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Related Titles:
Retarded Isn't Stupid, Mom! Revised Edition
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Best Special Interest Parenting Book Award Winner, Child Magazine
Nobody's Perfect
Living and Growing with Children Who Have Special Needs
By Nancy B. Miller, Ph.D., M.S.W., with "The Moms": Susie Burmester, Diane G. Callahan, Janet Dieterle, & Stephanie Niedermeyer
| "This was the only book that I found that addresses the emotional impact of the family structure when a child has special needs. It was also, by far, the best book I’ve read on special children in general." —The Parent Connection
"Dr. Miller has created a warm and helpful book for parents who are dealing with the emotional ups and downs of raising a child with special needs. Along with the four Moms who share their own experiences, Dr. Miller provides invaluable insight and support for families. . . . An upbeat, affirming, and informative book which I highly recommend both as a professional and as a mother who has been there. I am glad books such as this one . . . can provide support and information that families so desperately need." —Dystonia Dialogue
"I highly recommend Nobody's Perfect. The author has written an insightful book, which doesn't preach, doesn't blame, and doesn't cure. . . . [It] helped me chart the path that my mind has taken in dealing with my child's special situation. Names were put to feelings and frustrations. . . . I found out that it was alright to feel the way I felt, and that in time, I might feel better." —Early Childhood Education Center Newsletter |
This innovative book's straightforward, easy-to-read chapters offer parents who have children with special needs a fresh, affirming perspective on the challenges of family life. Practical and nonjudgmental, this book guides parents through the process of adaptation. It describes specific strategies for success in balancing one's own life; developing a parenting partnership; and interacting with children, friends, relatives, professionals, and others. Candid, inspiring, and often humorous reflections of four mothers who are raising children with disabilities are included throughout. This book also provides an exceptionally sensitive portrayal of parenting and reaches across a wide range of special needs. |
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ORDERING INFO
ISBN 1-55766-143-X
Paperback / illus.
352 pages
5-1/2 x 8-1/4
1994 / $24.95
Stock# 143X
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Table of Contents
Foreword
Preface
About the Author
About the Moms and Their Children
Acknowledgments
Section I: The Four Stages of Adaptation
- Introduction to the Four Stages of Adaptation
Surviving
Searching
Settling In
Separating
- Surviving
What Is Surviving
Easing the Surviving Process
Turning Points from Surviving to Searching
- Searching
What Is Searching?
Your Outer Search
Your Inner Search
When Outer and Inner Searching Join and Take a New Path Together
Turning Points from Searching to Settling In
- Settling In
What Is Settling In?
The Issue of "Acceptance"
Turning Points from Settling In to Separating
- Separating
What Is Separating?
Separating Issues for Children with Special Needs
Your Child's Future—and Yours
Section II: Strategies for Successful Adaptation
- Raising a Child with Special Needs
The Four Basic Need Groups
The Importance of Play in Your Child's Development
- Taking Care of You
Parenthood and Self-Esteem
Parenthood and Stress
Parenthood and Personal Growth
- Parents as Partners
Stages of Adaptation and Your Relationship
Normal Reactions that Could Be Potential Problems
Extra Parenting Responsibilities
Special Issues Related to Single Parents, Divided Families, and Step-Families
When Extra Help Is Needed
Strategies for Success
Balancing Your Extra Parenting Responsibilities
Helping Your Relationship Grow
- Brothers and Sisters
Stages of Adaptation in Your Family
Some Reminders About Typical Sibling Relationships
Possible Reactions of Brothers and Sisters to a Disability in the Family
Possible Reactions of Your Child with Special Needs
Parenting Pitfalls
When Extra Help Is Needed
Strategies for Success
Preventing Problems with Each of Your Children
Building Better Relationships Among Brothers and Sisters
- Friends, Relatives, and Other People You Know
Your Reactions to Friends and Relatives
Possible Reactions from Friends and Relatives
Strategies for Success
Holidays and Other Happy Occasions
Visiting Friends and Relatives
- Working with Professionals
Your Reactions to Professionals
The Professional Relationships You Want
Challenges in Seeking Professional Help
Evaluating Professional Services
Strategies for Success
Your Child's Support Team
- Going Out in Public
How Other People May React to Your Child and You
Your Reactions to the Reactions of Other People
Strategies for Success
A Trip to the Playground
- Support Groups
How the Moms Met
If You Think You Want to Go the a Support Group Meeting
Concerns You May Have About Support Groups
Some Parents Try out a Group and Decide It's Not for Them
How Support Groups Can Help
How To Be a Good Group Member
Finding Support Group
How to Start a New Support Group
Some Groups Never End
A Special Kind of Friendship
The Mother's Final Words
Epilogue: The Moms and Their Children Today
Readings and Resources
Index |
