Editorial Review
Now in a NEW UPDATED version, Kurcinka offers parents the most up–to–date research, effective strategies and real life stories for:
•Managing intensity – not just the kids, but parents too
•Getting the sleep every family needs and deserves,
•Choosing their battles
•Helping children to hear their instructions
•Assisting children in getting along with siblings and peers, and
•Being successful in school and at home.
Spirited children possess traits we value in adults, yet find challenging in children. Studies now show that these children are "wired" to be more reactive to the world around them. The solution, rather than medication or punishment, is understanding temperament and working with it. Kurcinka in a supportive, warm style is able to reveal to parents how to do it, often leading them to ask, "How did she get into my home?" Winner of the Parents' Choice Award, voted one of the top twenty books for parents, and a "real life saver" for parents, this updated version is eagerly awaited by parents and professionals.
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Customer Reviews
Answers to the hard questions 
2008-05-31
When I read this book, many of my unanswered questions were finally resolved. I understood both myself and my children significantly better. The author is easy to understand, non-judgemental, and offers specific tips and suggestions that are easy to implement. I felt such a strong connection to the concepts I read a few other of her books and even wrote the author to follow up. She answered rather quickly and was extemely pleasant and approachable.
This book is a must for any parent who has a child who is just a little different and you can't quite figure out what to do. Spirited children are great; they just need parents who understand them, to help them be the best they can be. I can't say enough good things about this book.
I finally understand! 2008-05-27
When I first started trying to do research on what would help my daughter I didn't know where to start. I knew she wasn't ADD or ADHD, but there was definitely something going on as we were experiencing phases where the tantrums were taking place all day, every day. Frankly, it was bringing a level of dyfunction into our home that does not belong. I finally learned about "Spirited Children" which led me directly to this book. Alleluia!
Not only did this book help me understand my daughter's spirited nature but it was filled with great communication tips that are helpful well beyond dealing with a spirited child.
I had to laugh, I was literally reading the sentence that described the spirited child as being the one who melts down for forty five minutes because you cut their toast into triangles when they were expecting rectangles while my daughter was freaking out because her cantaloupe was not cut up as anticipated. It fits right in with the other reviews that state it's like the book took a page right from their household.
While our days are far from perfect, at least I have an understanding on why my daughter acts the way she does. This book gave me the tools I desperately needed to help guide her through many situations, as well as the gift of understanding which has allowed me to be far more patient.
This book is a great read and I highly recommend it to anyone who is trying to figure out their child's temperment.
Living Proof 2008-04-29
I bought this book when my daughter (now 21) was 5 or 6. It was such a help to me. I realized how much my own expectations and beliefs were not helping me or her. This book helped me find ways to accept her and appreciate her strong-willed mind. She is now graduating from college in 2 weeks with a double major and double minor! So, yes, the strong-willed personality did help her in later years! I am now buying this for my sister and her 4 year old, spirited daughter.
definitely worth reading 2008-03-11
Generally I'm not into self-help and how-to books, but this one is giving me a lot of insight into my children and my relationship with them. It's already been very helpful, and I've only read the first few chapters so far.
I understand my kid now! 2008-01-04
If you are getting frustrated, wondering if your child is super-sensitive, has A.D.D., or is out to drive you nuts.....read this book! If a sock put on wrong can send your child into a fit of hysterics...read this book! If your child doesn't cry like a little wimper or laugh quietly, but YELLS and screams it out, this is the book for you! I finally understand my child, which gives me more patience. She just feels more, does more, IS more. In the process, I've realized I, too, am spirited. I feel more aware and have tools to help my child and myself navigate through life. I now see how her attributes & temperament can work FOR her, instead of getting frustrated with her and seeing the negative. I originally got this book at the library, but had to purchase one for myself. It's going to be our bible for raising our daughter. Highly recommended for people in our shoes!
Outstanding 2007-12-11
Now in a NEW UPDATED version, Kurcinka offers parents the most up–to–date research, effective strategies and real life stories for:
•Managing intensity – not just the kids, but parents too
•Getting the sleep every family needs and deserves,
•Choosing their battles
•Helping children to hear their instructions
•Assisting children in getting along with siblings and peers, and
•Being successful in school and at home.
Spirited children possess traits we value in adults, yet find challenging in children. Studies now show that these children are "wired" to be more reactive to the world around them. The solution, rather than medication or punishment, is understanding temperament and working with it. Kurcinka in a supportive, warm style is able to reveal to parents how to do it, often leading them to ask, "How did she get into my home?" Winner of the Parents' Choice Award, voted one of the top twenty books for parents, and a "real life saver" for parents, this updated version is eagerly awaited by parents and professionals.
help book 2007-12-03
Excellent - This book is a miracle on paper. arrived fast. Very pleased. Description was accurate and was delivered as described
Single best self help book 2007-11-12
There really aren't words to describe the insight this book gave my family. We had early signs of ADHD for my son, and I can tell you that the things I learned in this book I still use. My son is now 14. I purchase this book for anyone I know who has a spirited child, and is at the end of their rope. It gives you easy strategies to get through the day. It is great for kids with ADHD.
Help At Last! 2007-10-30
I was recommended to this book by a friend and it is a wonderful resource. It is very well written and easy to understand. I really felt as if someone had come into my house and observed my child! I highly recommend this book!
Good for every parent. 2007-10-04
Raising Your Spirited Child is a good resource for every parent. It is important to understand your child's unique temperament. I especially like the practical suggestions and summaries of things to say to your child. It is a very positive book!
