Raising Your Spirited Child, Fourth Edition: A Guide for Parents Whose Child Is More Intense, Sensitive, Perceptive, Persistent, and Energetic

by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka

Overview

In this fourth edition of her perennial bestselling book, Dr. Mary Sheedy Kurcinka utilizes her deep experience to address the pressures previous generations of parents didn’t have to consider. Her empathy and effective advice are exemplified in the introduction of her new and easy to apply Spirited Child Approach, which nurtures the entire family. 

The Spirited Child Approach helps parents understand their child and their own inborn temperament while focusing on three simple, but vital concepts—calm, connect, and coach—to help their family thrive. Research- and strength-based, yet honest, Raising Your Spirited Child speaks to parent burnout and, in a helpful and supportive manner, offers solutions to that exasperated question, “How am I supposed to stay calm and connect with my child when I’m just trying to survive the moment?”

What’s new in this edition?

• The Spirited Child Approach: This groundbreaking methodology focuses on three key concepts—calm, connect, and coach—offering practical tools to handle the most stressful situations.
• Structure as Prevention: Discover how structure and routine can help avoid meltdowns and create a more peaceful home.
• Tech-Savvy Parenting: Addressing the impact of screen time and social media on both kids and parents, Kurcinka provides actionable advice on managing screen use while nurturing relationships.
• The Power of Sleep: This edition prioritizes sleep for the whole family, offering simple, effective strategies for getting everyone the rest they need to thrive.

Even fans of the previous editions of this book will find tons of brand-new information and skills—updated with Dr. Mary’s latest findings after close to a decade of additional experience as a parenting coach, and for the challenging age of parenting in the age of smartphones and social media.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063413771
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	09/02/2025
Pages:	464
Product dimensions:	5.31(w) x 8.00(h) x 1.05(d)

About the Author

Dr. Mary Sheedy Kurcinka, EdD, is a bestselling author and internationally recognized lecturer and parent educator. Her books Raising Your Spirited Child; Raising Your Spirited Baby; Raising Your Spirited Child Workbook; Kids, Parents and Power Struggles; and Sleepless in America have been translated into more than twenty languages. A former director of one of Minnesota’s largest Early Childhood Family Education programs, Mary is the founder of the Spirited Child and Kids, Parents, and Power Struggles workshops. She resides in Bozeman, Montana, with her husband.

Editorial Reviews

If you have a child who is ‘more’—more intense, more persistent, more sensitive—you probably already know who Mary Sheedy Kurcinka is. The newly revised fourth edition is just as reassuring and eye-opening as the first edition. But it’s completely rewritten and updated, with more step-by-step advice, concrete examples, and practical tips. In this book she takes her commitment to positive parenting a step further, giving parents the hands-on tools they need to ease the challenges of life with a spirited child, without resorting to punishment. This book is wonderful.” — Laura Markham, Ph.D., author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids

"The fourth edition of Mary Kurcinka’s Raising Your Spirited Child is a masterful blend of science, wisdom, and actionable advice. Part of the genius of Kurcinka's work is her ability to see the positive aspects of every child’s temperament, and to provide sage advice on encouraging and appreciating the better angles of their nature. The refrain of 'calm, connect, and coach' is a new element in this edition, and it provides a useful template for actually dealing with many children’s issues. A grand addition to the library for parents, grandparents, aunties, childcare providers, and babysitters." — Charles M. Super, PhD, and Sara Harkness, PhD, MPH, Professors of Human Development and Pediatrics, University of Connecticut

“Enter Dr. Mary’s classroom, and you’ll soon see that this isn’t just a quick overview—it’s a transformative series of lessons that will build your confidence and skills in connecting with your Spirited Child. Along the way, you’ll also uncover insights about yourself that will make you a better parent, partner, colleague, and friend.” — Janet Crow MD, Professor of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego

From the Publisher