Episode 64: Optimistic Parenting Strategies for Challenging Children

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My guest this week is Dr. Mark Durand, a professor of psychology at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg and author. Dr. Durand has received over $4 million in federal funding to study the nature, assessment, and treatment of behavior problems in children with disabilities. Before moving to Florida he served in a variety of leadership positions at the University at Albany, where he established the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at the University at Albany, SUNY. He serves on a number of editorial boards, reviews for dozens of journals, and has over 100 publications on functional communication, educational programming, and behavior therapy. Dr. Durand has</span> <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Optimistic-Parenting-Hope-Challenging-Child/dp/1598570528/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=optimistic+parenting&qid=1588127027&sr=8-1#customerReviews"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">authored several books</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">on addressing behavior challenges in children, including sleep issues. Dr. Durand developed a unique treatment for severe behavior problems that is currently mandated by states across the country and is used worldwide. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In this episode, Dr. Durand and I discuss optimistic parenting strategies for parents looking for help caring for their challenging children. Dr. Durand guides the audience through research-based evidence and techniques to help parents understand how impactful their thoughts and emotions are when parenting. Using his tools, parents learn to disrupt their negative thoughts and create positive ones geared to their needs and the needs of their children. </span></p> <p><strong>Where to learn more about Dr. Mark Durand ...</strong></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Optimistic-Parenting-Hope-Challenging-Child/dp/1598570528/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=optimistic+parenting&qid=1588127027&sr=8-1"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Optimis