This book was a lifesaver for me. Not so much for the suggestions on raising a spirited child, but to let me know I was not alone in the world with a "spirited" child. Mary Sheedy Kurcinka can describe effortlessly the daily struggles of a child who is more sensitive, loud, and a child who is just MORE than all other children. It takes the term "difficult" as applied to a child, and changes the term to "spirited". It not only gives parents and children a more positive view of their daily struggles, but it also encourages the good behavior of a spirited child. It gives suggestions and desciptions for handling all kinds of different scenarios. I am not sure I completely agree with all of Kucinka's ideas and philosophies, nor do they all apply to my particular situation. However, it did let me know that I am not alone when it comes to having a child who is spirited.