Dan Hughes books - too academic?

[topcat2014]

So, with new found enthusiasm now in Stage 2 I added to my kindle collection: Dan Hughes - building bonds of attachment, awakening love in deeply traumatised children.

Has anyone else read this?

I must admit I am finding it a bit academic, with lots of new words to get my head round.

I keep thinking I have to try and pass an exam on this stuff :)

I loved this book, I thought it was one of the most useful in terms of strategies. It soon gets into the case study of Katie, so you can really understand the theory in action. What you can do is skip the academic bit in the beginning, read the case study and then return to the academic bit later. I think it actually suggests this might be better for some readers and make more sense. I read it all once through and then returned to the beginning to re-read.

Hi topcat2014, i have found some of the books a bit heavy going too, im currently reading 'big steps for little people' by Celia Foster which Dan Hughes writes a foreword on, it has given me a lot of ideas i think will be useful in creating attachments and everyday scenarios from someone who adopted two young boys. It is an easy read :)

Also found it too heavy going. I’m reading The Great Behaviour Breakdown which is v good.

A-Z of therapeutic parenting by Sarah Naish is my saviour!

I'm a bit of a Dan Hughes fan and i really like his style of writing, especially about PACE. Mr CharlieSays isn't so keen but he's got a lot from watching clips on YouTube. Just search Dan Hughes. Also John Bowlby on YouTube for great stuff on attachment theories. I also really liked Vera Falburg The Childs Journey Through Placement. Good luck.

OP are you interested in videos as a lead in?

I think that this is a brilliant video. It covers a lot in 25mins and is really well and clearly expressed, and is a good intro, and provides a good overview of the issues. It has a number of leading psychiatrists/psychologists talking. I think what Dan Hughes says is along the same lines as others, but I think the way he communicates is not quite so easy-to-use! At then end there is the comment that traumatised children often do very well if given the right supports. I'd be interested to know what you think of the video.

This is another fantastic video with a very easy to understand overview of brain development and how dc disconnect at times from the thinking part of the brain and how to help them become more robust and cope better over time. Only 7 mins long, lovely calming music. Again might be a good "map" to make it easier to follow Dan H. Again would be interested to know if you found helpful.

Great, thanks for the links. DW is dyslexic, so a bit daunted by 'death by reading'.