Synopses & Reviews
In this newly revised and expanded edition of the classic guide, clinical psychologist Stanton Samenow discusses the difficult subject of "problem children" with compassion, reassurance, and welcome clarity. He offers concerned parents and professionals instructive insight into the personality of such children and gives practical suggestions for taking corrective, remedial steps--now, before antisocial patterns become entrenched. He also offers advice to help parents of older children cope effectively.
While typical children "go through a phase" with occasional flashes of misconduct, it's imperative that parents recognize as early as possible the special behavior of the habitually secretive and antisocial child. Dr. Samenow identifies the seven common traits of antisocial children and refutes the common belief that they don't know right from wrong. In fact, says Dr. Samenow, they know the difference very well, but choose to believe the rules don't apply to them. Parents must learn how to help these kids accept responsibility for their actions.
While Dr. Samenow concludes that parents don't directly cause their child's antisocial behavior, they can unwittingly serve to encourage rather than inhibit it. He explains the six common errors that keep parents from intervening effectively, from being plagued by excessive guilt about their perceived role in the problem to totally denying that a problem exists. Dr. Samenow also suggests ways parents can sidestep these errors in the future.
Before It's Too Late, updated with the latest findings drawn from Dr. Samenow's experience as an expert in evaluating and counseling juvenile and adult offenders, underscores the encouraging message that there's much that concerned adults can do to correct disturbing attitudes and behaviors if they identify children at risk early enough and act quickly. This reassuring guide offers a blueprint for effective action that can make the difference.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 211-220) and index.
About the Author
Stanton E. Samenow, Ph.D., graduated from Yale University and earned a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan. He is the author of Inside the Criminal Mind and collaborator with Dr. Samuel Yochelson on the landmark three-volume work The Criminal Personality. He has served on three presidential task forces on crime and drug issues. Married and the father of two sons, Dr. Samenow is in private practice in Alexandria, Virginia.