The Emotional Problems of Normal Children: How Parents Can Understand and Help

Turecki, author of The Difficult Child , and Wernick, a writer specializing in family and medical issues, offer reassuring advice for parents of children age four and over: what may seem to be severe emotional disturbance in a child may be perfectly normal. Which doesn't mean that there aren't things that parents can and should do to help. Excessive shyness, aggression, hyperactivity, fearfulness, lack of self-esteem and myriad other ``problems'' may actually be the child's way of adapting to certain situations--manifestations of the child's temperament type. There are exceptions, however, and the authors give examples of behavior that warrants professional help (usually behavior that is inconsistent with the child's personality). By learning as much about their children's temperaments as possible, parents can help their children by encouraging them to communicate honestly and to assert their individual personalities in a more positive manner. There are also chapters on effective discipline, professional help, boosting children's self-image, and school problems. Filled with case studies from Turecki's practice, this book is important reading for worried parents and professionals. First serial to Ladies ' Home Journal and Family Circle. (Feb.)