Gentle Parenting Reimagined: How to Make It Work with Oppositional and Defiant Kids

Do you feel like it’s a constant battle to get your child or teen to do even the smallest things? Despite all of the parenting advice you’ve been given, nothing has worked. Maybe you like the idea of Gentle Parenting but how, exactly, can a parent stay gentle in the face of daily disrespect and oppositional behavior?

Gentle Parenting Reimagined offers evidence-based solutions for families stuck at a crossroads. Today’s parents are becoming increasingly attentive towards raising loving humans in a peaceful environment that puts their emotional wellbeing first. This book unlocks proven strategies to help parents connect with their child and have the relationship they desire while vastly reducing–or even eliminating–daily behavioral challenges. Written by a leading child and family expert, this book draws from Dr. Paul Sunseri’s 40 years of clinical experience working with oppositional and defiant children and teens. Using real-world examples, the book provides a clear roadmap to help parents manage disrespect, emotion dysregulation (temper tantrums), not listening, problems with homework, being on time for school, and much more. The book provides strategies to preserve the relationship and protect a child’s emotional wellbeing while simultaneously improving their behavior. This book also addresses the unique challenges of the 21st century and considers how to gently parent in the digital age–managing screen time, social media, the technological impacts of the pandemic, and motivating your child to get things done. Written in a conversational and accessible style, this book provides parents and caregivers with tools and techniques for reducing conflict, and increasing family connection.

This book is essential reading for parents wanting to create a healthy and happier home environment, as well as for therapists looking to develop their skills in working with challenging children and teens.

Paul Sunseri, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist and father of four who treats children and adolescents with serious mental health conditions. He is the developer of Intensive Family-Focused Therapy (myIFFT.org), a highly effective form of family-based mental health care.