Welcome

 

Dr. Mary is an internationally recognized parent educator, and best-selling author with over one million books in print. Her work has been translated into more than twenty languages. She holds a Doctorate in Education focusing her research on spirited children and infants, sleep, and family systems. She also graduated with honors with a Master’s Degree in Family Social Science and a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and Early Childhood Education.

Now she is delighted to announce the publication of the 4th edition of her book RAISING YOUR SPIRITED CHILD. This is the book that has helped millions of families across the globe. 

In this newly revised edition, Dr. Mary:

  • Introduces the Spirited Child Approach. Research- and strength-based yet honest and practical, this approach helps parents understand their child and their own inborn temperament while focusing on three simple but vital concepts: calm, connect, and coach.
  • Demonstrates the calming effect of routine. Dr. Mary explains how bringing structure into daily routines prevents meltdowns—even when every day seems to be different.
  • Recognizes that every family is unique. In the modern parenting culture of online comparison and claims that there’s only one “right” way, Dr. Mary explains individual differences and encourages parents to trust their intuition as they select the strategies that best fit their family.
  • Tackles the challenge of parenting in the era of smartphones and social media and the impact on the well-being of all family members. No shame, just insightful questions that encourage informed screen time and healthy alternatives.
  • Prioritizes sleep for everyone—without leaving anyone to cry. As a parent educator working every day with families, Dr. Mary weaves throughout the book, realistic strategies to get adequate sleep, including cutting-edge information and real-life solutions. 

This fourth edition joins her previous best sellers RAISING YOUR SPIRITED BABY, Kids Parents and Power Struggles, Sleepless in America, Is Your Child Misbehaving or Missing Sleep and The Raising Your Spirited Child Workbook. All can be purchased from local bookstores and on-line at Amazon.

Raising Your Spirited Baby is a gentle and encouraging guide to communicating with and supporting your baby. If you have ever been told or considered your baby to be "fussy" or "high need", this is a must-have book for you.  It is helpful to all parents. You will love this breakthrough guide to thriving with your baby. It respects and cares for both of you. You are not alone! (See Mary's 90 second, announcement video)

Dr. Mary’s has been providing parents private behavior and sleep consultations, teaching classes and keynoting conferences for over 35 years. Her “progress not perfection” philosophy and practical parent-tested approach have soundly stood the test of time and helped millions of families thrive.  

Dr. Mary’s work has also been recognized by national and international media sources. She has been a guest and contributor to Good Morning America, Good Morning Canada, The New York Times, and USA weekend, to name just a few.

Look Inside...

Raising Your Spirited Child - Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Click the image above to review the table of contents for Raising Your Spirited Child.

Raising Your Spirited Child - Advanced Praise

Advanced Praise

Take a look at the positive comments we've received from pediatricians and other authors.

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

News and Information

Resources

Fully Revised 4th Edition!

Raising your Spirited Child "Raising Your Spirited Child” is now in it's fourth edition. It's been fully revised with even more helpful insights, stories, heartfelt support and tools to empower you.

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Parenting Tips!

Every week we post parenting tips on either our Facebook page or our blog. Check out the latest tips on children's sleep, tantrums, power struggles, discipline, child development, temperament, spirited children and keeping your cool when your child is losing theirs. We're always open for more suggestions, so feel free to send them our way using our Contact page.

Weekly Parenting Tips!

Get Dr. Mary’s and Lynn’s free, weekly, parenting tips in your email. 

SIGNUP HERE

Parent Support Group

In addition, Facebook has a group page started by and for the parents of "Spirited Children".  The group is a closed group (but still accepting new members) where parents look for advice and support from other parents.  Feel free to check it out using the link below.

SPIRITED CHILD PARENT SUPPORT GROUP

Consultations & Classes
Dr. Mary Sheedy Kurcinka Private Behavioral and Sleep Consultations

Private Baby and Child Behavior and Sleep Consultations

Dr. Mary has helped hundreds of families just like yours.  She provides private consultations on both infant and child behavior and sleep issues.  A one-hour personal session, via phone or Zoom, gives your family an opportunity to discuss the specific issues you are facing.  You will work directly with Dr. Mary to develop a targeted plan that works for your family. Within 24 hours you will receive a written summary of your discussion and your plan.  If you have ever been told or considered your baby to be "fussy" or "high need", Dr. Mary can help you.

"In just one hour on the phone, we were able to gain an entirely new perspective on the issues we were having. You gave us real tools and ideas that we could apply immediately."  -Jason

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Mary Sheedy Kurcinka - Parent Child Help

Classes, Webinars and Workshops

For over 35 years Dr. Mary has provided parenting workshops and keynotes throughout the world.  She has a large number of offerings and customizes or creates each session so that it meets the specifics needs of her audience.   Dr. Mary’s speaking style brings audiences to life as they laugh and learn the essentials for effective parenting.

“Mary, I am so appreciative of how you customized your information and remarks to our audience.  You brought important information to the group with humor and poise.  The audience was mesmerized and we got excellent feedback.”  -Merri

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Blog Highlights
Dr. Mary Sheedy Kurcinka & Lynn Jesson from Paidea Child Development Center

Parenting Questions for
Dr. Mary & Lynn

When You Must Say No

The three-foot tall, 18-inch-thick stone wall protected walkers on the trail from the precipitous drop to the river on the other side. Despite the danger, three-year-old Norah demanded to walk on top of the wall. For mom, this was clearly a safety issue and a definite, “no!”

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Dr. Mary's appearances include:

 
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