Optimistic Parenting

Hope and Help for You and Your Challenging Child

Author

V. Mark Durand, Ph.D.

Unlock the secrets to confident, skillful, and positive parenting with this strategy-filled guide from a top behavior expert. Parents of children with a range of challenging behaviors and special needs.

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Product Details

Happier lives. Less stress. Family harmony. That's what all parents of children with challenging behavior want. Learn how to get there with this groundbreaking guide to confident, skillful, and positive parenting.

A book you'll want to share with every family you know, Optimistic Parenting helps moms, dads, and other caregivers develop more positive thoughts and perceptions—a key ingredient of successful parenting and effective behavior management. One of the most highly regarded experts on challenging behavior—and a parent himself—Dr. V. Mark Durand delivers both philosophical hope and practical help to parents of children with a wide range of challenges. With keen insight, gentle humor, and practical tools and strategies, Durand guides parents step by step through the process of

• pinpointing the "why" behind challenging behavior
• tuning in to their own thoughts, emotions, and self-talk
• understanding how their thoughts affect their interactions with their child
• interrupting negative thoughts and replacing them with positive, productive ones
• achieving a healthy balance between taking care of their own needs and their child's needs
• using effective emergency strategies when quick behavior intervention is needed
• implementing long-term strategies for lasting behavior improvements
• weaving functional communication training into everyday routines and interactions
• addressing the most common problem areas, such as sleep and transitions
• increasing mindfulness and parenting "in the moment"

Engaging stories from the author's extensive experience illustrate how parents and other caregivers can develop more effective behavior management techniques. And practical tools and exercises, developed and tested during Durand's decades of work with thousands of parents, help families on their own journey to better parenting and happier lives.

A lifeline for overwhelmed parents—and a great source of insight for the professionals who work with them—this highly motivating guidebook will help families reduce children's challenging behaviors and approach the future with optimism and confidence.

Reviews

: nyparenting.com

• May 22, 2012
  "A most worthy investment for any parent that longs for tranquil moments amidst turbulent waters."

: The Midwest Book Review - Wisconsin Bookwatch

• September 2, 2011
  A strong pick for those who believe in the power of positive thinking.

Lorna D’Entremont, Special Needs Book Review

• July 24, 2011
  "I can assure you every person caring or working for a child regardless of age or abilities will benefit from V. Mark Durand’s optimistic parenting advice . . . The author’s friendly, conversational style of writing brings the reader on board feeling that a friend is giving him parenting advice. Optimistic Parenting receives five STARS from Special Needs Book Review for the quality of the content and organization of this book!"

Ann Turnbull, Co-Director, Beach Center on Disability

• March 4, 2011
  A truly lasting legacy of being an optimistic parent is raising optimistic children who not only survive but prevail in future challenges they will inevitably meet. Children, indeed, learn what they live. Be an optimistic role model!

Jed Baker, author of No More Meltdowns and Social Skills Training

• March 4, 2011
  I am indeed more hopeful after reading Dr. Durand's book! It was his original research that showed us how to effectively improve challenging behaviors by bothering to ask 'why' individuals behaved as they did. Now, with equal clarity, he has shown us how to develop the thoughts and attitudes necessary to carry out these effective techniques. And, if we can cultivate these thoughts as suggested, the added bonus is greater life satisfaction.

Louis Pellegrino, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY

• March 4, 2011
  A refreshing and innovative approach that treats parenting as a vocation rather than a technique . . . provides parents with the hope that believing in themselves and becoming optimistic parents is, in fact, the Holy Grail to effective parenting.

Glen Dunlap, University of South Florida

• March 4, 2011
  A major step forward in efforts to help families and children whose lives are affected by challenging behavior . . . Crammed with helpful guidance, much of which will not be found in previous manuals.