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Summary: Not just for the parents
Review: As an Edison trait kid myself (dreamer), I found this book facinating. It was so strange to see myself so often in its pages and know that I'm not the only kid that drifts off into neverland during science class or draws pictures of faeries instead of doing my math homework. I utterly loathed every moment that I spent in a classroom save the small glimmers of joy that sometimes escaped from English class, but I didn't know how to tell my parents without sounding like the typical lazy teenager who doesn't want to go to class. This book gave me the confidence and information I needed to back up my arguments, and since, I have been accepted to college as an early admission student where I am much happier and my parents less worried. Parents who continue to praise this book, have your child read it too. Sometimes we just need to know that even though we're different, we aren't alone.
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Summary: Good reference but not a cure-all
Review: Despite the lofty praise heaped on Dreamers, Discoverers, and Dynamos, this book is neither a cure-all or all-in-once resource. On the other hand, Dr. Pallandino has rounded up plenty of good information and strategies for motivating children to complete tasks, pay attention in school, and essentially get their heads out of the clouds. Part of the problem here is that this book essentially categorizes children as either having an Edison-trait---that is being very smart, imaginative, and free-spirited---or not. While I think most parents would like to associate their children with Edison, the roles of self-discipline, focus, and, extra effort in improving learning and performance are downplayed. And most parents already know that those ingredients have to be part of the mix. But there are enough positives here to make this book worth a read. Learning how to teach children how to break down tasks into components, striving to improve one's patience, working as a team, and remembering to reward achievements are all good things. Although such advice is certainly valuable for helping any child, not just those who have this Edison-trait. The dichotomy between convergent thinking and divergent thinking, a core idea in this book, seems a bit artificial and a bit too clear-cut to me (true, I'm only a parent and former teacher) but I find most real-life issues a bit more blurry. But this model does illustrate to a good degree the serious "dumbing down" problems inherent in our education systems. The sections on therapy, ADD, and professional diagnosis were the least intriguing and least inspiring. Realizing that there are different ways to approach a situation has its value, and the author's greatest success here is reminding readers to step back and consider the options.
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Summary: Parents of Divergent/Gifted Children: This is a MUST-READ
Review: Dr. Palladino has captured the essence of the "divergent" child and shattered the ADD/ADHD myth. Does your child seem to always have his head in the clouds? Have trouble remembering to do what he has been told? Can't seem to sit still? Talk incessently about whatever subject he's currently passion-filled? In short, does he drive you crazy and you're at the end of your rope? This book is for you. Dr. Palladino does a beautiful job describing the divergent mind (that is, the mind that can think of "many things at once"), how it works, why it usually DOESN'T work in a traditional public school setting, and how to deal with the divergent child who just doesn't seem to "fit in." According to Dr. Palladino, many children are misdiagnosed as having ADD or ADHD when they actually have a certain personality trait that she has coined, "The Edison Trait" after Thomas Edison. These Edison Trait children are divergent thinkers -- and are usually bright, gifted children. Read this book BEFORE you talk to your pediatrician. Read this book BEFORE you talk to your child's teacher. The insight and helpful information within this pages make this book an invaluable tool in the hands of any parent with an "Edison Trait" child. (And yes, I am mother to three such children myself.)
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Summary: Parents of Divergent/Gifted Children: This is a MUST-READ
Review: Dr. Palladino has captured the essence of the "divergent" child and shattered the ADD/ADHD myth. Does your child seem to always have his head in the clouds? Have trouble remembering to do what he has been told? Can't seem to sit still? Talk incessently about whatever subject he's currently passion-filled? In short, does he drive you crazy and you're at the end of your rope? This book is for you. Dr. Palladino does a beautiful job describing the divergent mind (that is, the mind that can think of "many things at once"), how it works, why it usually DOESN'T work in a traditional public school setting, and how to deal with the divergent child who just doesn't seem to "fit in." According to Dr. Palladino, many children are misdiagnosed as having ADD or ADHD when they actually have a certain personality trait that she has coined, "The Edison Trait" after Thomas Edison. These Edison Trait children are divergent thinkers -- and are usually bright, gifted children. Read this book BEFORE you talk to your pediatrician. Read this book BEFORE you talk to your child's teacher. The insight and helpful information within this pages make this book an invaluable tool in the hands of any parent with an "Edison Trait" child. (And yes, I am mother to three such children myself.)
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Summary: COMPELLING information and PRICELESS advice for all parents!
Review: Dr.Lucy Jo Palladino has given parents of "exceptional" children a fabulous gift. Beautifully written and filled to the brim with insight, sound professional advice and optimism, "Dreamers, Discoverers and Dynamos" is an absolute MUST READ. Dr. Palladino helps us realize that we can fulfill our goals as parents and "raise our children to be the heroes , not the victims, of their lives". BRAVO and THANK YOU to Dr. Palladino.
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Summary: Mother of a Dreamer in Tennessee
Review: Excellent book for understanding your gifted and difficult child! This book helped us identify certain behaviors and ways of dealing with them - it's made our homework sessions with our 8 year old daughter much easier, and more pleasant for all of us! This book helps you figure out what type of child your gifted child is, and gives you methods for improving school performance and behavior. Now, if we could just get all the school teachers to read it!
