by Vivian Dunstan

Why Will No One Play with Me? : The Play Better Plan to Help Children of All Ages Make Friends and Thrive

From renowned parent expert Caroline Maguire, Why Will No One Play with Me? is a groundbreaking program that has helped thousands of children struggling with social skills to make friends, find acceptance, and have a happy childhood.

Every parent wants their child to be okay–to have friends, to be successful, to feel comfortable in his or her own skin. But many children lack important social and executive functioning skills that allow them to navigate through the world with ease. In-demand parenting expert and former Hallowell Centre coach Caroline Maguire has worked with thousands of families dealing with chronic social dilemmas, ranging from shyness to aggression to ADHD, and more. In this ground breaking book named one of the “Best ADHD Books of All Time” by Book Authority, she shares her decade-in-the-making protocol–The Play Better Plan–to help parents coach children of any background to connect with others and make friends. Children of all ages–truly, from Kindergarten to college age–will gain the confidence to make friends and get along with others, using tools such as: *Social Sleuthing: learn to pay attention to social cues*Post-Play Date Huddles: help kids figure out what to look for in a friendship*Reflective Listening: improve your child’s relationship with their peers With compassion and ease, this program gives parents a tangible, easy-to-follow guide for helping kids develop the executive function and social skills they need to thrive.

 by Vivian Dunstan

The Asperger Teen’s Toolkit

Dealing with the everyday realities facing teens with Asperger Syndrome, this book presents a toolkit of tried-and-trusted ideas to help them work through difficulties and find the solutions that work best for them.

This book covers everything they need to know to thrive in their adolescent years, including how to hack your own internal alarm system to overcome anxiety and other difficult emotions.

It also arms teenagers with everything they need to navigate sexuality and relationships, develop a healthy self-image, deal with bullies, be smart with money and stay savvy online… In short, no issue is left unexplored.

Fun and informative, this is a must-read for teens with high-functioning autism, and for those who want to understand what adolescence is like on the spectrum.

 by Vivian Dunstan

Parenting Freedom by Renee Cachia

Parenting Freedom offers a gentle invitation to break the modern cycles of stress, burnout, and exhaustion, transforming yourself and your relationship with your child.

This unique suite of transformative tools combines ground-breaking research into parent-child interaction, mindfulness, meditation, compassion, attachment theory, and parenting psychology.

Through each new lens, Parenting Freedom details the process of transforming your mind, brain, and spirit, both as a parent and as a human being.

Taken together, this revolutionary approach to parenting will free you from unconscious conditioning, restoring your power to make conscious choices in every moment about who you are and who you want to be.

 by Vivian Dunstan

Dr Libby’s Real Food Kitchen

With 90 recipes covering breakfast, drinks, lunch, dinner, snacks, dressing and desserts – Real Food Kitchen will inspire you to take better care of yourself with the delicious and nutritious recipes featured.

 by Vivian Dunstan

ADHD 2.0: New Science and Essential Strategies for Thriving with Distraction – from Childhood through Adulthood

ADHD 2.0: New Science and Essential Strategies for Thriving with Distraction – from Childhood through Adulthood

A revolutionary new approach to ADD/ADHD featuring cutting-edge research and strategies to help readers thrive, by the bestselling authors of the seminal books Driven to Distraction and Delivered from Distraction “An inspired road map for living with a distractible brain . . . If you or your child suffer from ADHD, this book should be on your shelf. It will give you courage and hope.”–Michael Thompson, Ph.D., New York Times bestselling co-author of Raising Cain World-renowned authors Dr. Edward M. Hallowell and Dr. John J. Ratey literally “wrote the book” on ADD/ADHD more than two decades ago. Their bestseller, Driven to Distraction, largely introduced this diagnosis to the public and sold more than a million copies along the way. Now, most people have heard of ADHD and know someone who may have it. But lost in the discussion of both childhood and adult diagnosis of ADHD is the potential upside: Many hugely successful entrepreneurs and highly creative people attribute their achievements to ADHD. Also unknown to most are the recent research developments, including innovations that give a clearer understanding of the ADHD brain in action. In ADHD 2.0, Drs. Hallowell and Ratey, both of whom have this “variable attention trait,” draw on the latest science to provide both parents and adults with ADHD a plan for minimizing the downside and maximizing the benefits of ADHD at any age. They offer an arsenal of new strategies and lifestyle hacks for thriving with ADHD, including – Find the right kind of difficult. Use these behavior assessments to discover the work, activity, or creative outlet best suited to an individual’s unique strengths.
– Reimagine environment. What specific elements to look for–at home, at school, or in the workplace–to enhance the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit inherent in the ADHD mind.
– Embrace innate neurological tendencies. Take advantage of new findings about the brain’s default mode network and cerebellum, which confer major benefits for people with ADHD.
– Tap into the healing power of connection. Tips for establishing and maintaining positive connection “the other Vitamind C” and the best antidote to the negativity that plagues so many people with ADHD.
– Consider medication. Gets the facts about the underlying chemistry, side effects, and proven benefits of all the pharmaceutical options. As inspiring as it is practical, ADHD 2.0 will help you tap into the power of this mercurial condition and find the key that unlocks potential.

