A huge disappointment..........

I found the author's advice to be overly simplistic - may be fine for parents who are looking for the basics of behavior management, but not very helpful for kids with trickier issues that require more expertise. The author appears to have a behavioral approach to management which seems geared towards kids with subtle anxiety issues and minimal emotional problems. Some of her advice is along the lines of methodology we have used in the past which exacerbated my son's problems. She points out the behavior of a therapist who, supposedly out of frustration at his unmotivated client, made this reluctant child more anxious by forcing her to face her fears - this sounds like a rationalization for clearly inappropriate professional behavior that she suggests was triggered by a difficult client. Well, then what is the point of psychotherapy, if not to motivate the client through the continuously rational guidance and support of a professional. Further, the author uses moralistic terminology, such as 'stubborn', to describe children who are reluctant. I would not endorse the temper and tone of this book. She does at one point give some rather basic advice for helping children who cannot control their anxious behavior, which suggests to me that most of this book isn't really aimed for children with significant underlying anxiety problems, but rather for sensitive kids who often get labeled as difficult. The author seems to be suggesting that all these kids need is some structure and straightening out. Even so, I've read more empathetic and flexible books regarding spirited, quirky kids that seem to have a better handle on the underlying needs of kids.

The author does categorize dysfunctional thought patterns which could be helpful if you can get past the undertones of the book -that therapists can do no harm unless provoked by the child and family's dysfunction. Other books I've read do ask the family to take a look at certain patterns but the tone is more inviting to self-inspection because it is easier to foster a trusting relationship with a therapist who takes a less cut and dried behavioral approach.

There were tidbits that were useful in this book, but overall, a huge waste of my money.

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Parenting an Anxious child

Parenting my anxious child is not only difficult but it has created even more stress for my entire family. The feelings of anxiety are contagious and it is a constant struggle to counteract that with calmness. Thank God I found this book. I recommend it to any parent that is looking for real answers and real solutions to helping your child. I have recently been introduced to an anxiety reducing CD called "Indigo Dreams". My son's teacher was using it as part of a lesson plan from the Children's Awareness Curriculum. The entire class was CALMING DOWN within minutes of listening to it. Now my child is learning techniques on how to manage his anxiety while I learn the "Keys to Parenting an Anxious Child"

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Dr. M. Branches Out

I saw Dr. Manassis from about 1994-1997 at the the Hospital for Sick Children's Psychiatric Department in Toronto. She is widely regarded as a leading Canadian paediatric expert in Anxiety disorders. I am pleased to see that she has written this book. Her advice on childhood anxiety is valuable, and I am a living testament to her expertise and proficiency in her work. I wish Dr. Manassis great success for this book and recommend it to parents of anxious children everywhere.

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