Thoughts of a Reader

Raising the Challenging Child: How to Minimize Meltdowns, Reduce Conflict, and Increase Cooperation by Buckwater, Reed, And Sunshine is based on research done by an organization. The reader is told that the strategies presented have been tried by members of their staff with their own children and found to be helpful.
In our society today, we might agree that all children can pose some type of challenge and every child is different. Also, the family structure varies from household to household. We live in a world where we want something that is easy and shows instant results. The strategies presented in this book can be helpful, but the parent or adult exercising the strategies must recognize the importance of persistence and consistency.
One good point they make is the need for the entire family to be on board with any strategy used in raising a child. While I totally agree with this, getting everyone on board is a challenge in and of itself. When trying to incorporate any strategy, it is important to realize that it may take multiple attempts. What works for one child may or may not work for another. Do not get discouraged if something does not work the first time! Reading their suggestions requires not only reading the book, but working through how you plan to incorporate their ideas with your own child. Share with the other adults in the household and make them aware of what your goals are. Work together!
Another very important point they make, which I personally feel is crucial is making your child feel valued and loved. Tough love is tough to administer, but when done in a loving way, is a win win for both the parent and the child.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.

This is my first book I’ve read by Jenny L. Donnelly. I’ve not read the other book she has written. The subject of this book is the main reason I was so excited to read it. I feel like I constantly deal with fear and anxiety. From the very first chapter, Jenny had me captivated. I absolutely love her comparing fear and anxiety and their root to a tree. I’ve never thought much about the fact that if you ask yourself “What will make me feel better?” instead of “What is causing this?” (Page 21) then you’re only getting to a temporary solution to the problem or a branch and not to the cause for the problem or the root. I also really appreciated that she points out that she realized she was wrong when she originally thought that people dealing with these issues were of weak mind or faith. (Page 20-21). The author realized this because she herself started feeling fear and anxiety. The author divides the book into three sections: 1. The Search for Rest, 2. Seven Ways to Rest and 3. Rest is a Position. If you also deal with fear and anxiety, then this book will help you.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.