 by Vivian Dunstan

Sam Squirrel has ADHD

Sam Squirrel has ADHD

 

Sam Squirrel can’t seem to do anything right…he keeps getting in trouble at home, school, and with his friends. But when Sam and his parents finally meet with Dr. Kasey, they discover another reason behind Sam’s troubles.

 by Vivian Dunstan

What Your ADHD Child Wished You Knew: Working Together to Empower Kids for Success in School and Life

What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew : Working Together to Empower Kids for Success in School and Life

A 2018 Best Book Awards winner in Parenting & Family
A 2018 Mom’s Choice Book Award winner A veteran psychologist presents a proven roadmap to help ADHD kids succeed in school and life

You’ve read all the expert advice, but despite countless efforts to help your child cope better and stay on track, you’re still struggling with everyday issues like homework, chores, getting to soccer practice on time, and simply getting along without pushback and power struggles. What if you could work with your child, motivating and engaging them in the process, to create positive change once and for all? In this insightful and practical book, veteran psychologist Sharon Saline shares the words and inner struggles of children and teens living with ADHD–and a blueprint for achieving lasting success by working together. Based on more than 25 years of experience counseling young people and their families, Dr. Saline’s advice and real-world examples reveal how parents can shift the dynamic and truly help kids succeed. Topics include: * Setting mutual goals that foster cooperation
* Easing academic struggles
* Tackling everyday challenges, from tantrums and backtalk to staying organized, building friendships, and more. With useful exercises and easy-to-remember techniques, you’ll discover a variety of practical strategies that really work, creating positive change that will last a lifetime.

 by Vivian Dunstan

Diary of a Social Detective: Real-Life Tales of Mystery, Intrigue and Interpersonal Adventure

Diary of a Social Detective : Real-Life Tales of Mystery, Intrigue and Interpersonal Adventure

Detective agencies come in many shapes and forms, but never before has there been a one-man social detective agency! Johnny Multony, himself transformed from a social misfit to a socially savvy kid, starts the first-ever social detective agency and is hired on by other students in his school for help with common interpersonal dilemmas such as cliques, dealing with disappointments, bullying, personal space, friends, body language, and much more. With titles such as Too Close for Comfort: The Case of Back-Away Bobby, Accidentally Funny: The Case of the Incidental Straightman, Summer’s Bummer: The Case of the Huffy Girlfriends, Drowning in the Details: The Case of Monologuing Mona, etc., cleverly developed chapters allow readers to use their own social detective skills to solve the mysteries. Each chapter ends with a section called Cracking the Case, in which Johnny solves the social mystery and offers practical solutions to the social dilemmas. Foremost a detective/mystery story for readers ages eight and older, the book delivers insights, tools, and solutions in an engaging storyline that kids can relate to. Recommended not just for individual kids needing social skills tools, but on a broader basis for all kids wanting to read something interesting and fun.

 by Vivian Dunstan

The Body Keeps the Score

The Body Keeps the Score

 

What causes people to continually relive what they most want to forget, and what treatments could help restore them to a life with purpose and joy? Here, Dr Bessel van der Kolk offers a new paradigm for effectively treating traumatic stress.

Neither talking nor drug therapies have proven entirely satisfactory. With stories of his own work and those of specialists around the globe, The Body Keeps the Score sheds new light on the routes away from trauma – which lie in the regulation and syncing of body and mind, using sport, drama, yoga, mindfulness, meditation and other routes to equilibrium.

 by Vivian Dunstan

Beyond Behaviours : Using Brain Science and Compassion to Understand and Solve Children’s Behavioural Challenges

Beyond Behaviours : Using Brain Science and Compassion to Understand and Solve Children’s Behavioural Challenges

 

A PARADIGM SHIFT FOR CAREGIVERS THAT WILL REVOLUTIONIZE THE WAY YOU APPROACH, TREAT OR PARENT A CHILD WITH CHALLENGING OR EXPLOSIVE BEHAVIOURS.

