Synopses & Reviews
Many kids and teens have challenges when it comes to behavior. In this revised edition of his time-tested book, Thomas McIntyre provides up-to-date information, practical strategies, and sound advice to help kids learn to make smarter choices, make and keep friends, get along with teachers, take responsibility for their actions, work toward positive change, and enjoy the results of their better behavior. New to this edition are an “Are you ready to change?” quiz, updated glossary and resources, and a fresh organization and design. This is a book for any young person who needs help with behavior. A special section at the back addresses diagnosed behavior disorders.
About the Author
Thomas McIntyre, Ph.D. (Dr. Mac), is a professor of special education at Hunter College of the City University of New York. A popular workshop presenter and keynote speaker, he hosts the award-winning website www.BehaviorAdvisor.com
Table of Contents
Meet Dr. Mac
Introduction: How This Book Can Help You
Taking on Your Behavior Challenge
How to Use This Book
Write to Dr. Mac
The Six Great Gripes of Kids with Behavior Challenges
Chapter 1: Are You Ready
- What’s Your Starting Point?
Chapter 2: Four Smart Choices for Dealing with Feelings
- How Can I Tell the Difference Between a Bad Choice and a Smart One
- Smart Choice #1: Build Your Self-Esteem
- Smart Choice #2: Talk with Someone You Trust
- Smart Choice #3: Write or Draw
- Smart Choice #4: Chill Out or Get Moving!
Chapter 3: Another Smart Choice for Dealing with Feelings
- Smart Choice #5: Stop, Think, Choose, and Think Again
Chapter 4: Three Survival Skills for Dealing with Difficult People
- 1. Ignore Mean Words and Actions
- 2. Be Assertive
- 3. Say “I” Instead of “You”
Chapter 5: Ways to Help Yourself Make Good Choices in School
- Be Prepared
- Ask for Help from Others
- Five “Tricks” to Help You Track Your Progress
Chapter 6: Ways to Get Along Better with Teachers
- Say Nice Things to Teachers
- Let Teachers Teach
- Make Suggestions with Questions
- Make a “Sandwich”
- Use “Behavior Mod”
- Use Your Skills Together
Chapter 7: Ways to Make and Keep Friends
- Say Nice Things to Others
- Ask People About Themselves
- Give a Helping Hand
- Take Part in Activities
- Choose Friends Carefully
Chapter 8: Ways to Help the Adults at Home Help YOU
- Use Talking and Listening Skills
- Ask for Help with Your Goal
- Take a Time-Out
- Set Up a Point Sheet Together
Chapter 9: More Ideas for Feeling Good at Home
- Tell Family Adults About Your Good Choices
- Be Sure Your Teachers Share Good News
- Make a Plan to Solve Problems
- Do Kind Things for No Reason
- Say “Thanks”
- Take Care of Yourself
Chapter 10: Six Winning Ways to Work Toward
1. Remember the Golden Rule
2. Take Responsibility for Your Actions3. Be Patient and Persistent
4. Learn from Experience5. Think About Your Future
6. Know That You CAN Meet and Beat Your Challenge
- What’s Next?
- Special Section: What If You Have Been Given a BD Label?
Chapter 11: What Is BD?
- What Does BD Mean?
- What BD Does NOT Mean
- It’s Tough to Be a Kid with BD
- Don’t Use BD as an Excuse
Chapter 12: Different Kids, Different Causes for BD1. Kids Who Need to Learn How to Make Good Choices
2. Kids Whose Brain Chemicals Are Mixed Up
3. Kids Who Learn in a Different Way
4. Kids Who Want Attention
5. Kids Who Feel Angry and Want to Get Back at Someone
6. Kids Who Feel Bad About Themselves
Chapter 13: Why Am I in a Program for Kids with BD?
- How Did the School Decide That I Have BD?
- What Is in My IEP?
- Why Aren’t I in the Regular Education Class?
- What If I Don’t Want to Go Back to Regular Classes?
And Now . . .
Glossary
Solutions to Some of the Challenges and Questions
Resources for You
What About Resources for Grown-Ups?
Index