Strengthen Your Relationship with Your Child

Raising the Challenging Child Book

Proven Techniques for Raising the Challenging Child

What's the worst you've ever faced as a parent? An all-out tantrum at the mall? A son who won't take out his earbuds to listen to you? A daughter who's failing at school and won't do her homework? A teen who constantly breaks curfew? A call from the police? Whatever you're dealing with, Raising the Challenging Child will help.

Buy Now on

Building on their work at Chaddock, a nonprofit organization that has worked with some of the most challenging kids in the nation for more than 150 years, the authors empower frustrated parents with practical tips and real-life examples on how to:

  • minimize behavioral meltdowns
  • reduce conflict
  • increase cooperation
  • promote healthy attachment
  • improve family relationships

The strategies they share work both for the child who is going through a difficult phase brought on by life, disruption, or trauma and for the child who faces chronic struggles. Parents, teachers, and those who work with children and youth will find positive, practical steps they can start taking today in order to understand and address the baffling behavior of the child under their care.

Play Video

About the Authors

Debbie Reed

Debbie Reed

PH.D.

As President and CEO of Chaddock, Debbie Reed trains, consults, and coaches with organizations on topics related to non-profit leadership, strategy, and board impact. Reed has served in leadership roles with the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services, the Alliance for Strong Families & Communities, and the United Methodist Association of Health & Welfare Ministries. Reed also maintains "Reed About Leadership," a weekly blog where she discusses topics and issues in leadership

Karen Buckwalter

Karen Buckwalter

LCSW, RPT-S

Karen is a licensed clinical social worker, Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor. She also completed a two year post-master's training program in Marriage and Family therapy at Menninger Clinic. She has worked with children and families for over 30 years.

Wendy Lyons Sunshine

Wendy Lyons Sunshine

Wendy is an award-winning writer and co-author of The Connected Child. She's an editorial consultant for leading nonprofits, and has written for Health, AARP Magazine, Scientific American, and The New York Times.

Quotes

"Raising the Challenging Child provides parents, caregivers, child advocates, and even pediatricians like myself with practical strategies to help empower children and foster healthy family dynamics. Using Chaddock’s proven tools and techniques, the book serves as a helpful resource for those who seek to build a brighter path for children."

Sameer Vohra, MD, JD, MA, FAAP

Chair of the Department of Population Science and Policy, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

"I strongly recommend this book. The authors present a clear and lively guide to parenting based on their many years’ experience working with challenging children, along with their extensive understanding of the latest research and thinking in the field of developmental psychology and therapeutic treatment. This book will be welcomed by all parents who struggle to connect with, support, and guide their children through the challenging moments and who hope to create a warm and understanding relationship with their children."

Phyllis Booth, MA, LMFT, LCPC, RPT-S

"While the tips and tools offered in Raising the Challenging Child are based on the latest brain research and evidence-based practices, the authors translate the theory with real-life examples. Parents will love the practical and proven ‘If you’ve tried this . . . do/say this instead’ suggestions. The approaches offered in this book are ones that parents will return to again and again."

Amy McCready

Founder of Positive Parenting Solutions and Author of The “Me, Me, Me” Epidemic: A Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Capable, Grateful Kids in an Over-Entitled World

"The authors provide a lovely integration of what they’ve learned from years of experience treating challenging children, the science of experience-based brain development, and practical hands-on advice for handling parental challenges in ways that combine nurturance and guidance. Raising the Challenging Child will be a welcome addition to the growing literature on the power of compassionate, brain-informed parenting to help caregivers avoid the pitfalls of blocked care and stay open and engaged more of the time, giving their kids the gift of their mindful selves."

Jonathan Baylin, PhD

Co-author of Brain-Based Parenting and The Neurobiology of Attachment-Focused Therapy

"This fun, easy-to-read book is much more than your typical child-rearing manual. Reading this guide will give you a window into your child’s emotional world, as well as specific strategies and language to turn child behaviors into opportunities for growth. You’ll walk away from this book with a pocketful of gems to help your child think, problem-solve, and develop loving relationships for a happier family and a happier life!"

Debra Wesselmann, MS, LIMHP

Co-author of Integrative Parenting: Strategies for Raising Children Affected by Attachment Trauma

"In my many years of clinical practice, I was always hesitant to recommend a parenting guide. Raising the Challenging Child would have been a striking exception. Oh, how I wish it had been available to me—and to the families with whom I worked."

Michael Trout

Author of This Hallowed Ground: Four Decades in Infant Mental Health

Bonus Resources

Click on the images below to view the Study Guide and Survival Guide.

Video Lessons - Raising the Challenging Child

One chapter at a time, co-author Karen Doyle Buckwalter, LCSW, RPT-S is sharing a glimpse into the lessons from Raising the Challenging Child. Tune in as she shares real-life examples, evidence-based strategies and practical tips that parents and caregivers can use today.

Watch Video Lessons