When you are confronted with a child who is troubled, disruptive, oppositional, defiant or angry – whether you are a parent or a teacher – it can be difficult to know the best way to support them. Traditional methods of ‘shaping’ a child’s behaviour can often be at best ineffective, at worst distressing, for child and adult alike.

Drawing on 30 years of experience, internationally known paediatric psychologist Dr Mona Delahooke describes these troubled behaviours as the ‘tip of the iceberg’, important signals that point to deeper, individual differences in the child that we need to understand and address before we can resolve behavioural challenges. Using the very latest neuroscientific research Beyond Behaviours makes the case that many children who can’t seem to behave simply don’t have the developmental capacity to do so – yet.

This book uses neuroscientific findings to help you deconstruct behaviour challenges, and to discover their cause and triggers for your child. It will show you how to apply this knowledge across a variety of behaviour spectrums, from children diagnosed with autism or other forms of neurodiversity, to those who might have been exposed to toxic stress or trauma during their early years. There are practical strategies to implement at every stage, backed up by impactful worksheets and charts, with a strong emphasis not on ‘managing’ behaviour, but instead on helping children and families build positive experiences to counteract the stress and pressure felt by everybody when you’re working, or living, with a child who has behavioural challenges.

Accessible, practical, warmly supportive and steeped in research and clinical expertise, Beyond Behaviours offers a break-through book which guides us – parents and caregivers alike – to the realisation that the most important tool in our toolkit is always our connection with the child standing in front of us.

 by Vivian Dunstan

12 Best Principles for Raising a Child with ADHD

12 Best Principles for Raising a Child with ADHD

 

Over decades of research and work with thousands of families, Russell A. Barkley has become a leading authority on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in kids and teens. He has learned what a huge difference parents can make in supporting their children’s success–as well as how overwhelming it can be. This concise guide presents 12 key parenting principles for dealing with common behavioural, emotional, and school challenges. By cultivating a mindset of acceptance and compassion–together with an understanding of the executive function deficits of ADHD–you can strengthen your loving connection with your child and help your whole family thrive. Filled with practical suggestions and quick-reference lists and tips, this is the perfect book to read cover to cover or pick up any time you need extra support.

 by Vivian Dunstan

ADHD Go-To Guide

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common mental-health condition in children and is present in
most countries around the world. Although there is an abundance of literature on ADHD with plenty of scientific information,
this condition remains controversial and often under-diagnosed.

Many books have been written for parents about ADHD but most of them are quite scientific. They can be difficult to
navigate, especially if you are a parent with some symptoms of ADHD yourself.

This book is a go-to guide for parents and teachers, providing up-to-date knowledge in a simple, easy-to-read format. It
is filled with information your doctor would like to provide, but is often unable to do so in the limited appointment times
available. This book also gives a framework and practical tips for how you can manage and advocate for your child in
different settings, with or without medication. It summarises evidence to date for medication and alternative therapies,
examines commonly held beliefs about ADHD, and debunks myths.

ADHD Go-To Guide book has been written by a developmental paediatrician (Desiree Silva) and an ADHD coach (Michele Toner), both of
whom are passionate about improving the lives of children with ADHD and their families. They both have over 20 years of
experience in the field and recognise the need for this practical guide.

 by Vivian Dunstan

Kindness Counts: A Story Teaching Random Acts of Kindness

Kindness Counts: A Story Teaching Random Acts of Kindness

When Cade’s and his family find out their ice cream order was paid for by another patron, they continue paying it forward, and so starts the discussion of random acts of kindness. Cade takes this idea and runs with it, showing unexpected kindnesses to others. But when Cade’s dad would like him to donate some of his own toys, he has a hard time. Will Cade be able to learn the importance of being kind to others, even when it isn’t easy? Find out in this tale about showing kindness.

 by Vivian Dunstan

Of Course it’s a Big Deal

Of Course it’s a Big Deal

Part of the Executive Function series of books for children, Of Course It’s a Big Deal teaches kids not to overreact to situations.

 by Vivian Dunstan

When I Couldn’t Get Over It I Learned to Start Acting Differently: A Story About Managing Stress

When I Couldn’t Get Over It I Learned to Start Acting Differently: A Story About Managing Stress

Kyle is a fourth-grader who sometimes feels blue and out of sorts. He’s not sure why, but he can never bounce back when he gets into a funk. When things go wrong at school or home, he can’t shake it off and just move on. With the help of a kind teacher, Kyle learns how to recognize and manage his sadness by reframing his attitude and learning how to Start Acting Differently. Grades K-6.

 by Vivian Dunstan

My Day is Ruined! A Story for Teaching Flexible Thinking

My Day is Ruined!

