"It was [Dr. Durand's] original research that showed us how to effectively improve challenging behaviors by bothering to ask 'why' individuals behaved as they did. Now, with equal clarity, he has shown us how to develop the thoughts and attitudes necessary to carry out these effective techniques. And, if we can cultivate these thoughts as suggested, the added bonus is greater life satisfaction." —Jed Baker, Ph.D., author, No More Meltdowns and Social Skills Training "A truly lasting legacy of being an optimistic parent is raising optimistic children who not only survive but prevail in future challenges they will inevitably meet." —Ann Turnbull, Ed.D., Co-Director, Beach Center on Disability Happier lives. Less stress. Family harmony. That's what all parents of children with challenging behavior want. Learn how to get there with this groundbreaking guide to confident, skillful, and positive parenting. A book you'll want to share with every family you know, Optimistic Parenting helps moms, dads, and other caregivers develop more positive thoughts and perceptions—a key ingredient of successful parenting and effective behavior management. One of the most highly regarded experts on challenging behavior—and a parent himself—Dr. V. Mark Durand delivers both philosophical hope and practical help to parents of children with a wide range of challenges. With keen insight, gentle humor, and practical tools and strategies, Durand guides parents step by step through the process of -pinpointing the "why" behind challenging behavior -tuning in to their own thoughts, emotions, and self-talk -understanding how their thoughts affect their interactions with their child -interrupting negative thoughts and replacing them with positive, productive ones -achieving a healthy balance between taking care of their own needs and their child's needs -using effective emergency strategies when quick behavior intervention is needed -implementing long-term strategies for lasting behavior improvements -weaving functional communication training into everyday routines and interactions -addressing the most common problem areas, such as sleep and transitions -increasing mindfulness and parenting "in the moment" Engaging stories from the author's extensive experience illustrate how parents and other caregivers can develop more effective behavior management techniques. And practical tools and exercises, developed and tested during Durand's decades of work with thousands of parents, help families on their own journey to better parenting and happier lives. A lifeline for overwhelmed parents—and a great source of insight for the professionals who work with them—this highly motivating guidebook will help families reduce children's challenging behaviors and approach the future with optimism and confidence. With practical tools for parents! -Self-Talk Journal -Motivation Assessment Scale (MAS) -Behavioral Contract -Sleep Intervention Questionnaire (SIQ) -Sleep Diary and more Table of Contents About the Author Preface Introduction Goals Tried and True Techniques Organization of This Book Section I: Hope Chapter 1: Optimistic Parenting The Good News Being Happy One Family's Lessons Background Knowing Why Is Important Lessons from the Research Who Is to Blame? Putting It All Together Chapter 2: Confident Parenting Father and Son Optimism and Pessimism A Pessimistic Family Chapter 3: Insight into Your Thoughts and Feelings The Journal What Are the Consequences of Your Thoughts and Feelings? Chapter 4: Changing the Way You Think Are You Ready to Change? Disputation: Challenging Beliefs Distraction: Interrupting Unproductive and Distressing Thoughts Substitution: Replacing Unproductive and Distressing Thoughts Gaining Perspective Chapter 5: How to Become a Happier Parent The Effects of Stress On Happiness The Pursuit of Happiness Final Thoughts Section II: Help Chapter 6: A Close Look at Your Child's Behavior Setting Goals Defining Behaviors Keeping Track of Behaviors Understanding Why Reasons for Challenging Behavior How to Find Out Why Final Thoughts Chapter 7: Emergency Strategies Avoiding Difficult Situations Improving Difficult Situations Providing Choices Creating Predictable Routines Chapter 8: Managing Consequences Attention as a Consequence Tangibles as a Consequence Sensory Feedback as a Consequence Escape as a Consequence Using Behavior Problems to Choose Reinforcers Punishment and Bribes Structured Ways of Reinforcing Your Child Chapter 9: Replacing Behavior Problems Teacher Pessimism Functional Communication Training More Help Section III: Special Topics Chapter 10: Transitions Predictability Making Positive Transitions Summary Chapter 11: Sleep Problems What Is Sleep? Sleep Problems Sleep Assessment Good Sleep Habits Sleep Medications Bedtime Problems Night Waking Problems Epilogue Endnotes References Appendix A: Blank Forms Self-Talk Journal Thoughts and Feelings Consequences Disputation Distraction Substitution ABC Chart Scatter Plot Behavioral Contract Satisfaction with Life Scale Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale Thoughts Quiz Albany Sleep Problems Scale (ASPS) Sleep Diary Sleep Intervention Questionnaire (SIQ) Appendix B: Additional Resources Index --- from the publisher
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