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| Dreamers, Discoverers & Dynamos: How to Help the Child Who Is Bright, Bored and Having Problems in School (Formerly Titled 'The Edison Trait') |  | Author: Lucy Jo Palladino
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Category: Book
List Price: $14.95
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Seller: atlanta-book-company
Rating:  21 reviews
Sales Rank: 61,693
Media: Paperback
Edition: Ballantine Books ed
Pages: 336
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 8 x 5.5 x 0.9
ISBN: 0345405730
Dewey Decimal Number: 649
EAN: 9780345405739
ASIN: 0345405730
Publication Date: January 19, 1999
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Amazon.com Review
Psychologist Lucy Jo Palladino claims that 20 percent of children have what she calls the Edison trait: "dazzling intelligence, an active imagination, a free-spirited approach to life, and the ability to drive everyone around them crazy." She named the trait after Thomas Edison, who flunked out of school despite his obvious brilliance. Palladino says that Edison-trait children think divergently, while the routines and structure of schools are more geared toward convergent thinking, or focusing on one idea at a time. The incompatible school environment, she says, usually leads divergent-thinking children to act out, receive poor grades, and often be labeled as strong-willed and disruptive. These symptoms may sound similar to those of ADD, but Palladino says that's an overused term often mistakenly applied to Edison-trait children. "In most cases," she says, "ADD behavior patterns are comparable to but more extreme than the typical patterns of an Edison-trait child who does not have ADD." A diagnosis of ADD does not take into consideration factors such as "intelligence, perceptiveness, sensitivity, creativity, and wit." With many references to scientific studies, Palladino helps you decide whether your child is one of the three types of Edison-trait children: dreamer, discoverer, or dynamo. She also gives pointed, practical advice regarding such controversial topics as diet, neurofeedback treatment, and psychological testing. For frustrated parents and educators, Dreamers, Discoverers, and Dynamos will be a rich source of both help and hope.
Product Description
A clinical psychologist explains that millions of children with dazzling intelligence think divergently--overflowing with many ideas--while schools, organized activities, and daily life reward convergent thinking, which focuses on one idea at a time.
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 21
 I wish this book had existed 50 years ago! October 24, 2002
P. Lozar (Santa Fe, NM USA)
77 out of 78 found this review helpful
I approached this book with some skepticism because it sounded like yet another excuse for bad parenting ("My child isn't an undisciplined brat, he's a GENIUS"). Instead, I was amazed to read the story of my life. I was in trouble for my entire elementary school career for being "distracted" and "uncooperative" and not completing my assignments. But my grades steadily improved as I became interested in my subjects for their OWN sake; also, in college and graduate school my offbeat way of thinking actually contributed to my academic success, whereas my elementary and high school teachers rewarded conformity. Based on my own experience, I feel that the author's recommendations are right on the button: instead of considering "divergent thinkers" a problem and trying to force them to conform, parents should value them for their strengths, communicate with them in a way they understand, and guide them in forming the self-discipline they need to achieve academic and personal success. It's clear to me, from many of the author's examples, that parents' problems with these children often arise from the PARENTS' expectations of themselves as much as from the child's behavior ("if I were a good parent, my child wouldn't act this way"). So I feel that the author's emphasis on trying to understand your child's thinking and putting yourself in his/her shoes was salutary: you can't change the way your child's mind is wired, but you *can* make a big difference in how your child feels about him/herself and whether your child can make the most of his/her strengths. I turned out OK in the long run, but many "Edison trait" children have problems all their lives; and I know that my childhood and adolescence would have been far less stressful if this book had existed then. I think it provides helpful guidance for anyone who works or lives with children, and it's absolutely essential reading for anyone with a "difficult" child.
excellent encouragement and suggestions for parents October 11, 1999
34 out of 35 found this review helpful
This book, along with Armstrong's "The Myth of the A.D.D. Child" may literally "save the souls" of many non-conforming children (and adults). Instead of pitting parents against their children as so much of the A.D.D. literature does, Palladino puts them on the same team, helping parents recognize their child's strengths. What a world we would have if individuals were appreciated for their diversity and individuality, instead of labeling them as deficient. I hope many other parents and educators will read this book, and let it affect how they treat children.
An unique insight and techniques that brings amazing result. September 15, 1999
25 out of 25 found this review helpful
I was at my wits end when I accidently picked up this book. Thank God! I have benefited by the methods suggested by Lucy. I am seeing breakthrough in my relationship with my 2 boys.My son has demonstrated a lot of the behaviour traits as highlighted in the book. Before I gained the understanding on his gift, I was adopting the traditional methods to "help" him be more disciplined. Not only did I bring out the worst of both my sons, I was seeing a downhill pattern on our relationship with one another. Thank God! I was introduced to the concept of Divergent by a friend. And one day while I was browsing in a book store, I came across this book. I have never finished a book from back-to-back without stopping. And this is probably the first within a short time. I've tried some of the methods adopted by Lucy in my interaction with my sons. Especially when I am coaching him to do his school works. I am more than pleased with the results I am seeing. I often catch myself smiling within when I observe the improvement in my children. I have one request. I really like to be in touch with the author Lucy to explore any opportunity for her to share her experience outside of the US. I really wish more parents can benefit from her works. Appreciate if you can provide me with her correspondance address.
Parents of Divergent/Gifted Children: This is a MUST-READ February 3, 2004
Jill Schafer Boehme (BeatYourOwnDrum.com)
39 out of 43 found this review helpful
Dr. Palladino has captured the essence of the "divergent" child and shattered the ADD/ADHD myth.Does your child seem to always have his head in the clouds? Have trouble remembering to do what he has been told? Can't seem to sit still? Talk incessently about whatever subject he's currently passion-filled? In short, does he drive you crazy and you're at the end of your rope? This book is for you. Dr. Palladino does a beautiful job describing the divergent mind (that is, the mind that can think of "many things at once"), how it works, why it usually DOESN'T work in a traditional public school setting, and how to deal with the divergent child who just doesn't seem to "fit in." According to Dr. Palladino, many children are misdiagnosed as having ADD or ADHD when they actually have a certain personality trait that she has coined, "The Edison Trait" after Thomas Edison. These Edison Trait children are divergent thinkers -- and are usually bright, gifted children. Read this book BEFORE you talk to your pediatrician. Read this book BEFORE you talk to your child's teacher. The insight and helpful information within this pages make this book an invaluable tool in the hands of any parent with an "Edison Trait" child. (And yes, I am mother to three such children myself.)
Expert help to equip you to stand up for your special child February 8, 2001
hbullz (Stafford, TX USA)
18 out of 18 found this review helpful
What an absolute lifesaver! As parents of two kids- (one dreamer and one dynamo) we had run through the endless "experts" in our town for answers. This is a priceless resource for anyone who wants to stand up with facts to experts in both the medical and the school-related fields. It gives reasons for behavior and what works ,and more importantly, why what a lot of people want you to do won't work! I have given it to each teacher/specialist who works with my children. Her advice does work and your special bright child will blossom with it. It is written in an engaging and segmented format. Be sure to read the part addressing whether or not to medicate. Perfect for carpool wait times as most parents of these bright and energetic kids don't get any other time to sit still!
Showing reviews 1-5 of 21
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