Normal Children Have Problems, Too : How Parents Can Understand and Help (A Child Magazine Best Parenting Book) [Paperback]

Stanley Turecki (Author), Sarah Wernick (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1995

Lack of friends * poor self-image * sibling rivalry * hyperactivity * sadness and fearfulness * eating problems * nervous habits * aggressive behavior * defiance * sleep problems * lying * learning disabilities. . .

Even normal children can have problems.

And parents can help them.

That is the powerful assurance Dr. Stanley Turecki offers parents in this compassionate and practical book. Whatever the situation, Dr. Turecki shows you:

A new way to understand your child's difficulties and gain insights into causes and solutions
How to discuss problems without destructive arguments and win your child's cooperation
How to strengthen self-esteem by making the most of your child's individual temperament
How to improve discipline by focusing on planning and prevention rather than punishment
How to collaborate with teachers about school problems
What to do if you are told that your child should be tested for ADD or placed on medication
When to seek professional help

Including vivid vignettes illustrating a wide range of problems and how they were successfully resolved, this award-winning book is destined to become a parenting classic.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Excellent...clear and helpful for parents...a winner!"
--T. Berry Brazelton, M.D.

"I have never seen a book deal with children and their families with more respect, understanding, and compassion."
--Richard L. Saphir, M.D., Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine

From the Back Cover

"Excellent...clear and helpful for parents...a winner!"
--T. Berry Brazelton, M.D.

"I have never seen a book deal with children and their families with more respect, understanding, and compassion."
--Richard L. Saphir, M.D., Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Bantam (October 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553374389
• ISBN-13: 978-0553374384
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #272,825 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Step-by-step approach to analyzing problems and solving them, June 22, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Normal Children Have Problems, Too : How Parents Can Understand and Help (A Child Magazine Best Parenting Book) (Paperback)

This book goes through the process psychologist Dr. Turecki would take if you brought your child to his office for counseling, using several case studies to illustrate his points (which are common areas of concern). He starts by helping you determine the actual problems your family is experiencing, and getting past everyone's emotional reactions. Turecki discusses common discipline problems and how parents may unknowingly contribute to them, and how parents can talk to each other (even when they disagree). Guidelines are given on how to choose which behaviors to start working on changing, and how to describe the problem objectively. One of the strengths of this book is you are then guided in thoroughly looking at your child's temperament and history to help you see the issues in his or her unique situation which will help you in finding solutions. Turecki does not pretend that one solution works for all children, since children have inborn temperaments which affect how they relate to the world. The author gives practical advice for specific behaviours and provides guidelines to knowing when to seek professional help, and how to work with teachers. As a teacher, child care worker, lay counselor and mother I found this book to be one of the best on the subject. If you enjoyed Kids Are Worth It, Raising Your Spirited Child, or How to Talk so Kids Will Listen, you will find this book a welcome addition to your library.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect if you have an active little boy, May 5, 2011

By 

R. Cirincione "Love My Family" (Clifton Park, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Normal Children Have Problems, Too : How Parents Can Understand and Help (A Child Magazine Best Parenting Book) (Paperback)

I bought this book because I kept saying to my son's doctor, what is wrong, should he be tested. My son did great in school and the Doctor would say, no problems in school not to worry. My son was so busy and just really energy and more energy. This book was good for me because I was thinking like an adult and not like a child. I needed to see his point of view. The other book that was great was 1 2 3 of effective disciplin. I read these books when my son was under 5 years old. He is now 14 and a great kid. He is naturally smart which explained a lot as a child. I definitely used any techniques they suggested that applied to my son. If you have any concerns about your child it is always good to be pro-active and find books and talk to your Doctor. don't rely on the school system to fix it. You as a parent really have to take action to make sure you are doing the best you can for your child.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars this book is helpful for understanding the range from normal to concerning, July 28, 2008

By 

Patricia McGuire MD FAAP "Author Never Assume... (Cedar Rapids, IA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Normal Children Have Problems, Too : How Parents Can Understand and Help (A Child Magazine Best Parenting Book) (Paperback)

Dr. Turecki has gone to the next step from describing temperament in his previous book, to now showing how it can present itself in individual children. Has has instructive scenarios about children with problems and struggles, that he approaches from the temperament perspective to better understand their needs.

He doesn't say that children can't have anxiety, depression, or other significant mental health issues, but rather helps the reader see where the child is on the spectrum from a temporary situation to a more chronic problem in need of more intense assistance.