Getting on With Others

School teachers know one thing to be true: that cooperative children do better at school and in life. Such children learn how to make friends, manage their emotions and solve problems with others. In Getting on with Others, clinical psychologist John Cooper identifies three skills as being essential building blocks for children: developing cooperative behaviour, acquiring basic social skills and solving social problems. He shows how parents can teach these skills and help children learn about feelings. In addition, he presents methods to assist children to develop assertiveness, reduce anxiety and handle situations involving conflict. The techniques described are clinically proven and research shows they are effective in changing children’s behaviour. According to the author: ‘Interactions with other people are possibly the most difficult area of life for many children. Research shows that the most effective time to help children learn to regulate their emotions is between the ages of three and seven. In Getting on with Others, parents can learn what causes problem behaviour and social difficulties.’

‘John Cooper has distilled years of experience as a children’s clinical psychologist into a very practical guide to assist parents in managing their children’s behaviour. His advice is empowering for both parents and children. Highly recommended.’ Stewart Einfield, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales.

‘Without reservation, I can recommend this book for parents and professionals wishing to expand their understanding of the principles and strategies involved in ‘good parenting’.’ Professor Bryanne Barnett, Clinical Director, Infant Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Sydney Southerwest Area Health Service.

‘Getting on with Others offers accessible, incisive, expert guidance in an area which still can look too woolly for parents to tackle effectively, but which is central to children’s wellbeing throughout their lives. I wish it had been around to assist parents when my generation of child psychiatrists and psychologists were starting out.’ Dr Brent Waters, Foundation Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of New South Wales (retired).