Currently I'm reading "Raising Your Spirited Child" by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka. What a helpful and encouraging book! I bought it because I myself have a very spirited three year old and felt like I needed some support. More than anything, it's helping me to view him and his spirited characteristics in a more positive way.
"Raising Your Spirited Child" is a "guide for parents whose child is more intense, sensitive, perceptive, persistent, and energetic." We all have natural temperaments, but spirited children are at the extreme ends. This book is not necessarily for children with disabilities, even though a child can be disabled and be spirited at the same time. Mary Sheedy Kurcinka advises that if you suspect a disability to consult a professional.
What is a Spirited Child?
According to Mary Sheedy Kurcinka: "They are normal children who are more intense, persistent, sensitive, perceptive, and uncomfortable with change than other children." These children have more intense reactions, more prone to outbursts, they have higher highs and lower lows. The spirited children are more persistent with their desires and can be very assertive. They tend to be more sensitive to environment (light, noises, textures, etc.) and/or to other's moods. They are more perceptive and notice little details that others miss. Additionally they adapt to change with greater difficulty than others.
I'm loving this book, because it helps parents to realize they are not alone. I like how it describes that the "right discipline procedures" may work well for most children, but they will not always work for a spirited child and a different approach is necessary. Most of all I like the way the book helps parents to view their child's strengths and recognize that many of the outbursts are a result of the child's deeper level of feeling. The strategies in the book are working for us.
If these characteristics sound at all familiar, read the first chapter of the book to help determine if this book is right for your family. I'm recommending it as a mother and as a School Psychologist.
5 comments:
sounds interesting.. might read it.. although i dont have children :D
and im new to ur blog :D
Welcome Jolenesiah!
Thanks for the book recommendation, I believe it may be insightful for me with my four-year old.
I myself read this when my youngest was 2 years old and "King" of our house. (He is now 14 and not so much the "King") What was interesting was how much I learned about my more quieter but determined older child who also had those spirited qualities. I found it very helpful and now have a copy that I have loaned out frequently to parents during my years as a school psychologist.
I am reading this book for my book club right now. As the mom of a very spirited 2 year old, I find it extremely helpful. I also recommended it to a parent during a team meeting recently. I am thrilled that this book can help me personally and professionally!
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