Keys to Parenting Your Anxious Child (Barron's Parenting Keys) (Paperback)

by M.D., Katharina Manassis (Author) "Jason was a bright six year old with an irresistible grin who enjoyed soccer and swimming, played well with his brother (for the most part),..." (more)
Key Phrases: anxious children, desensitization program, sensitive children, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Why are some children anxious, and how do their anxieties develop? An expert answers these questions as she describes various kinds of anxiety-related behavior commonly observed in children. Here's a practical guide that shows parents how to recognize a child's anxieties, and offers specific advice on how to help a child within the context of the family and school environment--and when necessary, where to seek professional help.

Product Details

• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (June 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812096053
• ISBN-13: 978-0812096057
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #473,426 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This item is part of The Barron's Parenting Keys Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

65 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Keys to Parenting your Anxious Child, October 18, 2000

By A Customer

This book provides a wealth of information for parents who want to help their children learn to overcome anxiety. It explains what anxiety is (and is not), how it affects each member of the family, how to cope, how to communicate effectively with your child, and how to stop undesirable behavior. It addresses the effects of certain parenting styles and how these styles can help or hinder progress toward better mental health. There is a chapter that discusses medications; if they are necessary and which ones are helpful. It also addresses how to communicate with others about your child's current situation (school, etc.) Most importantly, the principals taught in this book can be followed and applied easily. I am the parent of an anxious adolescent, and I found this book to be helpful, encouraging, and enlightening. I highly recommend this book.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A huge disappointment.........., January 24, 2005

By	Fay - See all my reviews

I found the author's advice to be overly simplistic - may be fine for parents who are looking for the basics of behavior management, but not very helpful for kids with trickier issues that require more expertise. The author appears to have a behavioral approach to management which seems geared towards kids with subtle anxiety issues and minimal emotional problems. Some of her advice is along the lines of methodology we have used in the past which exacerbated my son's problems. She points out the behavior of a therapist who, supposedly out of frustration at his unmotivated client, made this reluctant child more anxious by forcing her to face her fears - this sounds like a rationalization for clearly inappropriate professional behavior that she suggests was triggered by a difficult client. Well, then what is the point of psychotherapy, if not to motivate the client through the continuously rational guidance and support of a professional. Further, the author uses moralistic terminology, such as 'stubborn', to describe children who are reluctant. I would not endorse the temper and tone of this book. She does at one point give some rather basic advice for helping children who cannot control their anxious behavior, which suggests to me that most of this book isn't really aimed for children with significant underlying anxiety problems, but rather for sensitive kids who often get labeled as difficult. The author seems to be suggesting that all these kids need is some structure and straightening out. Even so, I've read more empathetic and flexible books regarding spirited, quirky kids that seem to have a better handle on the underlying needs of kids.

The author does categorize dysfunctional thought patterns which could be helpful if you can get past the undertones of the book -that therapists can do no harm unless provoked by the child and family's dysfunction. Other books I've read do ask the family to take a look at certain patterns but the tone is more inviting to self-inspection because it is easier to foster a trusting relationship with a therapist who takes a less cut and dried behavioral approach.

There were tidbits that were useful in this book, but overall, a huge waste of my money.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Childhood anxiety, September 17, 2000

By A Customer

I read this book when it first came out. It helped me to feel as if I was not alone. Some of the suggestions were implemented and were successful. Charting behavior in particular I found to be beneficial. An excellent read. Good advice for parents who are at there wits end. This is the book we have been waiting for.