What can kids do when they're angry? Anxious? Frustrated? How about the "mad" dance? Or kneading bread? Or telling jokes? This 36-card full-color deck describes dozens of soothing strategies for both kids and adults. Written in both English and Spanish. A favorite of parents, grandparents, classroom teachers and special-needs professionals.

Who's responsible for happiness? Is it your obligation as a parent to make your children happy? No, says veteran parent educator Crary in this thoughtful new book. And worse yet, if you put too much effort into preventing or reducing your child's dissatisfaction with homework, chores or other parts of our daily routine, your children do not develop the skills they need to handle frustration and disappointment. This practical, easy-to-read guide walks parents through the concept of emotional competency, which begins by teaching children to identify and acknowledge their feelings. Then it provides exercises and examples that demonstrate how children--even toddlers--can cope with their, emotions, using self-calming techniques (exercise or a few minutes with a favorite book, for example) and problem-solving tools. Parents who too often find themselves overwhelmed by frustrated children will appreciate the step-by-step recommendations. Crary's straightforward suggestions will help you survive emotional meltdowns--and think through how to prevent future problems. She also identifies how a parent's role changes as children grow and become better able to handle disappointments. Perhaps just as important, the author talks about how parents can keep themselves calm so they can recognize and manage both the causes and the results of children's frustration. A parent educator for more than three decades, Elizabeth Crary has written 32 books and dozens of articles on child guidance issues. Her landmark Without Spanking or Spoiling, published in 1979, continues to be a Parenting Press bestseller (see page 16), in part because it acknowledges that every family may have different needs and styles. It isthis commitment to helping families and teachers explore alternatives and select the options which work best for them that makes Crary's books, classes and speeches so well received. Early praise for Dealing with Disappointment: "Wonderfully valuable! A 'sanity saver' for the toddler years and beyond." "Helpful strategies and examples to assist kids in coping with and identifying their feelings." What readers and reviewers say about Elizabeth Crary's other books: "Concrete, specific suggestions..." "Inventive, effective solutions for common problems with children ages 1-5." ..".encourages flexibility and realistic expectations in parents and caregivers." "A treasure-trove of clear, useful ideas for every parent who has ever felt frustrated..." *Save $5 when your order includes both this book and the Feeling Elf Cards, page 4

A young boy discusses his feelings of frustration with his mother who suggests ways for him to understand and deal with such emotions.

Parents can love their kids -- and still set limits -- with Elizabeth Crary's "Star Parenting" concept:
-- Stop and focus;
-- Think of ideas;
-- Act effectively; and
-- Review, revise and reward.

This practical guide is full of examples that show how parents can use this problem-solving process -- every day, in every kind of parenting situation. Crary also describes typical development stages, so parents are sure their expectations for their kids are reasonable. She clarifies the difference between normal behavior and defiance and irresponsibility.