The Tantrum Survival Guide: Tune In to Your Toddler's Mind (and Your Own) to Calm the Craziness and Make Family Fun Again

I have returned to this book time and time again in my parenting journey and with each "re-read" I have been able to access new tools and information that have provided tangible support for each twist and turn of the toddler years... What might have worked at handling 2 year old tantrums might not hold the same for 4 year old tantrums, and Dr. Hershberg's book has been my go-to for each new phase of the emotional rollercoaster.Not only has this book helped me identify triggers and patterns the might affect my child's behavior, but it has also helped identify ways to control and modify my parenting skills and voice. But what i love most about this book is that it does not ask me to be a super-human mom, who can sail through parenting without acknowledging her own frustrations and anxieties. Dr. Hershberg recognizes that parents are just people, with their own shortcomings, and she does not ask us to rise above our own emotions to the point of "perfection", but rather guides us in ways that can help modulate and tap into out personal issues, without having to be unrealistic "super parents". This is further supported by her addition of anecdotes and examples of other people's tantrum survival experiences, which has made me feel less alone and "seen" in my journey.Dr. Hershberg's wit and humor also makes this book an easy and, dare I say, enjoyable read.I would recommend this book to ANY parent, even if they are not currently experiencing a dreaded tantrum phase, because we all know it will happen at some point and her tools are the best to keep in your arsenal.

As a mother and therapist, I have read most of the parenting books out there, but this book is different! In clear, easy to understand language and with humor, Dr. Hershberg explains why children have tantrums and the many factors that lead to and often escalate these normal but oh so challenging behaviors. She provides reassurance for worried parents and a framework for how to understand, anticipate and respond to childrens very big feelings. What I found most valuable was the way that Dr. Hershberg shed light on the ways that parents’ feelings related to their own upbringing, unknowingly create dynamics that lead to and prolonged tantrums. Without judgement, she illustrates how small shifts in thinking can make an enormous difference. The book is full of relatable examples from her own family as well as those of her patients who readily seek her support. Parenting is a wonderful and hard journey. This book is a wonderful guide and a must read for parents of young children.

I have an incorrigible grandson. We don't know where he came from, my 6th grandchild. He has two experienced parents, who are wonderful role models. I taught school for 35 years before I retired, have four children, 6 grandchildren, and now, even a great granddaughter! From the time he was born, we dealt with what we thought was colic, short sleep periods, watched his diet closely in case he was allergic, etc. I doubt he was allergic to any foods, but my daughter even cut out things in her own diet while she was breast feeding. She is a nurse, has been an exceptional mother, but he has broken her down. He has tantrums, but other behaviors also make it difficult to deal with him. He whines, screams at times, appears to have a short attention span, but can attend when he gets interested. I have observed enough children that I know he is somewhat precocious, no problem with intellect. I was afraid I might not be able to attend to this book: but I really liked it from the start: she outlined 5 "symptoms" or characteristics to examine, like emotionaity, having to be in control, for example, and I found two that fit him strongly. He does have tantrums, but not all the time. He can not tolerate "No." He is approaching 3, but this demanding and wearing personality has been apparent from the start. Amazing. It's really killing my daughter and son-in-law. I've always been a good disciplinarian, but he isn't easy for me. Worse with parents. (I want to wring his neck when they come home and he starts.). That aside, (I'll restrain myself, :), I promise), this is a very well done book that deals with the difficult child. there is no easy answer. But, to just know it isn't your fault, helps. And understanding some of his issues helps. I just ignore him at times, or try to distract. I pick my battles. But, it's hard for his parents. And his big sister. Thank you for the book, if the author ever reads the reviews.

This book is awesome. Only half way through it and moving it so much. A few things I generally don’t agree with, but mostly great. A good combination between “ I’m a doctor, but mostly a parent” feels very easy to relate to the author and her family. I’ll just keep starting it over every time I finish it as it has such an abundance of info and insight you couldn’t possibly absorb in one read.

I'm a mother and psychologist and loved this book. I initially downloaded the free kindle sample and forgot about it. Weeks later, after a particularly tough night with my kid, I started reading. The first couple pages made me feel seen and hopeful. Of course it only got better. I read out of order and first focused on the practical guides. This part wasn't revolutionary, but so clearly laid out. Days later I went back to read the book from the beginning and it was stunning. The author very effectively helped me consider my own role in my child's behavior in ways that gave me new insights beyond my own training, therapy, and past reading.Finally, I appreciate how the author weaves in solid empirical research with warmth.

I was expecting something a bit gimmicky with tactics to calm your child when tantrums happen. There’s actually a lot more than this. Really useful info on why tantrums happen, and overall good advice on raising small kids.