The Book

What They Don't Teach in Prenatal Class:
The Key to Raising Trouble-Free Kids & Teens
Available on Amazon, Hager Books in Kerrisdale, Banyen Books in Point Grey, and Phoenix Books, Bowen Island

Why I decided to invest the time in writing a book

I wrote this book because of my experience as the mother of a troubled teenager. In seeking a way to help my daughter, I learned valuable insights I wished I’d known when my children were still young. What They Don’t Teach in Prenatal Class is for parents of children of any age, but particularly for those who worry about a family history of depression or addiction. 
Many people think that nurturing a child’s self-esteem is the answer. However, I discovered that the crucial message we must get across to children is that they are inherently worthy as human beings. Self-esteem is easily lost, but our Inherent Worth (IW) never changes. This concept is not only the key to happiness, it is also the key to prevention and to recovery. 
You need to know that the negative beliefs that drive our behavior and our children’s behavior, and which can lead to addiction, get started in early childhood. While you can’t prevent your children from taking on these beliefs, you can help to counter them when they do. 

You will learn how to:

  • Understand your child’s behavior and how to change it.
  • Turn off your hot buttons and deescalate conflict.
  • Improve communication with all members of the family.
  • Strengthen your relationships (not just with your children).
  • Gain a new perspective on your role as a parent.
What They Don’t Teach in Prenatal Class also offers practical strategies that will help raise a kinder, happier, generation. ​
Book Contents:
Foreword by Diederik Wolsak, RPC, MPCP
Introduction

PART ONE: The Key to Happiness: Inherent Worth
Chapter One: What I wish I’d learned in Prenatal Class
Chapter Two: Is There a Problem with Self-Esteem?
Chapter Three: How to Help Children to Recognize and Own Their Inherent Worth

PART TWO: Unconditional Love: A Parent’s Guide
Chapter Four: Do We Really Know How to Love Unconditionally?
Chapter Five: How to Turn Off Your Hot Buttons
Chapter Six: Happy Parents, Happy Kids

PART THREE: Parenting Priorities: Kindness Versus Grades
Chapter Seven: Parenting with Purpose
Chapter Eight: Strategies for Raising Kind Kids
Chapter Nine: Parenting with Love and Not with Fear
Chapter Ten: Your Role as a Parent

APPENDICES
Appendix A: Resources and Recommended Reading
Appendix B: Are you Parenting Out of Love or Fear Quiz
Appendix C: Feelings Chart
Appendix D: Raising Bully-Proof Children
Appendix E: The Radiance of the Lights
Appendix F: References and Citations