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<p>Note to the Reader ix</p> <p>Acknowledgments xi</p> <p>Introduction: Rethinking Potential 1</p> <p><b>1 Tempering Perfectionism: What Is “Good Enough”? 10</b></p> <p>Michael: Focusing on flaws 13</p> <p>Kirsten: Deflecting blame 20</p> <p>Sam: Avoiding activities at which he doesn’t excel 30</p> <p>Angela: Feeling inadequate 33</p> <p><b>2 Building Connection: How Does Your Child Reach Out to Others? 43</b></p> <p>Andrew: Seeking an audience rather than a friend 48</p> <p>Clay: Avoiding joining the group 55</p> <p>Amalia: Feeling rejected by peers 63</p> <p><b>3 Managing Sensitivity: How Does Your Child Handle Criticism, Conflict, and Disappointment? 80</b></p> <p>Mario: Perceiving betrayal 83</p> <p>Jessica: Balking at constructive feedback 90</p> <p>Samir: Chafing at a change of plans 97</p> <p>Collin: Shouldering the world’s woes 109</p> <p><b>4 Handling Cooperation and Competition: How Does Your Child Fit in a Group? 118</b></p> <p>Steven: Insisting on his way 121</p> <p>Anita: Being a sore loser 130</p> <p>Misha: Fearing competition 138</p> <p>Craig: Dealing with competition in the family 146</p> <p><b>5 Dealing with Authority: How Does Your Child Respond to Those in Charge? 161</b></p> <p>Lisa: Being blind to authority 164</p> <p>Nicholas: Making everything an argument 177</p> <p>Stephanie: Fretting about adults’ anger 192</p> <p><b>6 Developing Motivation: What Matters to Your Child? 200</b></p> <p>Ethan: Avoiding schoolwork 203</p> <p>Jared: Complaining that schoolwork is boring 208</p> <p>Diane: Not applying herself in school 221</p> <p><b>7 Finding Joy: What Makes Your Child Feel Happy? 238</b></p> <p>Monica: Finding fault instead of fun 242</p> <p>Conner: Searching for personal meaning 251</p> <p>Conclusion: The Pressure to Perform Versus the Power to Grow 272</p> <p>Selected References and Recommended Reading 277</p> <p>About the Authors 291</p> <p>Index 293</p>

“This book is a literal Godsend. Parents will find great wisdom in its pages.”<br /> – <b>Stephen R. Covey</b>, author, <i>The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People</i> <p>“A smart, deeply perceptive and important book.” <br /> – <b>Wendy Mogel, PhD</b>, author, <i>The Blessing of a Skinned Knee</i></p> <p>"This book helps parents see how to encourage their children to develop as whole people with feelings, ideas, and the ability to cope with the occasional disappointment too."<br /> – <b>Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, PhD</b>, author of <i>Einstein Never Used Flash Cards</i></p> <p>“Filled with vignettes and strategies for raising smart kids to become healthy, happy and contributing adults.”<br /> – <b>Vicki Abeles</b>, Producer, <i>Race to Nowhere</i></p>

<p><b>The Authors</b> <p><b>Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD,</b> is a child and family clinical psychologist in Princeton, New Jersey. She is the author or coauthor of several books on children's feelings and friendships. <p><b>Mark S. Lowenthal, PsyD,</b> has helped many children, teens, and their families during his twenty-two years as a clinical psychologist. His private practice is in Maplewood, New Jersey.

<p><b>"My kid is smart, but …"</b> <p>It takes more than school smarts to create a fulfilling life. In fact, many bright children face special challenges. <ul> <li>Some are driven by perfectionism.</li> <li>Some are afraid of effort, because they're used to instant success.</li> <li>Some routinely butt heads with authority figures.</li> <li>Some struggle to get along with their peers.</li> <li>Some are outwardly successful but just don't feel good about themselves.</li> </ul> <p><i>Smart Parenting for Smart Kids</i> is a practical and compassionate book that explains the reasons behind these struggles and offers parents strategies to help children cope with feelings, embrace learning, and build satisfying relationships. Drawing from research as well as the authors' clinical experience, it focuses on the essential skills children need to make the most of their abilities and become capable, confident, and caring people. <p><b>Praise for</b> <b><i>Smart Parenting for Smart Kids</i></b> <p><b>"This book is a literal godsend. Parents will find great wisdom in its pages."</b><br> —STEPHEN R. COVEY, author, <i>The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People</i> <p><b>"This fresh parenting book is filled with vignettes and strategies for raising smart kids to become healthy, happy and contributing adults."</b><br> —VICKI ABELES, Producer and Co-Director, <i>Race to Nowhere</i> <p><b>"A smart, deeply perceptive, and important book."</b><br> —WENDY MOGEL, PhD, author, <i>The Blessing of a Skinned Knee</i> <p><b>"Helps parents see how to encourage their children to develop as whole people with feelings, ideas, and the ability to cope with the occasional disappointment."</b><br> —ROBERTA MICHNICK GOLINKOFF, PhD, author, <i>Einstein Never Used Flash Cards</i>

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