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Summary: Dreamers, Discoverers, & Dynamos, formerly, The Edison Trait
Review: Hi. I'm Lucy Jo Palladino, author of "Dreamers, Discoverers, & Dynamos." In hardcover, this book was called "The Edison Trait: Saving the Spirit of Your Nonconforming Child." Why the new name? It's a plain language title, so when parents of Edison-trait children see it, they can more readily say "Hey! That's my kid!" Who are Edison-trait children? They are divergent thinkers -- children turned on by ideas, but turned off by classroom requirements. Their numbers are rising, as our culture now spawns divergent thinking. Many of them are negatively labeled and misunderstood. "Dreamers, Discoverers, & Dynamos" (formerly titled "The Edison Trait") is about treating divergent thinkers with respect, guidance, realism, and care. I have practiced for twenty-plus years as a psychologist. "Dreamers, Discoverers, & Dynamos" is a product of my work with children, parents, and teachers, and their tireless, loving efforts to build human skills and strength. Thank you for your interest in "Dreamers, Discoverers, & Dynamos." And thanks to those readers who have written on-line reviews. (There are some terrific ones on "The Edison Trait" page.) Thanks, too, to amazon.com for naming "The Edison Trait" (now "Dreamers, Discoverers, & Dynamos") an Editor's Choice.
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Summary: I wish this book had existed 50 years ago!
Review: I approached this book with some skepticism because it sounded like yet another excuse for bad parenting ("My child isn't an undisciplined brat, he's a GENIUS"). Instead, I was amazed to read the story of my life. I was in trouble for my entire elementary school career for being "distracted" and "uncooperative" and not completing my assignments. But my grades steadily improved as I became interested in my subjects for their OWN sake; also, in college and graduate school my offbeat way of thinking actually contributed to my academic success, whereas my elementary and high school teachers rewarded conformity. Based on my own experience, I feel that the author's recommendations are right on the button: instead of considering "divergent thinkers" a problem and trying to force them to conform, parents should value them for their strengths, communicate with them in a way they understand, and guide them in forming the self-discipline they need to achieve academic and personal success. It's clear to me, from many of the author's examples, that parents' problems with these children often arise from the PARENTS' expectations of themselves as much as from the child's behavior ("if I were a good parent, my child wouldn't act this way"). So I feel that the author's emphasis on trying to understand your child's thinking and putting yourself in his/her shoes was salutary: you can't change the way your child's mind is wired, but you *can* make a big difference in how your child feels about him/herself and whether your child can make the most of his/her strengths. I turned out OK in the long run, but many "Edison trait" children have problems all their lives; and I know that my childhood and adolescence would have been far less stressful if this book had existed then. I think it provides helpful guidance for anyone who works or lives with children, and it's absolutely essential reading for anyone with a "difficult" child.
Rating:
Summary: I wish this book had existed 50 years ago!
Review: I approached this book with some skepticism because it sounded like yet another excuse for bad parenting ("My child isn't an undisciplined brat, he's a GENIUS"). Instead, I was amazed to read the story of my life. I was in trouble for my entire elementary school career for being "distracted" and "uncooperative" and not completing my assignments. But my grades steadily improved as I became interested in my subjects for their OWN sake; also, in college and graduate school my offbeat way of thinking actually contributed to my academic success, whereas my elementary and high school teachers rewarded conformity. Based on my own experience, I feel that the author's recommendations are right on the button: instead of considering "divergent thinkers" a problem and trying to force them to conform, parents should value them for their strengths, communicate with them in a way they understand, and guide them in forming the self-discipline they need to achieve academic and personal success. It's clear to me, from many of the author's examples, that parents' problems with these children often arise from the PARENTS' expectations of themselves as much as from the child's behavior ("if I were a good parent, my child wouldn't act this way"). So I feel that the author's emphasis on trying to understand your child's thinking and putting yourself in his/her shoes was salutary: you can't change the way your child's mind is wired, but you *can* make a big difference in how your child feels about him/herself and whether your child can make the most of his/her strengths. I turned out OK in the long run, but many "Edison trait" children have problems all their lives; and I know that my childhood and adolescence would have been far less stressful if this book had existed then. I think it provides helpful guidance for anyone who works or lives with children, and it's absolutely essential reading for anyone with a "difficult" child.
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Summary: An unique insight and techniques that brings amazing result.
Review: I was at my wits end when I accidently picked up this book. Thank God! I have benefited by the methods suggested by Lucy. I am seeing breakthrough in my relationship with my 2 boys. My son has demonstrated a lot of the behaviour traits as highlighted in the book. Before I gained the understanding on his gift, I was adopting the traditional methods to "help" him be more disciplined. Not only did I bring out the worst of both my sons, I was seeing a downhill pattern on our relationship with one another. Thank God! I was introduced to the concept of Divergent by a friend. And one day while I was browsing in a book store, I came across this book. I have never finished a book from back-to-back without stopping. And this is probably the first within a short time. I've tried some of the methods adopted by Lucy in my interaction with my sons. Especially when I am coaching him to do his school works. I am more than pleased with the results I am seeing. I often catch myself smiling within when I observe the improvement in my children. I have one request. I really like to be in touch with the author Lucy to explore any opportunity for her to share her experience outside of the US. I really wish more parents can benefit from her works. Appreciate if you can provide me with her correspondance address.
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