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Your Defiant Child, First Edition: Eight Steps to Better Behavior Paperback – October 7, 1998
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Winner-- Parents' Choice "Approved" Award
- Print length239 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherThe Guilford Press
- Publication dateOctober 7, 1998
- Dimensions6 x 0.5 x 9.25 inches
- ISBN-101572303212
- ISBN-13978-1572303218
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"This book distills the wisdom of an approach that Dr. Barkley and others have been developing for more than 20 years. As a school psychologist, I have used this program since 1990 in a group setting with over 1,300 parents, the majority of whom found it beneficial. Finally, parents have a manual to help them implement the program at home. It is supportive, nonjudgmental, and filled with practical suggestions and true-to-life anecdotes. All parents who are concerned about their children's behavior should read this book." --Frederick L. Quici, NCSP, Alta Loma School District, Alta Loma, California
"This book provides step-by-step, practical help for parents of children who are difficult to manage. It affords new hope to families desiring a more peaceful and fulfilling life together. Invaluable for parents, teachers, and clinicians." --Sylvia B. Rimm, PhD, author of Dr. Sylvia Rimm's Smart Parenting, Director, Family Achievement Clinic, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
From the Publisher
From the Back Cover
About the Author
Christine M. Benton has over 20 years of experience as a writer and editor of books on psychology, self-help, consumer health issues, and other topics. A graduate of St. John's College who lives in Chicago, she has helped to develop numerous book projects as a freelance collaborator with publishers, professional associations, and authors.
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Product details
- Publisher : The Guilford Press
- Publication date : October 7, 1998
- Edition : First Edition
- Language : English
- Print length : 239 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1572303212
- ISBN-13 : 978-1572303218
- Item Weight : 12 ounces
- Dimensions : 6 x 0.5 x 9.25 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #461,634 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #429 in Educational Psychology (Books)
- #751 in Popular Child Psychology
- #11,978 in Medical Books (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors

Christine M. Benton has over 20 years of experience as a writer and editor of books on psychology, self-help, consumer health issues, and other topics. A graduate of St. John's College who resides in Chicago, Illinois, she has helped to develop numerous book projects as a freelance collaborator with publishers, professional associations, and authors.

Russell A. Barkley, PhD, is a preeminent researcher and practitioner whose other publications for parents include TAKING CHARGE OF ADHD. Dr. Barkley is also the author or editor of numerous acclaimed professional books, including DEFIANT CHILDREN, SECOND EDITION. His educational videos include two programs on childhood defiance and an award-winning series on ADHD. He is Director of Psychology and Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.Christine M. Benton has over 20 years of experience as a writer and editor of books on psychology, self-help, consumer health issues, and other topics. A graduate of St. John's College who resides in Chicago, Illinois, she has helped to develop numerous book projects as a freelance collaborator with publishers, professional associations, and authors.

Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D., is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children and Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA. He is a Diplomate (board certified) in three specialties, Clinical Psychology (ABPP), Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, and Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN, ABPP). Dr. Barkley is a clinical scientist, educator, and practitioner who has published 23 books, rating scales, and clinical manuals numbering 30 editions. He has also published more than 280 scientific articles and book chapters related to the nature, assessment, and treatment of ADHD and related disorders. He is the founder and Editor of the bimonthly clinical newsletter, The ADHD Report, now in its 20th year of publication. Dr. Barkley has presented more than 800 invited addresses internationally and appeared on nationally televised programs such as 60 Minutes, the Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Sunday Morning, CNN, and many other programs on behalf of those with ADHD. He has received awards from the American Psychological Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Board of Professional Psychology, Association for the Advancement of Applied and Preventive Psychology, the Wisconsin Psychological Association, and Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD) for his career accomplishments, contributions to research in ADHD, to clinical practice, and for the dissemination of science. His websites are www.russellbarkley.org and ADHDLectures.com.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this book very helpful for parents, with one review noting it provides detailed tips. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its readability. Additionally, customers appreciate the practical approach, with one mentioning it suggests implementing one step each week.
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Customers find the book very helpful, particularly for parents and practitioners, with one customer noting it provides detailed tips and another mentioning it teaches how to defuse situations.
"...There are several good insights that will help you implement reward systems. Good luck!" Read more
"Excellent book for both practitioners and parents seeking to work with children who may have behavioral challenges - practical examples are provided..." Read more
"This is a very helpful book for parents who are discerning DOB vs normal defiance, and want to direct their kids to better behavior and ward off the..." Read more
"...is the expert on nipping defiance in the bud, teaching caretakers how to defuse situations + prevent these kids growing further into bad behaviors...." Read more
Customers find the book readable and amazing.
"This is a good book to read. It gives good pointers in helping children who are defiant." Read more
"...you detailed and tips how to deal with your defiant child such a great book for anyone who wants to have more structure and peace in their homes." Read more
"This book is amazing but be prepared to do some homework. Very helpful" Read more
"The book was just as described, thank u!" Read more
Customers appreciate the book's structured approach, with one mentioning it suggests implementing one step each week, while others note it provides a clear plan.
"...caregivers how to respond to defiant behavior in simple, easy to implement steps." Read more
"...The method makes sense to me, making it a part of your life is another tough one, however..." Read more
"...This book gave me a plan, and made me feel less like my child's behavior was because of negligence on my part- just a lack of understanding...." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2014Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseIf you're reading this review, you probably have a child who's giving you a run for the money. I was in the same situation. I bought this book when my high energy, strong minded boys were 4 and 6. It was a lifesaver. I implemented the reward system and it made a big difference. I re-implement the system about every year or two for a few months. It's a fair amount of work but the kids really respond. We're using the reward system right now (the boys are 12 and 14), this time with an online app called iRewards. The app lets you follow the B&B protocol but it's less hassle than the old manual poker chip system. I'd still recommend reading the book if your children are challenging. There are several good insights that will help you implement reward systems. Good luck!
- Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2013I can't wait until I have time to read this book. I'm tired of being a push over and enabling bad behavior like always having an excuse for not doing chores, not completing homework assignments, and mouthing off to teachers at school. I need to nip this stuff in the bud before high school.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2017Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseExcellent book for both practitioners and parents seeking to work with children who may have behavioral challenges - practical examples are provided for illustration of techniques
- Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2009Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseThis is a very helpful book for parents who are discerning DOB vs normal defiance, and want to direct their kids to better behavior and ward off the possibility of DOB in later years. Teaches caregivers how to respond to defiant behavior in simple, easy to implement steps.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2013Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseDealing with defiant kids can be draining and distracting. This author is the expert on nipping defiance in the bud, teaching caretakers how to defuse situations + prevent these kids growing further into bad behaviors. A classic.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2009Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseI like the ideas and plans the book has if you are dealing with a defiant child. They suggest implementing one step each week and then proceeding from that point. The method makes sense to me, making it a part of your life is another tough one, however...
- Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2013Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseTo start off, my child has attention deficit disorder. Like me. The emotional ups and downs of ADD can be wild, and super frustrating. This book gave me a plan, and made me feel less like my child's behavior was because of negligence on my part- just a lack of understanding. I also don't feel like a dictator, dealing out punishments left and right to try and modify behavior.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2013Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseOur son's doctor recommended this book and we have just finished reading it and started implementing some of the items the book suggests. Too early to tell how good it works, but initial indications are positive.
Top reviews from other countries
KateReviewed in Canada on September 9, 20175.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchasewas a good read
Angie LReviewed in the United Kingdom on July 16, 20151.0 out of 5 stars One Star
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseA very antiquated and outdated view on parenting








