by Kate Andersen

This issue focusses on ways that self-esteem can be damaged and some of the mistakes that parents make. In other words, it might make parents feel very guilty. We aren't trying to lower parent's self-esteem! There are always many things parents are doing well but raising a 'high maintenance' child can get the better of us all at times. It is so much harder raising such children, much harder than raising children described as 'difficult' or 'spirited'.

Parents need to forgive themselves for their 'mistakes', to wipe the slate clean and make amends with the child, and MOVE ON ! A support group can be very helpful when you are so stressed that you are not being the positive parents you would like to be. We would like to know if you have found a successful support group for families of high maintenance children. If you have, please write and let us know about it. Send your letters to webmaster@temperament.com