Braden was so excited for his upcoming Championship baseball game! The night before he dreamt of that moment]] THE moment]]the oohs and ahhs of the crowd as he scored the game-winning run! But imagine his surprise when he woke up to pouring rain]]and NO GAME! This, coupled with some events at school that don’t go his way, send Braden on an overreaction tailspin! Will Braden be able to recover from his overreacting tendencies and practice the tips of flexible thinking that his teacher and mom teach him? Find out in another comical story by Bryan Smith

 by Vivian Dunstan

What Were You Thinking?

What Were You Thinking?

Third grader Braden loves to be the center of attention. His comic genius, as he sees it, causes his friends to look at him in awe. But some poor decision-making, such as a few ill-timed jokes in class and an impulsive reaction during gym class that leads to a classmate on the floor in tears, results in Braden’s teachers and mother teaching him all about impulse control. Will the tips provided by the adults in Braden’s life help him see a better way to manage his impulses? Find out in this hilarious story by Bryan Smith.

 by Vivian Dunstan

Mindset Matters

Mindset Matters

Amelia is her name and conquering new challenges is her game! She takes up skateboarding with gusto and feverishly builds a swing set for her kid brother. But at the first sign of trouble tumbling off her skateboard and whacking her thumb with a hammer she’s done. Her confidence shattered, Amelia frets she’s a failure. But after a little self-reflection and some loving advice from dear-old Dad, Amelia learns she needs a GONNA-GET-IT-DONE mindset. With her new outlook, she discovers success has many definitions]]more than she ever imagined. Mindset Matters teaches children how to see problems and dilemmas as opportunities to learn and grow, and reveals why failing doesn’t make them failures.

 by Vivian Dunstan

If Winning isn’t everything, why do I hate to lose?

If Winning isn’t everything, why do I hate to lose?

 

Kelsey’s a typical fourth-grader. She likes to hang out with her friends, play games, do all the standard stuff. But there’s one thing about Kelsey that really gets her into trouble. She is very competitive, and she HATES to lose. So much so that she is not afraid to cheat, throw a tantrum, or just act like a poor sport in general!

When Kelsey’s poor sportsmanship or “sportsgirlship,” as she likes to call it causes her basketball team to lose a close game, she soon realizes she needs to change her ways.

 by Vivian Dunstan

Time to Get Started

Time to get started

 

Blake doesn’t understand why he has to clean his room RIGHT NOW. He’ll get to it eventually!

Luckily for Blake, his mom is there to help him understand why it’s important to get started on tasks right away. By exploring his reasons for putting off the things he is supposed to do, Blake soon realizes that he is simply making excuses.

Join Blake as he and his mom go through a few simple steps to help him take initiative and get things done.

 by Vivian Dunstan

Fix it with Focus!

Fix it with Focus

Focus. Focus. Focus. That’s the advice Blake frequently hears but fails to follow.

Blake stumbles from one mishap to another because of a complete lack of concentration. He carelessly demolishes a Lego volcano in his rush to look out a window. A baseball bruises his elbow (and ego) because a dirt clod takes his focus off the game. And he ends up all wet when he interrupts his own story to do something foolish.

Can using manipulatives, including squishy erasers, stress balls and glove taps, help Blake maintain focus and strengthen his concentration muscles?

Fix It with Focus adds another entertaining lesson to our Executive FUNction series, written for K-6 students who need a helping hand to learn self-control or manage ADHD.

 

 by Vivian Dunstan

Empathy is my SuperPower!

Empathy is my SuperPower!

 

Why does her brother cry when it’s dark? Why does her classmate

Kayla take so long to do her math? And what’s up with that

strange-smelling dish that Priya brings to lunch every day? With

the help of her parents, Amelia soon learns about the importance

of empathy and starts to see the power it can have! Will Amelia be able to put her new-found skill to good use and help others find the strength in empathy as well? Written for readers in grades K-6, this storybook also includes tips to help parents and teachers foster empathy in every child.