Overview

Walking parents through the concept of emotional competency, this practical manual argues that it begins by teaching children to identify and acknowledge their feelings. The book provides exercises and examples that demonstrate how children—including toddlers—can cope with their emotions, using problem-solving tools and self-calming techniques such as exercise or a few minutes alone with a favorite book. The straightforward advice provided will counsel parents on how to survive their children’s emotional meltdowns and help them think through how to prevent future problems. Just as importantly, it teaches caregivers how to remain calm themselves so that they can recognize and manage both the causes and results of children’s frustration.

Author Biography

Elizabeth Crary is the award-winning author of more than 40 children’s and child-guidance publications. She has taught parenting education, with an emphasis on problem-solving and skill-building methods, and established Parenting Press in 1979. She lives in Seattle.