What Parents, Teachers, & Professionals Say About Kirk Martin & Celebrate Calm

“Kirk Martin provides practical, life-changing advice that will transform your intense child.” ~ Dr. Howard Glasser, Bestselling Author, Transforming the Difficult Child:The Nurtured Heart Approach

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“I recommend Celebrate Calm as a resource to parents. The families I serve commonly hear me sharing ‘pearls’ I have learned from Kirk. We were fortunate to have Kirk and Casey give outstanding presentations in Rochester, one for teachers and another for parents and kids. I recommend parents sign up for the free weekly newsletter and other resources.” ~ A. W. Atkinson, MD; Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician; Bluestem Center for Child & Family Development

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“Kirk, we bought your CDs and immediately started listening and applying them to our daughter. She has tried every trick in the book—much to our amusement! She has used the tips SHE likes and fought (quite beautifully) against the ones that kept us calm, but didn’t let her have her way. The change of verbiage has made ALL the difference in our home! It has greatly improved our marriage because I am not torn between anxiety, frustration and “mother-bear.” I just wanted to say ‘THANK YOU!!!’ ~ A.E., Nashville, TN

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“Mr. Martin, I want to personally thank you for presenting a workshop for my staff and students that truly provided ‘immediate’ strategies that were evidenced by several of them on the very next day. We have been singing your praises to all. I shared my thoughts regarding your presentation to my staff and parents at my MCAASP Board of Directors’ meeting. The individuals who are represented by this organization are principals, assistant principals, and central office representatives. They were so interested in my ‘enthusiasm,’ that I was asked to share your site information. As a result, our Board president has sent out this information to the 130 elementary representatives. Once again, thanks and I do hope that we are able to collaborate in the future on other workshops.” ~ Joanne Smith, Ed.D., Principal, Montgomery County Public School System

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“I recently got phone calls from both of my sons’ teachers about behavior issues. I calmly sent an email in which I gave them ideas on techniques to use in the classroom (straight from Celebrate Calm). Guess what? The teacher called me to say my suggestions worked and she has not had a problem since. I am thrilled. I am sure that we will have to revisit this again, because kids are kids and I don’t expect things to be perfect forever, or overnight, but the point is IT WORKED!!” ~ Gillian P.

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“The teachers couldn’t stop talking about your workshop. Some said they could have listened for another hour (now that’s an accomplishment!) Thank you for taking on this mission. Parenting seems to be becoming a lost art. You are a great help to many people.” ~ Mary Nicolatos, Thomas More School, Atlanta, GA

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“After listening to the Brain Booster CDs, we have a whole new child on our hands! Instead of being frustrated about my daughter ‘not concentrating,’ I let her hang upside down, toss a ball gently, rock in a chair, etc. during homework time… and she retains the information in an amazing way! She is getting straight A’s! Thank you for all the encouragement and great ideas!” ~ Kimberly Brandt

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“Dear Kirk, I also wanted to tell you that my husband has been listening to the CD’s – and I have noticed a difference already. Last night, our daughter had a ton of homework plus make up work because she missed school. She was very overwhelmed, panicked, and did not want to do any homework at all. But, we worked through it. What was most impressive to me, though, was how supportive and positive my husband was through all of it. I noticed my daughter looking at him one time like ‘who are you and where did my Daddy go?’ because that would not have been his normal response. I mentioned to him later about how good it was and he said ‘those are good CD’s – and you are right that IS our daughter he is talking about.’ So, we are on our way as a family.” ~ Lois, Atlanta, GA

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“I thought the presentation ‘Celebrate Calm’ was excellent! I’ve read a lot of books on behavior management and I’ve engaged in a lot of professional development seminars on the topic, including an entire week one summer at a ‘Responsive Classroom’ institute. What I haven’t gotten that I think Mr. Martin provides is very strong, practical suggestions for dealing with and understanding those students who do not respond to the usual techniques and strategies.” ~ Mrs. Gleason, 1st Grade Teacher & Teacher of the Year

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“Thank you doesn’t begin to express our appreciation of your willing outreach to the parents and staff of Fairfax County Public Schools. We work diligently to bring the latest information, resources, workshops, and presentations to FCPS and you exceeded our expectations measurably. We were thoroughly impressed with your authentic examples, honest sharing, and clear logical resolution to tricky situations in which we have all found ourselves at one time or another.

