Unleashing Kids' Potential: What Parents, Grandparents, and Teachers Need to Know

Karen A. Waldron, PhD
Robert D. Reed Publishers (2005)
ISBN 1885003897
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (12/06)

The theme of “Unleashing Kids’ Potential” is helping our children lead a happy, successful, and fulfilling life.  This book contains the stories of families’ struggles to give children a wholesome childhood.  “All of them want today’s children to be happy, to avoid the land mines around them, such as substances and violence, and to take charge of the journey from successful childhood to successful adulthood.”

Today’s society is one that presents complications when raising kids.  We look back fondly at a past when mothers were at home when their children returned from school, most households had two parents.  It was a simpler time.  The author suggests we need to return to the premise of an extended family where adults supported each other and took responsibility for “all related children through good and bad times.”

The actions of parents have an impact on their kids whether they realize it or not.  In the story of Crystal, her mother strongly supports her schoolwork and encourages her.  The mother is glad the teacher stopped in for a visit.  Crystal eagerly shares library books with her teacher but then her father walks in drunk.  Crystal is embarrassed but later discusses it with her teacher.  Crystal is determined never to do that to her child.  Crystal is strong and wise but not all children are.

As a reading coach I’ve seen what happens when a child comes in cold, hungry and with no sleep.  “A child’s physical needs must be met before they can be successful at school.  They should be rested and fed.”  I applaud Dr. Waldron for writing this book. She is honest and open in her thoughts and ideas.  The book is well written.  Dr. Waldron obviously knows from experience how to assist a child in being all he was meant to be.  I highly recommend “Unleashing Kids’ Potential” to all who work with and care about children and their future: teachers, parents, grandparents, etc. 

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