Raising Special Kids is a mutual support program that allows parents to share stories and explore what works and what doesn't in their unique relationships between their children and families. Each chapter presents a central theme that weaves together their own needs and the needs of their child. The first four chapters address feelings and thoughts: how you learned about parenting, what you expected your child would be like, and how you have handled other challenging situations in your life. This will require an honest revisiting of your own experiences as a child and an exploration of what many parents simply take for granted about their own lives. By responding to open-ended questions, you will be invited to think about and record these feelings and thoughts. The second part of the program, chapters 5 through 8, will offer you a chance to raise and examine more specific issues about your life with your child. Discussion will focus on particular challenges you face as a parent. New listening skills will be offered. Developmental information will be provided to assist you in working with these challenges. You will be given an opportunity to practice new ways of seeing your child separate from the emotional intensity of your own experience. Contents: Becoming a Parent Listening to Ourselves Listening to Our Children How Do We Heal? Is it OK to Cry? Understanding Our Children Empowering Ourselves and Our Children Celebrating Our Children Being a Conscious Parent About the Authors: Jared D. Massanari, Ph.D., has taught at various colleges and been a therapist for over 25 years. Much of his counseling practice has been with children and families, specializing in working with families raising children with special needs. He has written numerous articles and resources on this topic. In addition to co-writing Raising Special Kids, Alice and Jared Massanari have facilitated many parent groups and presented at a variety of conferences. They are the parents of two children, Adrienne and Caleb. Caleb's short life is chronicled in their book Our Life with Caleb. Alice E. Massanari, L.C.S.W., has experience in teaching, business, counseling, and conducting workshop trainings. In addition to co-writing Raising Special Kids, Alice and Jared Massanari have facilitated many parent groups and presented at a variety of conferences. They are the parents of two children, Adrienne and Caleb. Caleb's short life is chronicled in their book Our Life with Caleb.
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