Product Description

People who wouldn't dream of blaming parents for a child's asthma or diabetes are often quick to blame bad parenting for a child's hyperactivity, depression, or school phobia.  The parents, in turn, often blame their children, believing that they're lazy or rebellious.  Even worse, the children with these psychological problems often blame themselves, convinced that they're just bad kids.  In It's Nobody's Fault, esteemed child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Harold S. Kopelwicz at last puts an end to  this pointless--and erroneous--cycle of blame and helps parents get the help they need for their troubled children.

Written in an easy, anecdotal style and filled with fascinating stories of real children and their parents, It's Nobody's Fault is an indispensable guide for anyone who lives or works with children who need help.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #534499 in Books
• Published on: 1997-10-15
• Released on: 1997-10-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

From Booklist
Brain chemistry, not bad parenting, is responsible for the 12 percent of children younger than 18 who have diagnosable brain disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), separation anxiety disorder (SAD), or enuresis (bed-wetting). Through case studies, scientific data, and information about children's development and brain chemistry, Koplewicz helps parents understand the obstacles their brain-disordered children face. A practicing psychiatrist, he also suggests means, including therapy and medication, by which families may lessen the difficulties posed by those disorders. He devotes the final section of the book to considerations of the nature and treatment of probems including, besides those noted above, depression, conduct disorder, bipolar disorder, and autism. Presented with compassion but in no-nonsense style, his effort offers a wealth of scientific information in a format easily accessible to parents, extended families, and friends of "difficult" children. Kathryn Carpenter

From the Publisher
"Dr. Kopelwicz has sent out a much-needed message: Parents need to be informed about the biology of childhood disorders, not blamed for bad parenting! It's Nobody's Fault will be welcome for these families and to the field."
--Judith Rappaport, M.D., bestselling author of The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Watching

"Parents, take note! Dr. Kopelwicz, in It's Nobody's Fault, has extended a trained and experienced hand to guide you gently yet authoritatively through one of life's more stressful domains: understanding a child's mental difficulties. This warm and direct book deserves to be read by every parent or caretaker. It not only explains and illustrates what is important to understand about difficult children, but challenges and clarifies the most common misconceptions."
--Lawrence A. Stone, M.D., president of The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

"With warmth, insight, and impeccable information, Dr. Kopelwicz eases parental concerns and keeps the reader turning the pages. The book is an enlightening, pleasurable read by a highly credentialed psychiatrist."
--Diana Huss Green, editor-in-chief and founder of Parents' Choice, Parents' Choice Foundation

From the Inside Flap
People who wouldn't dream of blaming parents for a child's asthma or diabetes are often quick to blame bad parenting for a child's hyperactivity, depression, or school phobia.  The parents, in turn, often blame their children, believing that they're lazy or rebellious.  Even worse, the children with these psychological problems often blame themselves, convinced that they're just bad kids.  In It's Nobody's Fault, esteemed child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Harold S. Kopelwicz at last puts an end to  this pointless--and erroneous--cycle of blame and helps parents get the help they need for their troubled children.

Written in an easy, anecdotal style and filled with fascinating stories of real children and their parents, It's Nobody's Fault is an indispensable guide for anyone who lives or works with children who need help.

Customer Reviews

A must have for parents with dysregulated kids.
I continue to refer to this book often for both suggestions and strength. Very well written. I was thrilled about the resourceful information to help me with my dual diagnosis son with complex needs.

It's Nobody's Fault
This is an excellent resource for parents, health care professionals, clergy and extended family members. The author effectively dispels the myths surrounding mental illness and other disorders, with an emphasis on pediatric and adolescent issues. I wish I'd had this book years ago when our children were diagnosed with ADD and learning disabilities. Extended family members felt that my husband and I were bad parents and that our kids needed more discipline. I'm happy to say that all three are successful young people. Thanks to the author for his sensitive approach to these disorders.

Slightly helpful
I purchased this book hoping it would help allay some of my guilt over my son's disorder. Although it didn't help me very much, it's probably worth reading if you are struggling with these issues.