Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid

AUTHORS’ DISCLAIMER:
We are not in any way experts on parenting children with disabilities. Our goal is simply to share strategies that have worked for each of us in the event it may help those in a similar situation. If you’re different from us (i.e., you are bright or of the perfect persuasion), we advise you not to try the following at home.

On a “perfection-preoccupied planet,” sisters Gina and Patty dare to speak up about the frustrations, sadness, and stigmas they face as parents of children with disabilities (one with Asperger’s syndrome, the other with bipolar disorder).

This refreshingly frank book, which will alternately make you want to tear your hair out and laugh your head off, should be required reading for parents of disabled children. Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid provides wise and funny advice about how to:

   • Find a support group—either online or in your community
   • Ensure that your child gets the right in-school support
   • Deal with people—be they friends, family members, or strangers—who say or do insensitive things to you or your child
   • Find fun, safe, and inclusive extracurricular activities for your child
   • Battle your own grief and seek professional help if you need it
   • Keep the rest of the family intact in moments of crisis

Customer Reviews:

Finally! The truth comes out!

By Sethany Griffin - August 10, 2010

As the mother of two boys ages 9 and 11, one with autism and bipolar disorder and one with signifigant anxiety, this book was a refreshing positive change from all of the typical gloom and doom books out there on this subject matter. The "Shut up Sisters" have shined a bright light on the truth, that children with special needs are a huge challenge, but a huge blessing as well. Each of the sisters gives her own personal perspective on the happiness, joy, heartbreak and pain that comes with this difficult job of parenting special needs children that none of us are prepared to take on, and sends a very clear message, "You are not alone." Sometimes, just knowing that is what gets us through the day.

This book made me laugh and it made me cry, but most of all it made me realize how truly lucky I am to be blessed with the family and the support system I have. Bravo to the sisters for embracing their imperfection!

Rave review

By Mad bin Tod "dr_grim" - March 27, 2007

Shut Up About...Your Perfect Kid is exactly what parents of special children need to read. In addition to sharing extremely funny stories about special children, the authors break down barriers within the special needs community as well as throughout mainstream culture. Using humor, wisdom and revealing their own personal journeys, the authors create a "we're all in this together" reading environment. The book validates the fears, limitations and challenges of parenting special children; at the same time, the book encourages parents to examine our expectations and perspectives about our special children and appreciate the gifts they bring to our lives. Expect to sigh, cry and laugh out loud.

A must read for parents of a challenged child

By Deirdre Carey - May 24, 2007

This is no "make lemons into lemonade" book! These two sisters open their hearts and their homes to the world to share an exceptionally honest and insightful approach to raising children with challenges. You'll laugh, and you'll cry. This is also a great read for parents who DON'T have children with special needs - so they can have a better understanding of what it is like...and then maybe they'll "shut up about their perfect child!" Way to go sisters! I've never read a book that was so heartfelt, and raw, and truthful! And I commend both the writers for having the strength to keep their families intact regardless of the many hurdles they've needed to overcome, and what is most impressive is their ability to find the dark humor during very difficult circumstances. Buy your copy TODAY!!!!