As parents, we have all been there at one point or another:  the toddler having a complete meltdown in the middle of the store or the teenager huffing off at our latest misaligned attempt at relating to them.  Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to interact with our kids and help them sail through their early years with ease.

The Whole-Brain Child is a relatively short book at 192 pages, but it is packed with valuable information about the way young minds function.  Written by neuropsychiatrist Daniel J. Siegel, and parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson, Whole-Brain Child describes how the emotional right brain has more control over our children’s actions and reactions until they are about mid-twenties.  The left brain has a minor role until then as well.

Focusing on twelve strategies, this book helps parents follow a guideline for both appealing to the logical side of our child’s brain, and also for understanding why and how children react the way they do.  Some of the strategies include advice on how to connect emotionally, encourage planning and thinking and helping kids to understand that feelings are normal and acceptable, whatever they are.

For parents who are floundering in the sea of emotions young children are inclined toward, Whole-Brain Child can be a lifesaver, providing a clear path toward a better, calmer relationship with your child.

Whole-Brain Child currently sells on Amazon for $14.63 and boasts an impressive four-star rating out of 19 reviews.  Most of the reviews say this book is insightful, immediately helpful and user friendly.