Neurodiversity/Executive FunctionRelationships/CommunicationSkill BuildingSocial Emotional/Behavioral

Dr. Mary Sheedy Kurcinka

Raising A Spirited, Intense, Sensitive, Persistent, and Energetic Child

Noon CST 7 pm CST

12:00 pm CST 7:00 pm CST

When

Tue, Oct 21, 2025 @ Noon and 7pm CST

Where

Virtual Event

Program Takeaways:

Temperament Is Inborn, Not Behavior-Based
Spirited kids are “more” from birth — more intense, sensitive, perceptive, persistent, and energetic — and their temperament must be understood rather than punished.

Calm, Connect, Coach
Kurcinka’s three-step method starts with calming the environment, then building connection and finally coaching children in emotional skills and self-regulation.

Structure Prevents Meltdowns
Predictable routines and visual plans (like morning/bedtime picture schedules) are crucial to preventing power struggles and helping children thrive.

Reframe Negative Labels
Words matter. Shifting from “stubborn” to “tenacious” or “wild” to “energetic” changes adult attitudes and child self-esteem.

Sleep Is Foundational
Sleep impacts every aspect of temperament. Irregular schedules, screen use, and overstimulation are hidden culprits behind meltdowns and behavior challenges.

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Kurcinka will come to GPS to discuss her groundbreaking and highly effective methodology. Anchored in three simple (yet vital) concepts—calm, connect, and coach—her teaching will help participants learn real-world tools to identify and focus on a spirited child’s strengths. She will also offer ideas for implementing effective discipline strategies to prevent challenging behaviors such as tantrums, meltdowns and power struggles.

Spirited children are genetically wired to be more alert and intense. The temperament of a spirited child is sensitive, perceptive and persistent, and they are more uncomfortable with change than the average child. Raising such a child requires additional time, skill, perseverance and knowledge. Despite the fact that 20 to 25 percent of newborns are “spirited,” it’s hard to find an action-plan for these strong-willed children.

Kurcinka’s approach will assist children in acquiring essential skills needed for a happy and rewarding life at home and beyond. She will also address parental burnout and the impact of screen time and social media on both kids and parents.

Kurcinka, is an internationally recognized family educator and author of the award-winning and newly revised classic “Raising Your Spirited Child, A Guide for Parents Whose Child Is More Intense, Sensitive, Perceptive, Persistent, and Energetic.” She is also a parent of spirited children who have grown into happy and productive adults.

Please share information about this event with friends and relatives. All are welcome to the free weekly GPS events, and no registration is required.