Ronald Mah, an educator and licensed marriage and family therapist, has worked in early childhood education for 16 years. A credentialed elementary and secondary teacher, he is the author of Difficult Behavior in Early Childhood and The One-Minute Temper Tantrum Solution (2006 and 2008, Corwin Press). He wrote the Asian Pacific Islander Parent Education Support curriculum (DHS-San Francisco, 1996). Mah has DVDs on child development and behavior (Fixed Earth Films), and has been involved in community and high school mental health clinics, severe emotional disturbance, at-risk youth, welfare-to-work, and Head Start programs. A graduate college instructor and Board of Directors member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and of the California Kindergarten Association, Mah combines concepts, principles, and philosophy with practical techniques and guidelines for effective and productive results. Mah has a psychotherapy practice in San Leandro, California where he works with children, teens, adults, couples, and families.
An honest and thought-provoking discussion exploring ways we can teach and support children to help them develop into capable learners and caring humans. Mah provides straight talk on how inclusion provides benefits but also many hurdles. To be truly inclusive, we have to recognize differences rather than ignore them, while teaching our students to develop better problem-solving and coping skills through strong adult support and reframing their experiences. Whether the victim or bully, all students need a better adult-supported framework for learning to work with their peers. -- Michelle Garcia Winner, Speech Language Pathologist and Social Cognitive Specialist I have been a therapist working primarily with children for more than 20 years, and I'm grateful to see issues about bullying given serious attention. The subtle and often devastating effects of children's abusive behavior to one another can have enormous ramifications, yet for too long even professional adults have dismissed much of this behavior as being 'normal.' I am glad to see the research and detail that has gone into this book. All bullying needs to be monitored and addressed so children are able to see how their behavior affects others, learn new strategies to interact with peers, and get their needs met in healthier ways. -- Kim Meinke, Licensed Mental Health Counselor What wonderful insight Mah has into the workings of classrooms. This book applies to all children. This is a valuable read for both parents and teachers. I have been in education for over thirty years and found this book very beneficial. I loved the 90-Second-a-Day Self-Esteem Prescription Plan. Thank you! -- Kathy Gallagher, Kindergarten Teacher This is the first text I've read that connected specific disabilities to bullying. The material is informative, relevant, and thought-provoking. A useful tool in understanding the evolution of a bully and the necessity of early, appropriate intervention. -- Karen Thomes, Early Childhood Special Educator