The strength switch : how the new science of strength-based parenting can help you and your child flourish
(Book)

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Explains how making small shifts in one's parenting style can yield big results by uncovering a child's strengths, rather than focusing on his or her weaknesses.

"Once in a while, a simple idea comes along that radically changes how we raise our kids. Carol Dweck introduced us to the potential of the growth mindset. Angela Duckworth showed us the value of grit. And now, Lea Waters demonstrates the power of the strength switch. We all want to raise emotionally and intellectually healthy kids. As if that weren't challenge enough, thanks to evolution we are burdened with a negativity bias that makes us see what's wrong, so that we can fix it, instead of what's right. That means most of us, even on our best days, are blind to the strengths of our children. But in this game-changing book, a distinguished positive psychologist (and herself the mother of two) draws on decades of personal and clinical experience to show how to throw the 'strength switch, ' turning on an approach to parenting that can yield tremendous results in every area. Strength-based parenting allows you not only to see what is 'right' about your children but also to discover their strengths and talents. Simple as the approach is though, putting it into action is not necessarily easy. Dr. Waters helps us break through our negativity bias, outlining strategies, conversations, even games that work with our children from birth straight through young adulthood to build resilience, optimism, and an enduring sense of achievement. By instilling positivity in our children's lives, we also provide a foundation that can protect them from the anxiety and depression that are almost epidemic in children and teens today. Water even shows how to use positive emotions as a resource in dealing with difficult emotions, problem behaviors and challenging situations. This ground-breaking approach not only boosts self-esteem and energy levels in young children and teenagers, it also offers a deeply rewarding way to raise our children and strengthen our bond with them. With great stories about how strength-based parenting has helped kids of all ages, including her own, Waters shows us how flipping the strength switch can help our children shine."--Jacket.