Raising the Challenging Child Book Review

I thought that Raising the Challenging Child: How to Minimize Meltdowns, Reduce Conflict, and Increase Cooperation by Wendy Lyons Sunshine sounded like an interesting book that might have some pointers on different things to do when raising children which is always something that I like to hear.  I thought it would also be helpful for working at preschool too.

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.

I like the beginning with the relationship bank because it gives information because it talks about how you need to have a good balance with the yes and nos.  There is some information about calming down which is helpful.  I thought that the book was a little strange because it wasn't really written from one person's perspective but rather constantly quoting staff at a facility but that was the only thing that was a little different. Although the examples were helpful and gave good descriptions of the problems to help illustrate the resolution.  I am not sure it is super helpful for a challenging child but there are a few helpful hints included.  I am all for learning anything that we can from reading interesting books.  I think that it would be more helpful for a first time parent or someone who is looking for a quick solution to the problems that they discuss.  I think that it might also provide ideas that you haven't tried to deal with some problems.  I hope that you get some helpful hints to try and find at least one thing that will help you and your family.

**I got a copy of the book to read for my review but I was not expected to post a positive review.