Is It a Big Problem or a Little Problem?. When to Worry, When Not to Worry, and What to Do

Editorial Review

Your road map through the ups and downs of early childhood

Almost every child, at some point during their early years won’t listen, will throw a tantrum, will be mean or aggressive, shy or withdrawn, be a picky eater, and more. As a parent, you know that differences in children’s learning styles and temperaments are a given. However, when any of these problem behaviors become the ‘norm’ for a child, a red flag should go up. If they affect a child’s ability to be happy, relate to others, and go about his daily life, there may be a real problem.

Is it a Big Problem, or a Little Problem? will help you to determine:

-The size of the problem

-How to manage problems on your own with practical tips and strategies

-When, if at all, to seek a professional evaluation and what to do in the meantime

Learn when to worry, when not to worry, and what to do. This book will be your essential guide to decoding your child’s behavior and navigating the early years of childhood.

SHARON ANDERSON, OTR/L, AMY WUSTERBARTH EGAN, MA, AMY FREEDMAN, MA, CCC-SLP, and JUDI GREENBERG, MS, OTR/L are based in Rockville, Maryland at the Ivymount School’s Center for Outreach and Education (CORE). Their mission is to help teachers and families identify needs and implement strategies for helping young children be more successful at home and at school. This unique developmental team of four: a speech pathologist, two occupational therapists and a special educator/behavior specialist, hold lectures and workshops throughout the Washington DC area for parents and professionals.

Library Journal review:

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Anderson, Sharon & others (text) & Jessica Glickman (illus.). Is It a Big Problem or a Little Problem?: When To Worry, When Not To Worry, and What To Do. Griffin: St. Martin's. Dec. 2007. c.352p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-312-35412-1. pap. $14.95. CHILD REARING

Many exasperated parents have wondered whether their three year old needs to have his or her hearing checked. Developmental concerns are common, but it can be difficult to tell what behavior is a "stage" and what is cause for genuine concern. The authors, Anderson, Amy Egan, Amy Freedman, and Judi Greenberg—all speech, language, behavior, and occupational therapists at the Ivymount School's Center for Outreach and Education in Rockville, MD—divide the book into three sections, "The Basics," "Understanding Development," and "Where Children Struggle." Within these, they illustrate specific concerns (e.g., "She can hear, why doesn't she understand?"), explore the range of normal, and examine signals that indicate a need for professional intervention. For "little problems," the authors teach how to rework an environment, routine, or communication strategy to alleviate triggers and encourage mastery. Their strategies for reteaching crucial developmental milestones range from the simple (e.g., no more sippy cups; straws not only improve speech skills but have a calming effect) to the progressive. Disclaimers aside, this book is the equivalent of a valuable appointment with a specialist. Never using an alarmist tone, the authors strike a perfect balance between advocating for early intervention and appreciating the ups and downs of typical childhood behavior. Highly recommended for all libraries.—Julianne J. Smith, Ypsilanti Dist. Lib., MI

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Customer Reviews

Wonderful resource

2008-02-14
This is a wonderful informative resource. I have personel experience with the authors and they know what they are talking about. They helped me get my son evaluated appropriately and helped us find the right program for him. They give practical advice you can actually use. They understand children and help parents to understand their children as well. Their approach is very positive and makes you feel that you and your family can handle the challenges. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you.

2008-01-28
This is a valuable, useable guide for identifying, assessing, and treating problems "big or little". As a parent and a teacher I appreciate this team for sharing their knowledge and experience and then offering hands-on strategies for many different and sometimes challenging situations.

R. Greenberg

2007-12-24
Is it a Big Problem or a Little Problem? is a phenomenal resource for families and professionals. It is well organized and easy to understand. The real life examples help to clearly demonstrate behavioral concerns and the suggestions are easy to implement. This book helps to quiet the fears of worried parents and empowers them to make their daily challenges into successful interactions. It also leads families in an appropriate direction when outside help is warranted. The authors have done a superb job!

Great Strategies

2007-12-16
This book offered some great strategies for our family. We have trouble getting errands accomplished with our 2 year old son in tow. We don't have anyone to help us & things have to get done. Anyway, we used some of the books suggestions & they REALLY helped. It was pretty easy because we didn't have to read a WHOLE book to find some answers. The book is set up in a way that makes it simple to look up your issue & find a strategy.

a unique book

2007-10-20
This is a very thoughtful book. So many "parenting" books are written to deal with a specific issue, and make it sound as if that specific issue is always a terrible problem. Parents will find this book both thought provoking and quite valuable.

A must read for all parents!

2007-10-16