Raising your Spirited Child
Author: Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
Reviewed by a valued Benjamin’s Books customer
Recommended for parents
Harper Collins $19.95

A month ago, before I read this book (in fact, the reason I read this book) I was the mother of an intensely stubborn child with a desperate need to have everything his own way. Endless battles over everything from socks to sandwiches were draining me of every ounce of energy I had.

Today, things are different. In fact, days after beginning this book, things were different. Today, I will tell you I am the mother of a spirited extrovert, driven in the achievement of his goals. Same kid…new labels and a new appreciation for what makes him tick.

On the pages of Mary Sheedy Kurcinka’s, “Raising your Spirited Child”, I found understanding and hope. I found new ways of looking at my child – his motivation, his behaviour, his preferred style of “being” in this world. I was absolutely amazed at the accuracy of her descriptions of various behaviours and their triggers. I felt as though this woman had been standing in the shadows of my home watching the various battles as they unfolded.

Throughout this book, from the first page to the last, Kurcinka offers practical ways to avoid daily battles in every conceivable place and time they may occur – dressing, feeding, playdates, holidays, travelling, school. She’s thought of them all – she’s apparently lived them all, which makes the advice in this book very real and very usable. Kurcinka offers advice on ways not only to channel and manage the intensity of your spirited child but to CELEBRATE it. She reminds you to aim for “Progress not Perfection” and to recognize that the characteristics that are the most challenging today will be celebrated and admired in adulthood – independence, persistence, sensitivity to the environment, determination, drive, passion for the cause…these are same words we use to describe our most effective leaders. It is the same intensity, from the same child, who can wreak havoc in your home with a blood-curdling scream whose infectious laugh has the ability to bring the depth of colour and richness to your family that others will never have the privilege to experience.

I will read this book over and over again!

An excellent resource for any parent of any child of any age…a MUST read for the parent of a spirited child.