Attitude Makeover: Manipulative

The New Attitude Review
All attitude makeovers take hard work, constant practice, and parental reinforcement. Each step your child takes toward change may be a small one, so be sure to acknowledge and congratulate every one of them along the way. It takes a minimum of twenty-one days to see real results, so don't give up! And if one strategy doesn't work, try another. Write your child's weekly progress on the lines that follow. Keep track of daily progress in your Attitude Makeover Journal.

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Ongoing Attitude Tune-Up
Where does your child's attitude still need improvement? What work still needs to be done?

Attitude Makeover Resources
For Parents
The Manipulative Child: How to Regain Control and Raise Resilient, Resourceful, and Independent Kids, by E. W. Swihart Jr. and Patrick Cotter (New York: Bantam Books, 1998). If your kid is ruling your household, this is the book for you. A pediatrician and a child psychologist offer effective tools from their clinically proven program for blocking manipulative behavior and getting kids back on track.

In Sheep's Clothing: Understanding and Dealing with Manipulative People, by George K. Simon Jr. (Little Rock, Ark.: A. J. Christopher, 1996). Simon reveals the common tactics manipulators like to use and tells you how to respond to them.

Stop Negotiating with Your Teen: Strategies for Parenting Your Angry, Manipulative, Moody, or Depressed Adolescent, by Janet Sasson Edgette (New York: Perigee Books, 2002). A therapist offers practical strategies for parents who don't know where to turn when dealing with a sullen, withdrawn, or sarcastic and manipulative teen.

"Trust Me, Mom – Everyone Else Is Going!" The New Rules for Mothering Adolescent Girls, by Roni Cohen-Sandler (New York: Penguin Books, 2002). Great sound advice when your adolescent (or preadolescent) wants to put a manipulative guilt trip on you.

For Kids
It's Not My Fault, by Franz Brandenburg (New York: Morrow, 1980). Although the mice siblings quarrel and blame each other, they miss each other terribly when apart. Ages 3 to 7.

Sam, Bangs, and Moonshine, by Evaline Ness (Austin, Tex.: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1966). "Mistruths" get out of hand. The main character must deal with her manipulative deceptions and their harmful consequences. Ages 3 to 7.

One-Eyed Cat, by Paula Fox (New York: Bradbury, 1984). Disobeying his father, a boy takes a rifle and shoots a stray cat. Though he tries at first to wheedle his way out of taking responsibility for his actions, guilt finally sets in, and he tells the truth. Ages 8 to 12.

From Don't Give Me That Attitude by Michele Borba, Ed.D. Copyright © 2004 by Michele Borba. All rights reserved. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Buy the book at www.amazon.com.