Beyond the Power Struggle

Beyond the Power Struggle: A Guide for Parents of Challenging Kids

When parents struggle with a child who is challenging, oppositional, reactive, and demanding, they often feel at a loss as to how to manage and where to turn for guidance. Offering the same support and honest advice he gives parents in his practice, Dr. Selznick uses plain, down-to-earth language to give parents practical tools and clear methods for dealing with the everyday struggles that come with parenting challenging kids. His warm and inviting demeanor shines through in his writing as he shares a wealth of knowledge and years of experience working with children and families of all backgrounds. Reading this book is like sitting down for a cup of coffee with a friend who’s been there and wants to help. Dr. Selznick has a way of teaching without criticizing, and giving parents hope without sugar-coating the issues.

Challenging Kids are Challenging

This universal truth is what inspired Dr. Richard Selznick to write this down-to-earth, accessible book for families seeking structures that support positive changes in their child’s behavior. Beyond the Power Struggle speaks to parents of children who are challenging, oppositional, reactive, and demanding. Providing the same support and honest advice he gives in his successful practice, Selznick provides practical tools, clear methods, and helpful stories to navigate the everyday struggles of parenting challenging kids. Dr. Selznick is not here to sugarcoat the issues, and he’s not here to criticize-he’s here to end the power struggle.

Praise for Beyond the Power Struggle

“Recognizing that children’s issues are not easily solved, Dr. Selznick offers a hand-holding manuscript for parents. The book is an important tool for parents. In our household, the model turning conversations into a “choice” was very successful. My wife and I adapted our language from a behavior-repercussion framework to putting the choices in front of our five-year-old son and then putting the ball in his court. I think this gave him a feeling of control that made him much easier to deal with and to behave better.”
–Anthony Mazzarelli, MD, JD, MBE, Co-President/Chief Executive Officer Cooper University Health Care

Editorial Reviews

“Love it! You have a wonderful way of speaking to parents ― theory but from the heart. Your ideas are solid, wise, practical, and sound. I kept smiling – clone yourself. You’re the psychologist every parent (and child) should go to. Empathy! Humor!! And great advice. Adored your The PPSA (Proactive-Preventive-Strategic Approach) and your 10 steps. Put them on a poster!”
–Michele Borba, Ed.D, Author of Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine

“Dr. Selznick does it again! If you’ve read his blogs, you probably know his style, but this book is a wonderful commentary on parenting across the ages as much as it is a “how to” and “how not to” book about parenting. Using fun phrases like “meltydowny,” “The Hey Bud” parenting style, and “Frustration Intolerance Disorder (FID),” Dr. Selznick has a conversation with the reader about the role of anger, the need for kids to seek pleasure, the real deal about self-esteem in kids, and the skill of parenting. Ending with a fabulous discussion of reactive vs. strategic parenting and the 10 rules of parenting, Dr. Selznick uses a series of anecdotes that will have you smiling and frowning (depending on how much you see yourself or your child in his stories). A quick and effective read, this book is highly recommended!”
–Dr. Sarah Levin Allen, Pediatric Neuropsychologist and Author of “Raising Brains”

“What started as a journey to help Nicholas better develop social and coping skills, you helped develop a relationship with my son and also helped guide me to recognize what I needed to do to best support Nicholas and, in the end, helped me too! Your book was a great reinforcement for us.”
–Nicole Leidmer, Mother of 10-year-old boy

“Beforehand, our son’s oppositional attitude had our heads spinning. Dr. Selznick’s advice and his book gave us clear and actionable techniques that have greatly improved our child’s behavior.”
–Justin and Jackie, Parents of a 5-year-old-boy

“What started as a journey to help Nicholas better develop social and coping skills, you helped develop into a relationship with my son and also helped guide me to recognize what I needed to do to best support Nicholas and in the end, helped me too! Your book was a great reinforcement for us.”
–Nicole Leidmer, Mother of 10-year-old boy