I have 2 boys and I have been a fitness blogger and group fitness instructor (working with women and kids) for over 7 years now so I LOVED chapter 23: “Every two hours, feed and water the kids”. It is SO true that as our kids get older (leaving the baby and toddler stage) we sometimes forget the basic needs of a child (eating and sleeping) and how often they need to be taken care of. Parents and children get too involved and don’t want to stop doing an activity or project which could then result in dehydration, moodiness, grumpy, snarky behavior. The chapter offers suggestions and solutions to this issue which fortunately I have tried and do on a regular basis-and it works!
I think this book would be VERY helpful, whether you feel like you have a “challenging” child or not. It’s filled with lots of practical day to day advise that every parent needs to hear and at least try once.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
First, I was very impressed with the three authors experiences and insight to this topic. Alot of times we don’t want to “label” or even think that our child(ren) can be difficult or challenging. But the reality is, that every child is different and will respond to different methods of praise and discipline. It can be very frustrating and overwhelming when a child doesn’t respond or interact the way we as parents want or expect them too.
In the introduction it says, “We hope you will view this book not as a checklist but as a toolbox filled with thirty tools that have proven effective even in the most difficult situations. You won’t need every tool for every child, but these lessons will help prepare you for a range of common situations…You can read the lessons in order or head straight to the one that speaks to a current challenge you may be facing.”
I have 2 boys and I have been a fitness blogger and group fitness instructor (working with women and kids) for over 7 years now so I LOVED chapter 23: “Every two hours, feed and water the kids”. It is SO true that as our kids get older (leaving the baby and toddler stage) we sometimes forget the basic needs of a child (eating and sleeping) and how often they need to be taken care of. Parents and children get too involved and don’t want to stop doing an activity or project which could then result in dehydration, moodiness, grumpy, snarky behavior. The chapter offers suggestions and solutions to this issue which fortunately I have tried and do on a regular basis-and it works!
I think this book would be VERY helpful, whether you feel like you have a “challenging” child or not. It’s filled with lots of practical day to day advise that every parent needs to hear and at least try once.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
January 7, 2020
If you have a child, work with children, or work with families who have children you know you don't have a lot of time on your hands. You don't have time to manage difficult behaviors and emotional outbursts but you also don't have time to spend hours reading a textbook on how to do this effectively.
Refreshingly, Raising the Challenging Child is not that textbook. Full of easy-to-implement strategies based upon years of research and first-hand experience of some of the most challenging children in the nation, this book will soon become your go-to read when navigating your own child's problematic presentations.
What I love about this book:
- Easy to read - I can tell the strategies in the book are founded in science and research, but I don't have to spend forever re-reading pages that are complex and hard to understand.
- It's a "pick up and put down" book - After reading the book once I know that I can go straight to the contents page and pick out an area I want to focus my time and energy on developing, without having to read the whole book again.
- Real-life scenarios - The fact that these strategies have also been developed from daily experiences of the Chaddock staff in their interactions with children tells me that they understand my own real-life experiences with children; I am able to relate to this book.
- Positive, strengths-based approaches throughout - There is no need to expend energy on raising your voice or engaging in power struggles. The proactive strategies within the book all work to minimize the need for conflict.
Refreshingly, Raising the Challenging Child is not that textbook. Full of easy-to-implement strategies based upon years of research and first-hand experience of some of the most challenging children in the nation, this book will soon become your go-to read when navigating your own child's problematic presentations.
What I love about this book:
- Easy to read - I can tell the strategies in the book are founded in science and research, but I don't have to spend forever re-reading pages that are complex and hard to understand.
- It's a "pick up and put down" book - After reading the book once I know that I can go straight to the contents page and pick out an area I want to focus my time and energy on developing, without having to read the whole book again.
- Real-life scenarios - The fact that these strategies have also been developed from daily experiences of the Chaddock staff in their interactions with children tells me that they understand my own real-life experiences with children; I am able to relate to this book.
- Positive, strengths-based approaches throughout - There is no need to expend energy on raising your voice or engaging in power struggles. The proactive strategies within the book all work to minimize the need for conflict.
March 7, 2020
I started reading this book pretty cynically, thinking this was going to be all about talking in the right tone of voice and feeling like my child would walk all over me because I couldn't actually give consequences for bad behavior. And if I would just talk right my children would all listen.
Yes, there was definitely an emphasis on changing the way you talk to a child, but there was so much more too. Respond instead of react. Hear what they are saying. Put the phone down and give the child your full attention. Apologize if you make a mistake. Instead of just telling them to stop it and grow up, use kindness and try to understand what they are feeling. Look what's behind your own reactions.
I finished this book at the beginning of a potentially hairy week. I had a good conversation with a friend about different styles of parenting and I finished this book and I tried to be more understanding with my five year old this week and we both had a really good week. I think God knew I was going to need some help and so he prompted me to read and to heed and I'm glad I did.
