The Changing Behavior Book: A Fresh Approach to the Difficult Child

by James Sutton

Poor behavior is considered the result of poor skills. This book shows, step-by-step, how things improve when skills improve. But Dr. Sutton takes it one step further in suggesting a new Desperate Behavior. "Young people caught in desperate behavior act badly out of fear and panic," he suggests. "Intervention with them must be different, as traditional measures just don't work over time." He then shares many interventions that do work, all of them relationship-based.Perhaps the most significant contribution of "The Changing Behavior Book" is the perspective that no one can change another person's behavior until they first change their own. It's a poignant thought, and it impacts all intervention powerfully. In the words of fellow psychologist and author, Dr. Jeffrey Bernstein, "This book will change countless lives for the better."

282 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Valerie R · Rating 3 out of 5]

There seems to be a disconnect in the book, with older children's (even young adults') anecdotes being told in the first part, but the strategies in the latter part of the book seem to be geared toward younger, more malleable children. Rather disappointing for the tougher cases, but it may be useful for some families or teachers.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource for behavior management with children. Sutton places the emphasis where the only guarantee for change can occur - with yourself. He has the best explanation of ANGER that I have read: "Anger is awesome emotional insulation; it runs on one's desire for happiness." Sutton gives pertinent activities for teaching children how to self-soothe (ch 15). Chapters 16-20 list the four Stepping Stones of patterned and self-reinforcing behaviors (The behavior itself, the location, the time, and the payoff). Manipulating these keys are instrumental to diffusing explosive conflict. A great read for teachers, parents, and people with annoying children in the neighborhood.

[Beth (the one who is)]

I am going to read it . so don't have one yet.