Synopsis
The program outlined in this book is packed with practical steps to turn things around when a strong-willed or defiant child is pushing boundaries too far. Hundreds of parents of 3 to 10-year-olds have witnessed dramatic improvements in a few weeks time. Children with too much power not only drive their parents crazy but are at risk for a host of other problems. They often get in trouble in school, have difficulty with peers, and are deprived of fundamental lessons needed to survive in a world that will not always revolve around them. Who’s the Boss? provides the solution. This approach is unique, integrating effective tools and techniques from over thirty-five years of study, teaching and clinical practice by the co-authors, both practicing psychotherapists and workshop leaders. With this model, parents learn how to turn their child’s willfulness into an asset instead of a liability. Kids become motivated to behave because they want to, not because of what the parents want. Kids become happier, more loving, have a higher self-esteem and feel less guilty and anxious. Best of all, family members can have more fun together and parents can resign, most of the time, from the role of “bad cop.” The goal is simple—namely, to help kids feel good about themselves and have love and respect for others. The book also teaches family members—adults and kids alike—how to calm themselves when frustrated, thereby reducing negative emotions and developing greater emotional self-regulation. Steps are provided to ease the transition to the new set of rules, incentives and consequences. And the best part—it adds a dash of humor while solving a serious problem.
About the Author
Don and Debra MacMannis are a team both at home and at the office. Husband and wife for over thirty-five years, they have simultaneously served as directors of the Family Therapy Institute of Santa Barbara, a nonprofit organization. In this capacity they oversee the clinical work of fourteen therapists providing help to hundreds of clients each year. They are coauthors of the award-winning title, How's Your Family Really Doing?: 10 Keys to a Happy Loving Family. In 2009, Don won the title of "Best Family Therapist" in a poll taken by SBParent.com. In 2010, Debra was honored with an Award for Service to the Community by local therapists and the Mayor of Santa Barbara "for 30 years of inspiration, leadership, and training provided to thousands of clinicians, and the devotion exemplified with
consistent visionary work for the community." Don has a bachelor's degree from Dartmouth, a masters in school-child psychology from University of Virginia, and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from California School of Professional Psychology. Also a musician, he was songwriter and music director for the animated PBS hit, Jay Jay the Jet Plane. His public education efforts have culminated in the writing and production of Happy Kids Songs, a series of songs and activities that help young children with social and emotional learning. His music has won over ten major awards. Debra received her undergraduate degree in psychology with distinction from Stanford University and her masters in social welfare from University of California at Berkeley with a specialty in family therapy and community mental health. Prior to founding the Institute in 1979, she was the Executive Director of Social Advocates for Youth in the San Francisco Bay Area, working with runaway teens and children at risk. She has taught marriage and family therapy at Antioch University, Pacifica Graduate Institute, numerous local agencies, schools and mental health facilities. She finds respite from her busy life through painting, hiking and being with her much loved dog, Shammy. Don and Debra have lived in Santa Barbara, Ca., for the past thirty-four years. They have two fine sons who have left the nest but still live in California. They share a love of games, music, movies, biking, hiking, travel, and art.
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