Introduction
I. The Challenge and Your Child
1. Parent Radar
2. Obtaining a Diagnosis
3. Starting Treatment
4. Advocating for Your Child
II. You and Your Child
5. Stress Management and Coping Skills
6. Parents Can Make a Difference
7. Calming the Raging Storm
III. Your Family
8. Family Matters
9. Lifestyle Matters
IV. Your Community
10. Working with Your Child’s School
11. The Friendship Department
12. Finding Community
V. Recovery and Beyond
13. Daring to Dream Again
14. Creating a Better System
Epilogue: After the Storm
Appendix A: Glossary
Appendix B: Resources
Appendix C: Directory of Disorders
Ann Douglas is an award-winning parenting writer and the mother of four children who have struggled with a variety of psychological problems--and are currently thriving. She speaks widely at health, parenting, and education conferences and hosts online conversations about parenting and mental health for a range of organizations. With acclaimed books including The Mother of All Parenting Books and The Mother of All Baby Books, Ann has helped hundreds of thousands of parents navigate the challenges and complexities of raising kids today. She lives with her husband and their youngest child in Peterborough, Ontario.
"A true gift to parents. As a mental health clinician and parent of
a child who has struggled mightily over many years with major
anxiety, I thought 'Hallelujah' when I finished this book. Finally,
a resource that both provides validation for parents in pain and
offers concrete, actionable guidance. I wish I'd had this guide
when I was in the thick of it, but I am so glad it exists now, and
I will recommend it to the parents I work with."--Claire Lerner,
LCSW-C, Senior Parenting Strategist, Zero to Three
"Ann Douglas offers hope for the many parents who are searching for
answers--especially because she's been through it all herself. The
book is reassuring that there's light at the end of the tunnel, but
also realistic and based on research. It provides the tools you
need to make tough decisions and help your child. I love this
book!"--Michele Borba, EdD, author of UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids
Succeed in Our All-About-Me World
"Raising children is tough enough, but add learning or
psychological issues to the mix and no one can really prepare you
for the tumultuous experience ahead. Ann Douglas does an
extraordinary job of providing much-needed support, guidance, and
direction. She takes you on a journey from finding out what's wrong
to navigating treatment options and dealing with challenging
situations. A true gem for parents!"--Timothy E. Wilens, MD,
coauthor of Straight Talk about Psychiatric Medications for Kids,
Fourth Edition
"An essential resource. Deeply personal and moving, this book
explains the inexplicable and helps you manage your child’s mental
health challenges, from how to use your 'parent radar' that tells
you something is amiss to getting a diagnosis and beyond. The
stories of determination in these pages will shore up your courage
and feed your resilience."--Susan Newman, PhD, author of Little
Things Long Remembered: Making Your Children Feel Special Every
Day
"This is the first book that I've read in my long journey of
parenting a child with a mental illness that didn't make me feel
like I was somehow to blame. Ann Douglas actually made me feel
understood and helped to stop the swirling thoughts of 'What do I
do now?' In a calm and thoughtful way, she addresses so many things
parents have trouble with, including self-care and caring for other
children."--Elise W., Kentucky
"This book is like having a best friend who will help you navigate
the system. You’ll learn what you can do to make a difference and
how to know if you are getting the help your child needs. Ann
Douglas is compassionate, passionate, and direct."--Karyn D. Hall,
PhD, author of The Emotionally Sensitive Person
"This is more than a book--it's a life raft for parents whose
children struggle with mood disorders or developmental differences.
As a parent, I've been there. You feel utterly overwhelmed by
information, while at the same time isolated and without direction.
Ann Douglas does something remarkable by combining concrete,
empathic guidance with the voices of other parents who guide us to
find the way forward."--Asha Dornfest, author of Parent Hacks
"This book is the GPS for navigating the mental health system for
children and youth--period. Parents of the approximately 20% of
kids who have a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder won't
want to be without it. Douglas charts a course for dealing with
stigma and overcoming the shortcomings of the school and medical
systems, with insight and understanding."--Mary Gordon, Founder and
President, Roots of Empathy
"This book fills a void in special-needs parenting resources by
focusing on the big picture, and the whole family. The stories of
many other parents throughout the book made me feel less alone.
Reading this book, it felt like Ann was a good friend helping me
through the tough times with my daughter and reassuring me that
there's hope for good days ahead."--Ashley G., North Carolina
-Douglas, whose four children have all been diagnosed with
psychiatric or learning disabilities, felt overwhelmed when they
were young; now, her children are thriving young adults. Douglas
intimately and poignantly shares her personal experiences, offering
comfort and wisdom for other parents like her….This deeply personal
account will move, support, and inspire parents who feel lost in
dealing with challenging children.--Publishers Weekly, 10/24/2016
Ask a Question About this Product More... |