Read some interviews with Barbara in newspapers and magazines ...
The Journal News. Old problem, new approach
Westchester County, New York, March 17, 2009
The Parent Paper, “Q & A: When the Labels Don’t Fit”
Bergen Country, New Jersey, December 2008
Westchester Family Magazine, “Your Child: Disordered or Different?”
Westchester County, New York, January 2009
Read what parents & professionals are saying about Barbara’s work …
When Barbara spoke at our recent national conference, interest in her positive and practical approach was so strong that people squeezed in doorways and sat in aisles for the opportunity to learn from her! The workshop was a crowd favorite, particularly among parents seeking effective strategies for working with challenging children.
Amy Price, executive director
Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG)
When I first read one of Barbara’s articles, I felt as if it were written about my son! I was particularly intrigued by her strategy of identifying children’s needs and sensitivities, and specific strategies to manage them, rather than focusing on diagnosing disorders. My son’s behavior had been problematic for some time, and the parenting books, behavior management programs, doctors and therapists we had tried hadn’t provided any lasting success.
My husband and I were amazed at how easily Barbara was able to identify the sources of the frustrations my son was feeling! The focus on his perspective, rather than how to control his behavior, was probably the biggest change that Barbara brought about for our family. She was able to give us very specific strategies to address one or two issues at a time and gradually our home began to feel less out of control. My son is still a challenging child, but when difficulties arise, I go back to some of the basics Barbara has taught us, and problems are resolved more quickly and positively. I am so thankful that Barbara was able to help our family!
Anne B., Westwood, NJ
I'm sure you hear this a million times a day, but the work you are doing is changing the world
one family at a time, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to pass it along!
Karen Alonge, Boulder CO
The "let's dig in and start working" tone of Barbara’s writing and the practical examples and techniques are helping me work to a deeper level of understanding, both at home and with my daughter's teachers. All the detailed categories of the Temperamental Questionnaire are excellent! I would never have been able to articulate and identify them to that degree. And the chapter "Changing the Way you Think and Talk" will be absolutely priceless for me! With a book like When the Labels Don't Fit, I feel I finally have access to some concrete tools that will allow me to take steps toward really respecting my daughter for who she is and guiding her toward who she is meant to be.
Elizabeth O., Southern Connecticut
After much research, I sought Barbara out because I believed she would be a good fit for myself and our very challenging 3-year-old daughter. I was right! During my initial consultation with Barbara, she was able to identify our daughter's specific needs and provided me with techniques to help manage her difficult behavior. Within a couple of days of implementing our new methods, not only did my daughter's aggressive behavior improve dramatically, but she is now happy, helpful, and charming once again. We are very grateful to Barbara for her expertise and would highly recommend her to anyone.
Heidi C., South Florida
When I attended Barbara’s seminar on difficult children I was astonished that anyone could describe my 7-year old so accurately without having met him – but she did! Judging from how the rest of the audience reacted, it was clear that she had hit a note with the majority of us parents of “difficult children” that no one had before.
As my family worked with Barbara, she helped us pinpoint my son’s specific problematic behaviors. Not only did she provide strategies for my son to learn how to handle difficult situations, but she also coached my husband and me on how to carry out the strategies. We’ve made tremendous progress, and what we learned from Barbara was an integral part of that success.
Laurie S., Mid-Hudson Valley, NY
All parents of children who are hard to understand or handle should learn about Barbara’s practical strategies for managing challenging traits such as intensity, inflexibility, perfectionism, and sensitivity. I particularly appreciate her encouragement to avoid pathologizing these traits. Barbara gives practical advice that families can use right way. Our parents’ organization found her to be a highly engaging and relevant speaker.
Lori Rubin-Williamson, Scottsdale AZ
Barbara provides parents and teachers working with challenging children much-needed and useful strategies for helping these kids learn to manage themselves. Eccentric – and many times fascinating – children who do not have a true disorder can be better understood and supported through Barbara's work. As an educational consultant, I have found her writings and ideas to be of immense value.
Heidi M., New Orleans LA
Most amazing is what I felt right after reading your article!! Finally!! What you outlined - it is me, it is my child!! Your articles touched the core of the issue and not only helped me through his situation, but finally and for the first time, I was able to understand myself! Barbara, once again, thank you for bringing it all to light – your understanding and insightfulness on the subject are amazing!
Lior S., Sacramento CA
Barbara's insight and experience working with families trying to "do the right thing" for their child are absolutely invaluable! We appreciate Barbara's keen ability to listen, process, and present direction and means to help get our child and family on a productive and positive track forward.
Nancy G., Putney VT
Barbara’s articles are extremely well written and provide valuable insight into children with different and difficult behavior. When her articles appear in 2e Newsletter, they always bring positive responses and requests for reprints from readers as far away as Australia.
Linda Neumann, Editor, Twice-Exceptional Newsletter
Glen Ellyn, IL
Barbara was terrific at bringing together people who had children with similar issues. She was a skilled facilitator in the support and discussion groups, helping us talk through some of our biggest issues. It was wonderful to know that we were not alone in our feelings about our lives and children! Her help and insight was invaluable to all of us!
Jennifer, Pleasantville, NY
Reviews of Barbara’s Work
