While typical children "go through a phase" with occasional flashes of misconduct, it's imperative that parents recognize as early as possible the special behavior of the habitually secretive and antisocial child. Dr. Samenow identifies the seven common traits of antisocial children and refutes the common belief that they don't know right from wrong. In fact, says Dr. Samenow, they know the difference very well, but choose to believe the rules don't apply to them. Parents must learn how to help these kids accept responsibility for their actions.
While Dr. Samenow concludes that parents don't directly cause their child's antisocial behavior, they can unwittingly serve to encourage rather than inhibit it. He explains the six common errors that keep parents from intervening effectively, from being plagued by excessive guilt about their perceived role in the problem to totally denying that a problem exists. Dr. Samenow also suggests ways parents can sidestep these errors in the future.
Before It's Too Late, updated with the latest findings drawn from Dr. Samenow's experience as an expert in evaluating and counseling juvenile and adult offenders, underscores the encouraging message that there's much that concerned adults can do to correct disturbing attitudes and behaviors if they identify children at risk early enough and act quickly. This reassuring guide offers a blueprint for effective action that can make the difference.
