Teens today are forty percent less empathetic than they were thirty years ago. Why is a lack of empathy-which goes hand-in-hand with the self-absorption epidemic Dr. Michele Borba calls the Selfie Syndrome-so dangerous? First, it hurts kids' academic performance and leads to bullying behaviours. Also, it correlates with more cheating and less resilience. And once children grow up, a lack of empathy hampers their ability to collaborate, innovate and problem-solve-all must-have skills for the global economy. In UnSelfie Dr. Borba pinpoints the forces causing the empathy crisis and shares a revolutionary, researched-based, nine-step plan for reversing it. Empathy is a trait that can be taught and nurtured. Dr. Borba offers a framework for parenting that yields the results we all want: successful, happy kids who also are kind, moral, courageous, and resilient. UnSelfie is a blueprint for parents and educators who want to kids shift their focus from I, me, and mine...to we, us, and ours.

Adolescence now lasts longer than ever before. And as world-renowned expert on adolescent psychology Dr. Laurence Steinberg argues, this makes these years the key period in determining individuals' life outcomes, demanding that we change the way we parent, educate, and understand young people. In Age of Opportunity, Steinberg leads readers through a host of new findings - including groundbreaking original research - that reveal what the new timetable of adolescence means for parenting 13-year-olds (who may look more mature than they really are) versus 20-somethings (who may not be floundering even when it looks like they are). He also explains how the plasticity of the adolescent brain, rivaling that of years 0 through 3, suggests new strategies for instilling self-control during the teenage years. Packed with useful knowledge, Age of Opportunity is sweeping book in the tradition of Reviving Ophelia, and an essential guide for parents and educators of teenagers.

This book offers parents and teachers constructive methods of discipline, useful for everyday situations. It documents the long-term negative effects of spanking?how it brutalizes kids and creates violent adults. Irwin Hyman, an expert in the field of home and school discipline, explains in a passionate and compelling style why spanking or hitting children is abusive, destructive, and counterproductive. He then gives common sense advice on alternative forms of discipline, which help to raise happy and emotionally stable children.

Author Biography:
Dr Ruth Westheimer, world-renowned psychosexual therapist, is the author of fiteen books. She lives in New York City. Amos Grunebaum, M.D. is Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York and Assistant Professor at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Reveals the impossible choices and downright terror mixed-status families often face for their loved ones Living in a mixed-status immigrant family might mean that your grandmother could be deported at any moment, your son could be arrested at work, or your mother's deportation hearing is postponed-again. Such uncertainty and fear are the reality of life for mixed-status families-those that include both undocumented immigrants and US citizens. In Contested Americans, Cassaundra Rodriguez explores how members of mixed-status families experience and articulate belonging in the United States. The sixteen million people in the US who fall under this classification share the fear of a family member's possible deportation or the anxiety of leaving behind a child or elderly relative. Rodriguez highlights how different members of the same mixed-status families mediate undocumented statuses while maintaining the collective whole of a family. For many young adults, this may mean negotiating the sponsorship of their immigrant parents, and for the parents, planning for the emotional, physical, and financial well-being of their children in case of deportation. Contested Americans is a timely book, filled with vivid storytelling, that shows how immigration policies, racism, and privilege collide in the backdrop of the lives of millions of mixed-status families.

Teenagers are perplexing, intriguing, and spirited creatures. In an attempt to discover the secrets to their thoughts and actions, parents have tried talking, cajoling, and begging them for answers. The result has usually been just more confusion. But new and exciting light is being shed on these mysterious young adults. What was once thought to be hormones run amuck can now be explained with modern medical technology. MRI and PET scans view the human brain while it is alive and functioning. To no one's surprise, the teenage brain is under heavy construction These discoveries are helping parents understand the (until now) unexplainable teenager. Neuroscience can help parents adjust to the highs and lows of teenage behavior. Typically, this transformation is a prickly proposition for both teens and their families, but the trials and tribulations of adolescence give teenagers a second chance to develop and create the brain they will take into adulthood.

