ABSTRACT

*Finalist for Best Overall Non-Fiction and Best Parenting & Family Book in the 2020 International Book Awards!*

What to Say to Kids When Nothing Seems to Work offers parents an effective, step-by-step guide to some of the most common struggles for kids aged 5–12. Written by mental health professionals with over 30 years’ experience listening to kids’ thoughts and feelings, this book provides a framework to explore new ways of responding to your child that will help them calm down faster and boost their resilience to stress. 

With a dose of humor and plenty of real-life examples, the authors will guide you to "build a bridge" into your child’s world to make sense of their emotions and behavior. Sample scenarios and scripts are provided for you to customize based on your caregiving style and your child’s personality. These are then followed by concrete support strategies to help you manage current and future situations in a way that leaves everyone feeling better. Chapters are organized by common kid-related issues so you can quickly find what’s relevant to you. 

Suitable for parents, grandparents, and other caregivers of children and pre-teens, as well as professionals working closely with families, What to Say to Kids When Nothing Seems to Work is an accessible resource for efficiently navigating the twists, turns, and sometimes total chaos of life with kids.

 

part I|44 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|6 pages

A New Path

chapter 2|16 pages

The Road Map

chapter 3|12 pages

Potential Roadblocks

chapter 4|8 pages

Staying on Track

part II|170 pages

What to Say to Kids When …

chapter 5|16 pages

“I Don’t Want to …”

chapter 6|12 pages

“I Miss …”

chapter 7|7 pages

“You Love My Sister More …”

chapter 8|6 pages

“This Is the BEST!”

chapter 9|8 pages

“My Tummy Hurts …”

chapter 10|8 pages

“I’m Not Talking to You …”

chapter 11|11 pages

“I’m so Bad/Stupid …”

chapter 12|13 pages

“You Just Don’t Get It!”

chapter 13|11 pages

“I Can’t Decide …”

chapter 14|12 pages

“Don’t Go to Work!”

chapter 15|13 pages

“I Got a Terrible Mark …”

chapter 16|7 pages

“I Hate My Life!”

chapter 17|7 pages

POW! (Dealing with Aggression)

chapter 19|9 pages

The “Do-Over”

chapter 21|6 pages

“Why Are You Talking to Me Like That?”

part III|41 pages

Where to from Here?

chapter 22|9 pages

New Directions

chapter 23|20 pages

Practical Resources

chapter 24|10 pages

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