An Ounce of Prevention: How Parents Can Stop Childhood Behavioral and Emotional Problems Before They Start

Pointing to the high statistical incidence of divorce, childhood and adolescent depression, college binge drinking and eating disorders, child psychologist Shapiro (How to Raise a Child with a High E.Q.) warns parents that children are as susceptible to mental health and behavioral problems as they are to physical dangers. Because children raised in either overly permissive or overly demanding homes are at risk, Shapiro emphasizes the importance of taking an ""authoritative"" parenting approach, citing the need for constant commitment to preventative measures (motivation, connection and reinforcement). Identifying major risk factors for emotional disorders--like a child's temperament, academic experience and emotional intelligence--is made simple with the author's convenient organization of chapters by subjects such as ADHD, trauma, underachievement, shyness, sexuality and gender identity, each offering detailed and age specific (from infant to teen) techniques for parents to capitalize on the ""windows of opportunity"" for prevention that exist at every developmental stage. The author's abundant practical tips for communication, his anecdotal stories and his sensible advice on how to best incorporate Internet and software resources will help many parents steer their children toward a healthy life. (Aug.)