Parenting Your Out of Control Child: An Effective, Easy-to-Use Program for Teaching Self-Control by George M. Kapalka, Foreword by Mark S. Kiselica

This practical nine-step program, for children ages five to ten with impulsivity or self-control problems, guides you to better communication, effective discipline, and the implementation of a behavior contract that clarifies your expectations and your child's responsibilities.

We learn how to control our impulses as children-or at least we're supposed to. Most children learn to stop throwing temper tantrums, lying, refusing to go to bed or take a bath at an early age. But some children have trouble with impulsivity and self-control, problems that, left unchecked, can lead to very serious problems that can even cross the line into crime and delinquency. This book offers a sound and safe step-by-step program for dealing with out-of-control children before their behavior problems result in serious consequences.

This step-by-step program concentrates on the most common out-of-control behavior problems that the author has encountered in his extensive work with parents and children. It advises you on the finer points of effective discipline, including eye contact, body language, tone of voice, and word choice. Then the book details a uniquely effective strategy for managing an out-of-control child: the behavior contract. With this technique, you'll establish clearly what you expect from your child and define the results of either compliant or noncompliant behavior. The book offers strategies for making use of the contract in everyday life. With a little effort and patience and a lot of love, you'll be able to use these techniques to control even the worst impulsivity problems.



George M. Kapalka, Ph.D., is assistant professor of psychological counseling at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ. He earned a doctorate in clinical psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and holds board certifications in several areas of practice, including clinical psychology, psychopharmacology, and learning disabilities. Currently, he is the editor of the New Jersey Journal of Professional Counseling. He maintains a part-time private practice, heads a state-approved independent Child Study Team, and is a member of medical staff at Meridian Health Systems' Brick Hospital.