When I met Vanessa Kahlon at an open house for her school in the summer of 2017, I immediately connected to her mission of providing systemic, individualized support with a focus on social-emotional skills as well as academics. I also was drawn to her energy, drive, and playfulness with “her kids”! As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have had the opportunity to provide clinical consultation and support to the amazing staff at KFS School, and have been the classroom therapist for children who could benefit from additional one-on-one clinical interventions.
This book is unique in its combination of behavioral intervention strategies, centrality of secure attachment, and focus on parents learning their own self-regulation to be most effective (and stay sane!) The theoretical and behavioral basis is evidence and research-based, of course, but I have had the privilege to see Vanessa in action at KFS School and to witness the transformation of multiple children.
I believe that parents will see themselves and their children in these pages and be able to learn and practice new skills. More importantly, however, parents will experience a shift in the way they see their children’s challenging behaviors, defiance, or power struggles, and feel more confident in their role as a parent and role model. Instead of getting stuck and feeling lost or angry, we will all hear Vanessa’s voice in our heads to “shut up and parent!”
