The Tantrum Survival Guide book cover

From Guilford Press: “If you are the parent of a toddler or preschooler, chances are you know a thing or two about tantrums. While those epic meltdowns can certainly be part of “normal” toddler behavior, they are still maddening, stressful, and exhausting—for everyone involved. What can you do to keep your cool and help your child calm down? Rebecca Schrag Hershberg, child psychologist and mother of two, has a unique understanding of both the science behind tantrums and what works in the heat of the moment to nip blowups in the bud. With her customizable plan, you’ll learn:

  • Why your toddler’s developing brain is hardwired for “big emotions.”
  • What you may be doing (unintentionally) to encourage outbursts.
  • Ways to use structure and routines to help your child feel secure.
  • How to reduce tantrums at tough times of day, from wake-up to bedtime.
  • Strategies for managing tantrums under difficult circumstances, from travel to moving to divorce.
  • Ways to deepen your parent–child connection—starting right now.”

Greater Good Favorite Parenting Book of 2018

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Effusive Praise, Jubilant Cheers & Sighs of Relief for The Tantrum Survival Guide

“Imagine a guide that can offer you an accessible, scientifically sound foundation for understanding your young child’s tantrums and then provide you accessible, practical, and effective ways to help connect with your child through the moments of meltdowns and tirades. The wonderful creator of this smart book is not only a brilliant translator of the science of good relationships and the brain, but also an astute, humble, and hilarious observer of human nature. Enjoy the journey ahead!”
from the Foreword by Daniel J. Siegel, MD, coauthor of No-Drama Discipline

“What a wonderful book! Rebecca Schrag Hershberg writes with wisdom, humor, and lived-in experience about the experience of the child and the parent as they each struggle with the huge feelings unleashed in a tantrum. Her “L” words — Love and Limits — are a timeless guide for those confusing moments when a parent feels torn about what to do next. Every parent of a toddler should read this book!”
Alicia Lieberman, Author, The Emotional Life of the Toddler, Professor, University of California San Francisco

“Witty and authentic–an invaluable resource for dealing with meltdowns, especially at inopportune times and places. Unlike most parenting books, this one is painfully realistic. Dr. Hershberg shares her own struggles to manage her toddlers’ behavior, despite her considerable expertise as a child psychologist.”
Joan L. Luby, MD, Director, Early Emotional Development Program, Washington University School of Medicine

“Dr. Hershberg gives parents the ultimate gift of how to survive (and even prevent) tantrums. Her perspective as both a child psychologist and mother is refreshing and easy to relate to. She takes you right into the eye of the storm to help you understand what is going on in your toddler’s mind. A ‘must read’ for all moms and dads–keep this book in your parenting tool box.”
Deena Blanchard, MD, MPH, pediatrician, New York City

“Dr. Hershberg comes across like the smartest, most thoughtful of my ‘mom friends’–and a funny one, too. She doesn’t shy away from digging deep into the outsized emotions of little kids. I feel like a psychological supermom now, ready to handle anything my 4- and 2-year-olds throw my way!”
Ali M., Dobbs Ferry, New York

“This is the toddler decoding manual you’ve been waiting for! As the mother of a 3-year-old and a 20-month-old, I deal with a double dose of tantrums on a daily basis. This book has been a lifesaver in terms of how to understand the root causes and triggers of my kids’ tantrums, how to process my own emotions during them, and how to handle (and even prevent) tantrums in the future. Dr. Hershberg somehow makes you feel listened to and validated simply through reading her words.”
Sumana W., Los Angeles

“As a father of two, I found this to be an invaluable tool for living in the trenches with young kids. With warmth and humor, Dr. Hershberg assures you that you are not alone and describes strategies that work.”
Chris D., Chatham, New Jersey