Helping Families with Troubled Children: A Preventive Approach

The growing incidence of mental health problems and offending in adolescents suggests that preventive work with parents remains a critical area. This suggestion has been confirmed by longitudinal research that shows, for example, that children whose mothers are stressed in pregnancy are in danger of developing hyperactivity.

In Helping Families with Troubled Children, Carole Sutton stresses the importance of working with families before difficult behaviour becomes entrenched and resistant to intervention. This preventive work should take place from pregnancy onwards.

Drawing on social learning theory and cognitive behavioural principles, Sutton provides a structured approach to intervention (ASPIRE – Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Review and Evaluation). This approach will guide practitioners to work supportively with parents.

This second edition has been updated with the latest research findings in a number of areas of children’s difficulties. There are specific chapters on sleep problems, anxiety and depression, eating problems, wetting and soiling, serious behaviour problems and ADHD.

Carole Sutton is Associate Director of the Unit for Parenting Studies at De Montfort University. She originally worked as a social worker in the fields of health, mental health and children and families, where her experiences as a practitioner and as a parent led to an interest in preventive work to support young families. She studied for a degree in psychology and then for a doctorate in parent education, working with Professor Martin Herbert. She is a chartered psychologist. This book has grown out of her subsequent experiences of teaching and training professional workers, health visitors, social workers in field and residential settings, psychologists, family therapists, teachers and doctors and supporting parents in helping their troubled children.