Living with the Active Alert Child: Groundbreaking Strategies for Parents

My son's teacher recommended this book to me, since she felt my son had some of the traits of an active alert child. After reading this book, I agree completely. While my son doesn't have all the traits mentioned, he has about 80% of them, which I believe is on the high end. We have been struggling with how to work with him, especially because he is very different from my other two children. It's comforting to know that we are not alone, and to have some frameworks to help think about his personality and his behavior. One thing to keep in mind while reading this book is that "active alert" does not describe a child fully. It just describes one aspect of his or her personality. For example, my son is also introverted, but I know other active alert children who are much more extroverted.The issue that kept me from giving this book five stars is a lack of the "groundbreaking strategies" mentioned in the title. There are some strategies, and the book is very helpful in understanding a child with active alert traits, but I wouldn't call the solutions groundbreaking. At the end of the day this book comes across more like an experienced person giving you some useful advice.

I had read this on advice of my daughter's pediatrician when it was first published, back when the term for these kids was "mother killer." Budd was among the first to write from the child's point of view. But there has been much research including pharmacology in 30 years, and when I gave it to my daughter for her own active son, she pointed that out. On my own rereading, I have to agree.

This book saved my life when my daughter was 3 years old. It helped me to parent her the way she needed to be parented. She fit pretty much all of the character traits Ms. Budd lists. And yet, the author and psychologist doesn't label the children as "difficult" or any type of negative word.Now my daughter is nearly 15 years old and she is a lovely, lively, passionate, emotional, energetic, intense, bright, kind young lady. Without this book, I don't know how I would've survived my daughter's younger years. It's now giving me tips for her teen years as well. There are sections for teens and adults in the updated version.Thank you so very much, Linda Budd.

Have you been exhausted since the day your child was born? Does your child year old produce an overwhelming volume of artwork in a single day? Does your child seem to remember everything he or she has ever seen or heard in context? Is your child a "drama-queen," constantly seeking attention and control? If you answer yes to these questions, then your child may have an "active-alert" temperament. And this book, LIVING WITH THE ACTIVE ALERT CHILD may be your lifeline. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!My wee one, now age 6, has been precocious since the day she was born. She is exceedingly bright, extremely verbal, has a memory like a steel trap, and has never once in her entire life stopped moving or talking. The more tired she becomes, the more stimulated she gets, to the point where she is still demanding, "I'm not tired!" as her head hits the pillow and her eyes snap shut. Even then, her dreams are very busy and her nights can be quite restless.Hence the exhausted and frustrated mom. Luckily, LIVING WITH THE ACTIVE ALERT CHILD has helped me to better understand my child, let me know that I am not alone, and given me some wonderful tips to help both my child and me cope with her active-alert temperament. I do think we have been lucky, however. My husband and I were already using a number of the recommended coping mechanisms instinctively, and we both have always accepted our daughter for who she is. But there are definitely some areas where we could improve our approach to this unique child and her unusual gifts, and LIVING WITH THE ACTIVE ALERT CHILD has provided additional techniques. I've already tried several of the recommendations with my daughter, and, lo and behold, they seem to work. Halleluiah!Most importantly for me, I now have literature and documentation to also help her teachers understand my child. She is definitely a kinesthetic learner; she has to move. Hopefully, LIVING WITH THE ACTIVE ALERT CHILD will help me help my daughter and her teachers and will let all of us work together as a team to provide here the best learning environment possible for her learning style.LIVING WITH THE ACTIVE ALERT CHILD provided me with great peace of mind, helped me to be an even better parent to my child, and has prepared me to be the best possible advocate for my child that I can be. THANK YOU!!!

This is a book I read after a recommendation by my daughter, a Pre-school, Daycare teacher. It helped me understand a difficult child of my acquaintance. I was able to be patient,to accept and love him when his behavior was outrageous and would have been unacceptable. Reading the book helped me see that this trait is likely genetic and probably explained one of his adult relative's actions that I had been judgmental about, causing my impatience and avoidance. I have been able to respond sympathetically and to enjoy being part of the family. I wonder how many children live without help and so suffer a stigma or possible isolation because so any of us are ignorant of what is a disorder that can be lovingly addressed and guided toward change.

I wish I would have had this insight when my oldest was baby/toddler/preschooler so I wouldn't have felt so alone but reading it now when he is 8 has been extremely helpful. The chapters are broken down well and it gives concrete strategies to help active alert children and families move forward in positive, meaningful ways. I also like that the author encourages families to help their active alert children become independent and capable individuals but in a manner that is understanding of how tiring it can be to parent them.

IF you were told your child has ADHD buy this book. If your child has odd eating habits, sleeping habits and is dialed into the world around them with an energy level that never seems to run out; buy the book. We bought 3 copies. Ours and 2 for the school so that they too will be better rounded and able to address a higher learning level and intensity than they like to see.Don't be surprised if you also find out your child is gifted as the two seem to go almost hand in hand

Great book