Raising Lions

Joe Newman has a rare gift for working with strong-willed kids—largely because he was one himself. For over 30 years, he has helped children, parents, teachers, and administrators understand and improve behavior with a practical, grounded approach.

Parents today want to raise confident, independent children—lions, not lambs. It’s a valuable shift, but one that has brought a host of new behavior challenges, especially for parents of strong-willed children. Many adults now struggle to find the balance between supporting a child’s voice and setting firm, healthy limits. Joe Newman’s method offers a new paradigm and practical solutions. Rather than returning to authoritarian discipline or getting stuck in endless negotiation, he gives parents simple, effective tools that help children become autonomous protagonists in their own lives—respecting others, managing impulses, navigating frustration, and taking responsibility for their behavior. His approach fosters a child’s confidence and individuality and gives families a foundation of clarity, cooperation, and calm.

Raising Lions challenges us to re-examine our interactions with children, rethink the root causes of behavior problems, and adopt positive parenting methods that promote healthy, happy development.

The second edition of Raising Lions is an essential guide for parents and teachers of strong-willed, precocious children, including those with attention or self-regulation challenges. Rather than offering abstract theory, Joe Newman explains what drives difficult behavior and provides concrete steps adults can use right away to create meaningful change at home and in the classroom. Whether you’re navigating power struggles, seeking ADHD parenting help, or looking for strategies that build real self-regulation for kids, this book is designed to be applied. Parents often see improvements from the very first day.

Joe Newman works with families and schools around the world, guiding parents and educators as they implement the Raising Lions method in their homes and classrooms. To learn more about his work, watch videos, or inquire about consultation, visit www.raisinglions.com

“One of the best books on child-rearing I’ve ever read. Joe Newman describes a cultural shift that has reinforced anxiety and behavior disorders in children by negating parental authority. Even more important, he provides specific, non-punitive ways for parents to help their kids by taking back their authority. Filled with examples and experiences from the author’s own life as a child with A.D.H.D., the book is a treasure-trove of useful information.”

Barry Michels, psychotherapist and bestselling author of The Tools.

“This book is packed with useful information. It is an insightful and practical guide for managing children. I would recommend it to any parent.”

L. Alan Sroufe, Professor Emeritus Ph.D. University of Minnesota

Forty years ago Joe Newman, M.A.O.M., was the "behavior problem" child. When his mother would bring him to the playground the other mothers would gather their children and leave. Defiant, difficult to control, physically aggressive and unable to sit still, in 1970 he was diagnosed as A.D.H.D. and put on Ritalin. Today he trains and consults parents, teachers and school administrators to raise and teach healthy, respectful children. He lives in Santa Monica, California.