Research shows that parental involvement can result in higher test scores, positive attitudes, and good behavior. If you are a parent looking for practical, hands-on suggestions to help your child succeed in school, look no further! This guide offers advice in promoting academic success among all students. Features: * Real-life stories of parents and their fears about their children's education and their own parenting skills. * Advice to help parents give their children unlimited advantages. * Examples, guides, and tips to get every parent started. The author details six "secrets" that, when mastered will help any child be more successful: 1. Establishing high expectations and setting goals to achieve these expectations 2. Promoting a positive sense of self 3. How to educate your children about at-risk behaviors 4. How to get involved and stay involved in your children's education 5. Modeling and teaching effective organization 6. How to instill values that lead to positive decisions For all parents and guardians.

Contents:
Author's note Foreword by Lorna Wing Introduction 1. The Variable Picture of Autism 2. The History of Autism 3. What Causes Autism? 4. Problems of Diagnoses 5. Understanding Autism: Assessing the Autistic Child 6. Practical Considerations - Management and Counselling 7. Speech and Language: Communication Development in Autistic Children 8. Educating Autistic Children 9. Growing up - What lies Beyond? 10. A Postscript - Alternative Treatments and Cures for Autism? Appendices References and Further Reading Index

Autism is a variable and complex development disorder which frequently goes unrecognised, or else is misunderstood by both parents and professionals. This new edition of the Handbook of Autism brings up to date the relevant and practical information of the best selling first edition, with updated research and new case-studies to reflect the extent of the autistic continuum. It dispels many of the myths associated with this puzzling condition and provides readers with up-to-date information that makes sense. Practical in its approach, it will be essential reading for parents of autistic children and for all professionals involved in their education and welfare.

Following on from the success of Promoting Positive Parenting, David Neville, Dick Beak and Liz King have now written this book which looks at the particular problems and challenges associated with working with parents of teenagers. The Centre for Fun and Families (from which the authors hail) is a national voluntary organization which was established in 1990. Its objective is to empower parents who are experiencing behaviour and communication difficulties with their children and young people, through the use of group work programmes. This book shares with readers the theoretical ideas that underpin the work of the Centre and provides a practical guide of how to undertake such a programme, thereby enabling the reader to react sensitively and productively to unforeseen circumstances which are inevitable when running groups. Professionals coming to these methods for the first time can work through the text safe in the knowledge that these are tried and tested ways of working, which are known to be effective. At a time when attention is focused on the importance of parenting and the way in which children are brought up and guided into adulthood, no practitioner working in this field should ignore the message within these covers.

Dr Westheimer, known to millions as Dr. Ruth, has written this comprehensive guide to 'grandparenting' with the assistance of Dr. Kaplan, showing grandparents of all ages and backgrounds how to develop a more rewarding bond with their grandchildren.
Topics covered include:
*how to establish a relationship
*managing visits
*suggestions for new and unusual activities
*giving presents.
Dr. Ruth and Dr. Kaplan also address the increasingly common situations of divorce, non-traditional families, and what happens when the grandparent becomes the parent.

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Contents:
Kids who are different. So-o-o-o-o Many Questions. Introduction: The Core Symptoms. The Full Profile of Symptoms with ADHD: Co-existing Conditions. What Causes ADHD: The Attention Zone. Adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder. The Impact of ADHD on Families. "Just have them walk a mile in our shoes" - What The Kids Have To Say. The Diagnosis of ADHD. General Treatment Principles. Involving the ADHD Youngster In His Own Evaluation and Treatment Program. Home Management of ADHD. Special Adolescent Treatment Issues. Managing Family Stress. School Management: The Process. School Management: The Strategies. Psychological Therapies. Principles of Medical Intervention. Commonly Asked Questions About Medical Therapy. Stimulants Medications. Other Medical Therapies. Non-Traditional ADHD Therapies. Getting Started: Organizing Your Efforts. Glossary. Information Resources. Appendix: Forms-Getting Started: Organizing Your Efforts.

Foreword by Philippa Perry

‘Based on groundbreaking research that has the power to change the lives of countless children - and the adults who love them.’ – Susan Cain, New York Times bestselling author of Quiet'

A necessary and important book.' - Philippa Perry, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read

Are you a hardy and resilient dandelion, or are you a more sensitive and fragile orchid?

Building on the definitions of introvert, extrovert or highly sensitive, The Orchid and the Dandelion exposes – for the first time – how a combination of environmental and genetic factors contribute to what makes us who we are. This breakthrough research explains why some people struggle where others succeed, why happiness comes so easily to some while frustrations weigh more heavily on others.

