Rating: 
Summary: I found this book very comforting!
Review: I was at my "wit's end" with my child when I picked up this book, I found it a validating experience - very helpful. I've borrowed this book from my local library twice and now I plan to buy it.
Rating: 
Summary: A very positive and constructive way to look at kids
Review: The best part of this book is the positive and sympathetic way the author views kids who are really intense or "spirited," and the way she gets readers to see the world thru their eyes. Problem behavior is very often indicative of special abilities, giftedness or a highly creative temperament. She is unknowingly describing many of the kids labeled with attention deficit disorder (ADD). In fact, her description of a "spirited child" isn't that much different from the DSM IV diagnostic criteria for ADD. Her statement that ADD kids can't focus or concentrate on anything and therefore are not "spirited" is completely false; most "hyperfocus" intensely on things that interest them, and many are gifted/creative.I also don't agree with all of her methods in dealing with "spirited" kids (I come from a long line of spirited kids and have one myself). She talks about negotiating with them... something I think parents should rarely do, and soothing kids through their tantrums. I've found the "logical consequences" strategies described in the books "The Edison Trait- Saving the spirit of your non-conforming child" and "Backtalk - 4 Steps to Ending Rude Behavior in Your Kids" to be extremely affective for parents who prefer a less touchy-feeley approach to child raising (and want to have higher expectations for their child's behavior). Use this book to change your vocabulary and the way you view your child using terms like "energetic, compelling, perceptive, selective, holds high standards, flexible, and creative" rather than negative terms like "demanding, loud, argumentative, wild, inflexible, picky and distractible".
Rating:
Summary: A positive encouraging book.
Review: It's about time that 'spirited' kids were not viewed as 'trouble' but 'different'. This author understands intense children AND their parents. It's reassuring and helpful. Also recommended: Kid Cooperation (How to Stop Yelling, Nagging and Pleading) by Elizabeth Pantley
Rating:
Summary: This is a book that I come back to again and again!
Review: I love this book because it offers a positive view of children who can be challenging for parents. The specific and easy-to-implement suggestions are great! The author also invites the parent to consider his or her own temperament and how it impacts their child-rearing.
Rating:
Summary: This book is a must for any parent.
Review: I came across this book quite by accident at the book store. Once I read the back cover I decided to buy it. It was exactly what I've been looking for. The book for the most part seemed to be written about my son. He is only two an it really helped me to understand him better. The advise was very helpful. Now life seems to be less stressful on both of us. I was a wonderful book. It gave me so much hope. Knowing I'm not the only one out there with a child like this really was a comfort.
Rating:
Summary: A "Must Have" Book for Any Parent of a Spirited Child!
Review: This book is a life saver! It's my child inside and out (yes, we deal with the lint balls and seams in socks, too!). For "spirited" children and the parents of "spirited" children, this book is a real breakthrough. No longer do we need to be ashamed and feel like we've done something wrong. Kurcinka has a very loving and understanding approach. This approach is much needed as it is common thought that these kids are "bad" and "unmanagable". Traditional discipline programs just aren't cut out for "spirited" children. This book gives you the tools you need to redirect your child's spirit--not kill it. It is filled with love, warmth, wisdom and hope. Two thumbs WAY up!!!
Rating:
Summary: I changed my parenting as I was reading the book.
Review: I ordered this book sight-unseen based on others reviews. My husband was out of town the day it arrived- usually a situation frought with tension. I read it as my four year old (the spirited one) and his 11 mos-old sister played. I started changing my parenting before I finished the book! Many of the suggestions we came to ourselves over the years (not crying it out as a baby, negotiate as much as we can etc). It felt so good to have these tactics validated! I no longer felt I was a permissive, manipulated parent but a reasonable parent working things out! Best of all, it made feel so good about my son! I've always cherished his persistance, strength of will and energy- but sometimes it really overwhelmed me. My husband noticed the very next day how much happier I was and how much better I felt (he's reading the book now). As another reviewer said- I've never looked back! I learned a lot about myself too- I'm a sensitive introvert raising an energetic, intense, persistant extrovert. No wonder I sometimes felt overwhelmed with input from him! So now I can say- I need to recharge, I'm taking a bath!
Rating:
Summary: Lots of help for intense kids
Review: Kurcinka offered lots of clues to help me anticipate "blow ups" or family disasters. I also appreciated the personality indicators for parent and child to help identify problem areas. The parent/child interactions and solutions provided great relief that I am not alone with my spirited child.
Rating:
Summary: Simply the best book for children who are "more"
Review: Kurcinka my sincere thanks for writing a book that has given me back my sanity, and given me ways to work and accept my child for the way she is "more". And in this case "More" is Better!!!!! Thank you for such a wonderful aid in the parenting the spirited child! I can't say enough about it except that it is the best purchase you will ever make!!!!
Rating:
Summary: This book really helped me to better understand and help
Review: This is a great book for parents of spirited children. It is so positive about these children and about their wonderful qualities. It helped me understand how my son sees and experiences the world, to see the warning signals, to stay on his side and to help him help himself when he's becoming overwhelmed. It's also enabled me to communicate to his teachers and caregivers the tools and signals that help bring out the best in him and avoid the pitfalls. As he has matured he has developed the capability to soften his "MORE" qualities. I attribute much of this to the tools and insights of Mary Kurcinka's book. I heartily recommend this insightful book.
| 