Another very comforting thing they said in the book was this: "Children need a 'good enough' parent, not a perfect parent Some people may offer unsolicited advice. Don't focus on them! Your parenting is not about them or their opinions."
"A child needs kindness the most in times when we least want to give it because of their behavior."
This is a book I should probably reread at various points in this parenting journey. My children are still young and fairly easy to talk to and guide, but in a few years we will be at a different phase of parenting. I don't think it will be a bad phase, but a different phase, with different challenges and I might need the refresher course.
I did enjoy the book and am happy to report that it has helped my parenting, for at least one week!!!
I received this book from Revell and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Yes, there was definitely an emphasis on changing the way you talk to a child, but there was so much more too. Respond instead of react. Hear what they are saying. Put the phone down and give the child your full attention. Apologize if you make a mistake. Instead of just telling them to stop it and grow up, use kindness and try to understand what they are feeling. Look what's behind your own reactions.
I finished this book at the beginning of a potentially hairy week. I had a good conversation with a friend about different styles of parenting and I finished this book and I tried to be more understanding with my five year old this week and we both had a really good week. I think God knew I was going to need some help and so he prompted me to read and to heed and I'm glad I did.
Another very comforting thing they said in the book was this: "Children need a 'good enough' parent, not a perfect parent Some people may offer unsolicited advice. Don't focus on them! Your parenting is not about them or their opinions."
"A child needs kindness the most in times when we least want to give it because of their behavior."
This is a book I should probably reread at various points in this parenting journey. My children are still young and fairly easy to talk to and guide, but in a few years we will be at a different phase of parenting. I don't think it will be a bad phase, but a different phase, with different challenges and I might need the refresher course.
I did enjoy the book and am happy to report that it has helped my parenting, for at least one week!!!
I received this book from Revell and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 22, 2020
Minimizing meltdowns, reducing conflict, and increasing cooperation. If you have ever raised a child that has spent a consistent amount of time on steroids those sound like lifelines for your desperate soul. Other than that my experiences with a “challenging child” are limited to the challenges that come with every child.
Whether you’re dealing with tantrums or a battle of wills – while also getting well-intended but conflicting advice from others and wanting to appear as if you “have it all together” – at one time or another, you’ve probably felt ill-equipped for and overwhelmed by the ask of raising a child.
Raising the Challenging Child, p. 11
My opinions about this book fall into two levels. On the first level I truly appreciated the practical hints and techniques for working with your children. As mentioned earlier, when Jonathan is in a full-blown ‘roid rage I need a bottomless tool box of tips, techniques, and strategies for handling his out of control emotions. The authors, with their backgrounds in child and family issues, have put together such a tool box.
On the second level, as a Christian parent, I am concerned that the book is strictly made up of behavioral modification strategies without the deeper look at your child’s soul. Again, the techniques and strategies provided are great and I do not discount them. However, I would definitely recommend pairing the book with something that focuses more on reaching the heart of your child.
Whether you’re dealing with tantrums or a battle of wills – while also getting well-intended but conflicting advice from others and wanting to appear as if you “have it all together” – at one time or another, you’ve probably felt ill-equipped for and overwhelmed by the ask of raising a child.
Raising the Challenging Child, p. 11
My opinions about this book fall into two levels. On the first level I truly appreciated the practical hints and techniques for working with your children. As mentioned earlier, when Jonathan is in a full-blown ‘roid rage I need a bottomless tool box of tips, techniques, and strategies for handling his out of control emotions. The authors, with their backgrounds in child and family issues, have put together such a tool box.
On the second level, as a Christian parent, I am concerned that the book is strictly made up of behavioral modification strategies without the deeper look at your child’s soul. Again, the techniques and strategies provided are great and I do not discount them. However, I would definitely recommend pairing the book with something that focuses more on reaching the heart of your child.
January 21, 2020
I initially put my name down for this book with my 3yr old in mind. He's by far our most challenging child. However, I find the advice and information from this book relates more toward my older children, one being 9, and the other now 12. I wouldn't say I was disappointed at all, in fact I'm delightfully pleased!! .
My 9yr old and I tend to butt heads, this book helped me see things through his perspective a little better. My 12yr old has always been our more mellow/easy going guy, I now have a better understanding of where his strange/random attitude comes from. .
If you are going to read this (and you should) be ready to swallow your pride, and own up to some of the ways you maybe haven't been "showing up" for your kids. This isn't just about altering your child's behavior, but more importantly about altering your behavior. .
This book has brought to the surface some of my parenting "mistakes" ones that deep down I've known needed to be fixed. While problems aren't solved overnight, I at least have the ground work in place to start a more positive path of life for both my children and myself. .
10 out of 10 I would definitely recommend this book!! .
My 9yr old and I tend to butt heads, this book helped me see things through his perspective a little better. My 12yr old has always been our more mellow/easy going guy, I now have a better understanding of where his strange/random attitude comes from. .
