The Kazdin Method for Parenting the Defiant Child

Research based prescription for success!!!!
What I love about this book is that the recommendations are not based on some "theory " of parenting but based on a scientific study of what works. Its not about blame or talent its just nuts and bolts of proven techniques to help a child (and parent) trade stubborn opposition for becoming a team! I think any parent would benefit by knowing the contents of this book!

Alan Kazdin's book, The Kazdin Method for Parenting the Defiant Child, is a must read for any parent
Alan Kazdin's book, The Kazdin Method for Parenting the Defiant Child, is a must read for any parent whether or not that parent has a difficult child. In this book, Dr. Kazdin lays out the basic principles of reinforcement and punishment and shows how reward/sticker charts can be used to modify almost any child's undesirable behavior. These techniques can be quite powerful. Additionally, as parents we control many of the "rewards" in our child's life, including the most important reward of all, our attention. If we are ignorant of the principles of reinforcement, we often end up rewarding our children for behaviors that we consider undesirable. Kazdin's book is a favorite of mine and is an indispensable resource for all parents.

This method works!
This book was easy to read and the method easy to use. This book is not just for "defiant" kids but also works for uncooperative ones. It turned around my parenting and my six year old went from frustrated, angry, and resentful to happy, loving, and eager to please in a matter of days. The more willing my boys were, the more relaxed and loving I also became. I am a true believer - convinced by the author's thirty years of clinical experience - and by my own person experience. If you are having trouble with your kids and feeling like you somehow got to a place where you never wanted to be as a parent, buy this book! You won't be disappointed.

Kazdin's Method is really Applied Behavior Analysis
This book offers some excellent descriptions and I definitely recommend it to parents. However, calling it "The Kazdin Method" gives the false impression that the author has pioneered something that he has not. Behavioral contracts, token/point economies, differential reinforcement, shaping, extinction, ABC analysis. The book is misnamed: it should be titled "The Applied Behavior Analysis Method".

At the very least, given that the approach draws so heavily on positive reinforcement, a behavioral principle pioneered by Skinner, the author should have put Skinner front and center as a primary source. Yet Skinner's name is mentioned once only in passing and in reference to punishment. Given the credentials of the author, this seems more likely the result of product design than oversight. That's unfortunate.

Also, see the book by the late Glenn Latham- a behavior analyst- titled "The Power of Positive Parenting". I was surprised to see the author "turn" this phrase since Latham's book used the phrase in the title of his book over 15yrs ago.

Kazdin's Parent Management Training book did a nice job of referencing applied behavior analysis as a primary source of material. It would have been nice if this book did the same.

Good read
It is never too late to turn around a bad behavior. This book helped me with two teen boys. Plus it arrived very quickly after ordering.