Attitude Makeover: Selfish

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
Wimpy Parents: From Toddler to Teen: How Not to Raise a Brat, by Kenneth N. Condrell (New York: Warner Brothers, 1998). Expounds on the dangers of overly permissive parenting.

Spoiled Rotten: Today's Children and How to Change Them, by Fred G. Gosman (New York: Warner Books, 1993). A convincing statement of how spoiling kids is hurtful and specific advice on how to undo the harm.

Too Much of a Good Thing: Raising Children of Character in an Indulgent Age, by Dan Kindlon (New York: Talk Miramax, 2001). A solid testament of the dangers of overprotecting and overindulging our kids.

The Moral Intelligence of Children, by Robert Coles (New York: Random House, 1997). Thorough and research-based ideas on how to raise a moral, unselfish child.

For Kids
Me First, by Helen Lester (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1995). Pinkerton Pig is pushy and greedy but overcomes his selfishness when he learns that being first isn't always the best. Ages 2 to 4.

The Selfish Giant, by Oscar Wilde (New York: Putnam, 1995). A wonderful tale about a once selfish giant whose heart finally melts when he helps a small boy. Ages 5 to 8.

Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry (New York: Dell, 1989). Based on the true, compassionate story of a young Danish girl who displays the epitome of selflessness: she sacrifices her life to save her friend from the Nazis. Ages 9 to 12.

Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck (New York: Penguin, 1993). Explores the friendship between two stirring characters: mentally handicapped and warm-hearted Lenny and his protector, George. Heartbreaking moments depicting a world that can sometimes be cruel and selfish make for ripe moral discussions. The movie version of Steinbeck's book is also highly recommended (MGM, 1992). For teenagers.

The Kids Can Help Book, by Suzanne Logan (New York: Perigee Books, 1992). A wonderful compilation of ways kids can volunteer and make a difference in the world with their unselfishness. Ages 8 to 13.

Whipping Boy, by Sid Fleischman (New York: Harcourt, 1993). Young self-centered Prince Brat runs away with his whipping boy in this briskly told tale of high adventure that won the Newbery Medal. Ages 10 to 13.

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.