In The Orchid and the Dandelion, Dr W. Thomas Boyce – one of the world’s foremost researchers in the field of pediatric health – presents findings that children have two very different responses to their environments. While some children are like dandelions and can thrive in almost any environment, there are others who, like orchids, are much more reactive and susceptible to their surroundings. Now we finally have a scientific framework to understand people and how to address their unique needs to help them find their fullest potential.

This groundbreaking book draws on extensive research into genetics and the exploding field of epigenetics, examples and real stories that will re-frame how we think about orchid and dandelion children – and the adults those children have become. By understanding which of us are, genetically and environmentally speaking, the orchids of this world, Dr Boyce explains how to care for and parent our children – the true orchids. He shows how we can help them thrive by sharing insights and lessons from his thirty years of research in the field.

As adults, we like to think we have a good idea of what the world may have in store for our teenagers, but the fact of the matter is there's a vast divide between what we perceive as dangerous and what our teens are actually up against. Teenagers (ages 13 - 19) face unique challenges when it comes to situational awareness. These challenges are only exacerbated by the constant physical and biological changes teens are subjected to. As young people learn to deal with these changes, they begin to explore the limits of their individuality. Unfortunately, this process often involves rebellious behavior and unnecessary risk-taking. The key to keeping teens safe during this time is to keep them alert and engaged with their environment. Teenagers have to understand that real personal safety isn't about being scared of what lies around the next corner. It requires confidence that if something bad were about to happen, that they have these skills: Ability to identify the problem early Competence to develop a plan of action Power to control their fear Aptitude to implement that plan Spotting Danger Before It Spots Your Teens is designed around the principles of positive communication, trust, and teamwork. It's written specifically to set parents' minds at ease and allow teens to confidently explore their independence, secure in the fact that they can spot dangerous situations before they happen and take the necessary steps to ensure their own well-being.

What can you do when a child just won't listen? How we speak to each other is at the very heart of human relationships. Children are often much better than adults at reading between the lines and deciphering the messages we send through body language and tone of voice. This is an invaluable handbook for parents and teachers on how to communicate better with children. It covers all aspects of talking to and, importantly, listening to children, including communication with children of different ages and understanding the wider situation in which the conversation is taking place. The author translates the theory into practical, everyday solutions. There are useful exercises throughout, to help us communicate more successfully.

By sharing the realities they never expected their families to face, mothers of addicted and alcoholic children support each other through experiences that can only be feared and imagined by others. But, developing from those shared struggles are lives of new-found understanding and personal growth-because together, we are stronger."We all need to take a closer look at the things we've avoided-the things lurking around in this place where love and addiction meet-so we're as strong as we can be."-Sandra Swenson, author of Tending DandelionsIn the shadows of our child's struggles with addiction, we find ourselves tending to a life for which we weren't prepared.These meditations continue the tradition of Hazelden's beloved meditation books by providing moments of recognition, confession, and healing for those who are realizing that recovery rarely follows a neat or comfortable path. Along the way, we plant beautiful roses only to be injured by their thorns, and we pull up unwanted dandelions that, at times, are our only source of wishes.By sharing the realities we never expected our families to face, mothers of addicted children support each other through experiences that can only be feared and imagined by others. From our shared struggles emerge opportunities for personal growth. Tending Dandelions is a vital source of wisdom, support, and strength that helps us begin our own journey of recovery.

"Both broad and deep, this thoughtful overview of a common problem" ("Library Journal") explores the context of teasing and the power relationships between children, as well as the roles of adults, schools, the media, and society at large.

Learn to talk to your child about their big feelings We can all feel overwhelmed by big feelings, and this is especially true for children. They are still developing their emotional awareness and may struggle to manage their moods. While there's nothing wrong with an emotionally sensitive child, it can make life a little more difficult for them if they become easily frustrated, cry more readily and experience low self-esteem and feelings of powerlessness. This guide will teach you the skills to nurture your child's ability to notice, regulate and articulate their feelings in healthy, adaptive ways. Instil good sleeping and eating habits Help your child create a list of calming actions for when they feel angry or upset Introduce simple relaxation exercises Know when to seek support