"A blueprint for teaching responsible habits to young kids.

Debut author Delman's opening assertion in this bracing book is solidly optimistic: "Scratch beneath the surface of kids who seem lazy, oppositional, or bored, and you'll usually see young people with opinions, drive, and skills." Throughout these quick, informative chapters, Delman, the CEO of student coaching company Beyond BookSmart, gives his target audience of parents practical and thematic advice on how to implement less coercive and more cooperative parenting methods. Many of these revolve around encouraging "Executive Functioning" skills, which involve long-term planning and perspective--essential components to future success and happiness. The skills specifically center on controlling impulses, doing unpleasant but necessary tasks, setting priorities, staying mentally flexible, and, especially, focusing one's attention effectively. The book is cleareyed about the fact that young people can struggle in an age in which technology allows so many things to compete for their attention. The book's style is concise and upbeat, even when it's addressing issues such as boredom, recalcitrance, and defiance. Along the way, it provides parents with many different approaches to these and other age-old problems--and it offers many prompts for parents to check themselves along the way. Many of the author's approaches are eye-openingly simple. In a discussion about setting goals, for example, Delman argues convincingly for ditching vague generalities ("be a better student") in favor of doable specifics ("improve my English grade this quarter"). The book's lack of condescension and fault-finding is also a revelation.

An insightful and fresh approach to parenting."

Kirkus Reviews

"Delman draws on deep veins of experience--as a parent, teacher, and executive function coach--to produce a book that captures both the daily challenge of parenting and his optimistic view that most kids turn out okay. Written with humor and compassion, he masterfully uses personal stories to bring his advice and strategies to life. Enjoy the book for the stories and the humor--but bookmark the strategies, because you'll want to access them quickly as teachable moments arise and beg for a creative response." Peg Dawson Ed.D., co-author of Smart But Scattered

"Michael Delman expertly and empathically applies the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change to guide parents in helping their children progress through the Stages of Change to enhance their Executive Functions." James and Janice Prochaska, co-authors of Changing to Thrive

"Finally, a book that tackles both the emotional and cognitive issues of executive functioning! This book offers the extraordinary gift of knowledge, wisdom, and empathy for parents and educators who are struggling to understand the child with executive function weaknesses. Michael Delman - who has years of experience motivating children to achieve their best - has crafted a masterful resource that deconstructs the complex issues in executive function skills. It provides a wonderful roadmap for parents seeking answers by explaining the unique way children may engage in the world while giving practical solutions to overcome these challenges." Ellen Braaten, Ph.D., co-author of Bright Kids Who Can't Keep Up