In the past few months, I have enjoyed reading some interesting books on parenting topics and child development. I was so impressed with two in particular that we would like to share with you. Both books read easily and their suggestions feel comfortable. Perhaps they can be a source of guidance that can naturally blend with your own parenting styles and philosophy:
The first is entitled How to Read Your Child Like A Book, by Dr. Lynn Weiss (Meadowbrook Press. NY, 1997). In this book, Dr. Weiss suggests some very practical insights and hands-on advice for anyone who interacts with early childhood age children (ages birth-seven years old). She divides early childhood into five developmental stages. She then further details each developmental stage and addresses the goal that children subconsciously and intuitively strive to achieve in that stage. Dr. Weiss then further describes particular behaviors that children might do, and then helps you as a parent and/or professional interpret each particular behavior from a child’s perspective. She follows these interpretations with a clarification of what the behavior means and then has some helpful suggestions about what to do and what not to do. Dr. Weiss seems to truly get into the hearts and minds of children. Her insights seem to be clear and right on target while her interpretations offer a rare opportunity to look through a window and into a child’s thoughts, perceptions, and motivations.
The second book is entitled The Highly Sensitive Child, by Dr. Elaine N. Aron (Broadway Books. NY, 2002). In this book, Dr. Aron explores the area of children who are born highly sensitive. She defines these children as “deeply reflective, sensitive to the subtle, and easily overwhelmed”. According to her research, 15-20% of all children (people) are Highly Sensitive Children (HSC). Dr. Aron describes high sensitivity as a temperament trait and an asset. Highly Sensitive Children may come across as shy or introverted, yet they are merely reflecting and assessing the situation(s) prior to acting. Sometimes, because of sensitive perceptions, they may be strong willed and/or overreact to unexpected situations. Therefore, HSC’s often need forewarning and a longer transition time. In the introductory section of her book, Dr. Aron provides a questionnaire to help determine if your child is highly sensitive. Later in the book, she provides an adult’s version of the questionnaire to ascertain if you, yourself, are highly sensitive, too. In a later section of her book, Dr. Aron offers invaluable special strategies for parenting the Highly Sensitive Child that are effective without overwhelming the sensitive child.
I found both of these books to be helpful, both personally and professionally, and would highly recommend them. If, after reading them, you are interested, I would welcome any comments and views.
