Ms Probst is one of those authors who has taken the time to look at children as individuals. Through her work she appears to really see what’s going on underneath the collection of labels many children are given. She also has the ability to relate to people in a non- judgemental way and appears to understand the challenges that both parents and educators face.
The book is largely centred around the fact that children are different these days and that what may seem to be apparent difficulties are in fact the essence and temperament of the child.
There are twelve chapters in all and questionnaires with specific answers which will help you identify what’s really going on for your child. Each chapter provides case studies and provides strategies for you to use.
Chapter 1:When the Label’s Don’t Fit
The introduction. The author discusses, diagnosis and gives a basic outline of the principles used throughout the book. Short and straight to the point.
Chapter 2:Discovering Your Child’s Essential Nature
Here we are introduced to the concept of how your child’s temperament - their way of being - will affect their responses. It explains how you can recognise your child’s temperament and how to respond to it. A questionnaire is provided at the end of this chapter to help you do this. The author also explains how understanding a child’s temperament can highlight any problems that arise.
Chapter 3 & 4:Respecting Your Child’s Inner World & Making Sense of Your Child’s Behavior
Both these chapters look more in-depth at a child’s temperament and internal and external influences that can shape their behaviour. Each chapter looks at difficulties that can arise and provides strategies to help overcome them.
Chapter 5, 6 & 7
These chapters focus more on the parent or educator. They look at how we think, and speak to children and how we respond to them in certain situations. Again those all important strategies that are both simple and effective are also provided.
Chapter 8. The Big Five
This is a great chapter that explores how the environment can affect a child’s behaviour, the five most common problems that arise and how to deal with them.
Chapter 9 Stepping in: Knowing When and How to Help
This chapter looks at those times when we ask ourselves should or should we not step in to help our child. The author looks at such things as balancing acceptance with improvement, safety with vulnerability. She then considers the child from each of their developmental stages.
Chapter 10 Stepping Back
This is all about taking care of yourself, knowing your own temperament and finding common ground with your child.
Chapter 11 When You Need More
Additional resources and support are found in this chapter. There is also a brief look at the pros and cons of therapies, services, medication and diagnosis.
Chapter 12 Putting it All Together
This brings everything you've read together and provides 10 principles for Raising a Challenging Child
All in all When the Labels Don't Fit: A New Approach to Raising a Challenging Child
is a great book, although there is a lot of reading if you happen to be a parent or educator who is short on time. However if like me you are you are one of those parents who feels that their child is largely misunderstood but would thrive given the right conditions and right strategies to work with, it really is worth taking the time to read it. 