If you are going to read this (and you should) be ready to swallow your pride, and own up to some of the ways you maybe haven't been "showing up" for your kids. This isn't just about altering your child's behavior, but more importantly about altering your behavior. .
This book has brought to the surface some of my parenting "mistakes" ones that deep down I've known needed to be fixed. While problems aren't solved overnight, I at least have the ground work in place to start a more positive path of life for both my children and myself. .
10 out of 10 I would definitely recommend this book!! .
January 22, 2020
Raising the Challenging Child is perfect for anyone who has children. This book isn't just for someone who has a child who is challenging, but let's face it.. Everyone has children who can be challenging at different ages, phases and stages of life. This book is for YOU! This book is a huge resource for every SINGLE parent!
This book is filled with practical advice to apply to all types of challenging behavior and is awesome to have these tools in your tool box. I love how straight forward this book is with examples, and details on how to help work with your children to manage behavior. This book doesn't require indepth reading or for you to be an expert on children management, but instead requires you to have an open mind and heart. I love how this book encourages the emotional connection between the child and the parent. It is just a great book!
Overall, I can't say enough good things about this book. If you are struggling with your child, make sure to pick up a copy today.
This book is filled with practical advice to apply to all types of challenging behavior and is awesome to have these tools in your tool box. I love how straight forward this book is with examples, and details on how to help work with your children to manage behavior. This book doesn't require indepth reading or for you to be an expert on children management, but instead requires you to have an open mind and heart. I love how this book encourages the emotional connection between the child and the parent. It is just a great book!
Overall, I can't say enough good things about this book. If you are struggling with your child, make sure to pick up a copy today.
March 18, 2020
I realized it is not about raising a "challenging child", but learning about how to be a decent, attentive, and patient parent. There are a lot of useful and practical tips on how to avoid and resolve the tantrums of my 3 year old. This comes in very handy in times of increased social distancing in the period of COVID-19.
The tips are relevant for parents with young children and teenagers alike. Really the teenager part made me realized there are still many years of challenges in different forms ahead of us. I feel slightly more prepared. I read a digital copy of this, but will get a physical copy for reference and revision for years to come! I couldn't order one today because it is out of print!
The tips are relevant for parents with young children and teenagers alike. Really the teenager part made me realized there are still many years of challenges in different forms ahead of us. I feel slightly more prepared. I read a digital copy of this, but will get a physical copy for reference and revision for years to come! I couldn't order one today because it is out of print!
December 10, 2019
This book helps parents, caregivers and even teachers with real world tools to use with kids that may be experiencing challenging feelings and behaviors. It has ideas that are both proactive and reactive in nature. Meaning it offers ideas on how we might approach a child in a different way to help prevent the challenges in the first place but also how we might support the child if they are experiencing big feelings and challenging behaviors. It challenges us to look at what we might be bringing to the relationship and how we might shift our focus or efforts in a very impactful way. The authors have developed an easy tool box for anyone taking care of or working with children and youth.
January 22, 2020
Raising the Challenging Child is an easy read; chock full of lessons, tips and applicable strategies to try alongside real-life situations with all children. The book is broken down into three parts which keeps things organized and easy to find when you need to go back and re-read something. What I find most unique is "The Perhaps You’ve Done This, Now Try This" charts that are interspersed throughout the whole book. I don’t think there is anything like this book out there. This is a must read for parents, teachers, therapists, pastors, nanny’s and everyone in between. Can’t say enough about the quality and readability of this book.
December 6, 2019
A book full of tools to help guide your journey. Each child is an individual and needs to have an individualized parenting strategy. After many struggles with one of my children I feel very hopeful after reading this book. I think I will be revisiting this book a few times along the way.
This book may be lengthy but worth the read. I love the way I can go back and pinpoint a section to back when the need arises.
I received a pre-release copy of this book from the publisher.
This book may be lengthy but worth the read. I love the way I can go back and pinpoint a section to back when the need arises.
I received a pre-release copy of this book from the publisher.
December 8, 2022
There are so many great strategies and word by word examples to use in this book. I’ll want to re-read it again as my kids grow older. Unfortunately, it didn’t have a ton to do with the toddler stage but I’m glad to know it’s there for a helpful resource for the future! Like many other reviews noted, this book is helpful for navigating kids and adolescents in general, it doesn’t have to be just for those with trauma.
December 9, 2019
This book is an An amazing hands on book for parents of ALL children not just challenging children!!! Easy pick up and get strategies for parents. Don’t have to read cover to cover. Can be read in pieces and change your relationship with your child
Also great strategies for teachers. Therapists and any professionals Working with families
Also Grandparents!!
Also great strategies for teachers. Therapists and any professionals Working with families
Also Grandparents!!
December 31, 2019
As a parent of two young children, I now feel better equipped for my parenting journey. I’ve gained creative ideas, resourceful tips and exciting ways to execute discipline that I wouldn’t have thought of without the book “Raising the Challenging Child.” This book caters to the average parent and would be an asset for anyone to read.
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