It's My Way or the Highway: Empowering Young Leaders to be More Flexible

I found this book extremely useful! My four-year-old son is getting very bossy now that he’s old enough to have friends and be in preschool. I’ve been having the types of conversations with him that are in the book, but the book is just worded in such a way that makes it really helpful. I definitely think it is geared towards older children, which makes perfect sense based on child development etc. However, this just means that I had to explain some things as we read because he doesn’t have all of the words in his vocabulary just yet. After I read a page, I would ask if it made sense and then I would give him an example from his own life that compared to the examples in the book. As we read this book many more times, I will be able to see him picking up on the concepts more I’m sure. I especially like the last page with tips for parents or educators. As an educator myself, I was aware of some of the strategies but as a parent, it was nice to know I was doing some things right and that there were some other things I could also try. I am excited to see what other titles by Julia Cook would help my son!

My patients have all enjoyed and appreciated this book.

Author Julia Cook always seems to pinpoint bad behaviors that can be nipped in the bud, and she knows what to say to provide guidance. Being bossy is an issue with a lot of young kids, of course. We see Cora June being bossy at home and at school and she's not making friends. Her mother and teacher try to impress upon her the need to be "flexible" and she eventually realizes she can have fun even when she's not in charge. She learns to ask others what they want to do. This book covers all the bases for kids who need guidance, and offers suggestions for parents. And the pictures are helpful. I don't think most kids will change overnight as Cora June does, and for kids who are on the spectrum it will be harder, too. But, no matter the circumstances, one has to start the conversation. Once or twice I wondered if there was too much text on a page, and whether the mother was lecturing too much, but again...this is a good way to start the conversation. We all want our kids to get along with others.

Good read using for special ed

The book helps in teaching young kids about being flexible. It was a new word and I use quite a bit with my grandchild. We’re striving for flexible over bossy!