Beyond the Power Struggle: A Guide for Parents of Challenging Kids

Dr. Selznick's book, Beyond the Power Struggle, speaks to parents in down-to-earth terms regarding the challenges they face with their children. Recognizing that children's issues are not easily solved, Dr. Selznick offers a hand-holding manuscript for parents. The book is an important tool for parents. In our household, the model turning conversations into a "choice" was very successful. My wife and I adapted our language from a behavior-repercussion framework to putting the choices in front of our five-year-old son and then putting the ball in his court. I think this gave him a feeling of control that made him much easier to deal with and to behave better--Anthony Mazzarelli, MD, JD, MBE, Co-President/Chief Executive Officer Cooper University Health Care
Love it! You have a wonderful way of speaking to parents -- theory but from the heart. Your ideas are solid, wise, practical, and sound. I kept smiling - clone yourself. You're the psychologist every parent (and child) should go to. Empathy! Humor!! And great advice. Adored your The PPSA (Proactive-Preventive-Strategic Approach) and your 10 steps. Put them on a poster!--Michele Borba, Ed.D, Author of Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine
Dr. Selznick does it again! If you've read his blogs, you probably know his style, but this book is a wonderful commentary on parenting across the ages as much as it is a "how to" and "how not to" book about parenting. Using fun phrases like "meltydowny," "The Hey Bud" parenting style, and "Frustration Intolerance Disorder (FID)," Dr. Selznick has a conversation with the reader about the role of anger, the need for kids to seek pleasure, the real deal about self-esteem in kids, and the skill of parenting. Ending with a fabulous discussion of reactive vs. strategic parenting and the 10 rules of parenting, Dr. Selznick uses a series of anecdotes that will have you smiling and frowning (depending on how much you see yourself or your child in his stories). A quick and effective read, this book is highly recommended!--Dr. Sarah Levin Allen, Pediatric Neuropsychologist and Author of "Raising Brains"
Beforehand, our son's oppositional attitude had our heads spinning. Dr. Selznick's advice and his book gave us clear and actionable techniques that have greatly improved our child's behavior.--Justin and Jackie, Parents of a 5-year-old-boy
What started as a journey to help Nicholas better develop social and coping skills, you helped develop into a relationship with my son and also helped guide me to recognize what I needed to do to best support Nicholas and in the end, helped me too! Your book was a great reinforcement for us.--Nicole Leidmer, Mother of 10-year-old boy