“I am sure the enraptured crowd would have willingly maintained their seats for another hour or two motivated by the calm humorous morsels of wisdom you so graciously shared in perfect bite-sized chunks. Please thank Casey for his kind engaging support while helping with the presentation. We truly enjoyed working with both of you and hope that this is the first of many more collaboration projects. Thanks Kirk, you are AWESOME!” ~ A. Gail Holloman, Manager, Fairfax County Parent Resource Centers

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“Your CD’s have been a blessing. It is the first program I have found that helps me understand how and why my daughter thinks like she does, instead of telling me what is wrong with her and what I need to fix inside her. I’ve tried pieces from other parenting methods, but nothing seems to completely fit the needs of an ADHD child. I love that you can explain to me in adult words what is going on inside my child. Thank you!!!” ~ Samantha C., Salt Lake City, UT

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“I ordered your 6 CD series and they have made a huge impact on our family (even on my husband!). I am learning to be a quiet ‘brick wall’ when my son goes nuts. And he, in turn, is surprising me by being more cooperative, more often! Thank you! Something in the way you’ve presented this material has finally gotten through my thick head! It works. I’ve been forwarding your newsletters to everyone I know with an ‘intense’ child.” ~ Kristen B., Nashville, TN

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“Your strategies are easily understood and very practical. I often pass them along to parents I work with, and also use them to stay on track myself (I am a clinical social worker). One you wrote about fathers, I shared with a mother attending my group. It changed a dynamic between her, her husband, and their 15-year-old son in a very dramatic and positive way. Keep them coming—you’re transforming relationships in a very big way.” ~ Carol H., LISW

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“You and Casey have impacted every part of our school community. I’m the school counselor, and it’s clear that Casey’s message stuck with our students. I regularly ask students who controls their behavior, and since Casey spoke to them, they all respond with an enthusiastic, “I do!” That’s a natural lead in for me to explore with them ways that they can take more responsibility for their actions.

“A number of parents have told me specific changes they’ve made to their routines and responses (like doing push-ups with their kids, sitting on the floor, or taking better care of themselves) that had immediate positive effects for their families.

“Finally, our faculty was energized by your in-service. Longtime teachers and new ones alike have pushed themselves to develop creative new solutions that support their students. In less than two weeks, I’ve heard at least a dozen ways you and Casey impacted our community. Imagine what the future holds for us! Thank you!” ~ Krissie Betbeze, M.Ed., LCSW, Counselor, Overbrook Academy/St. Cecilia Academy

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“Thank you so much for your email information to me, a teacher of students with special needs. I have incorporated many of your strategies; measurable success has been the result. I am sharing these strategies as well. Perhaps the greatest improvement of all, though, can be found in my steadily increasing understanding. When I read and study your emails, I continue to gain insight to the very real needs of students; I am certain this new attitude will equip me to more effectively teach students who deserve my best. Thank you from my heart!” ~ Karen S.

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“Thanks for all your help this year. My nine-year-old son listened to the first CD and his eyes lit up (of course he was moving around and wrestling with our dog). But I believe he was listening to you describe him.” ~ Margaret K., MN

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“We recently purchased your CD’s, and have already noticed results from 2 techniques. This information provides us with great tools for helping us as parents to save the household… many thanks.” ~ David and Margie H., Virginia Beach, VA

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“Every teacher has at least one (sometimes more than one) student who doesn’t qualify for special education services but whose behavior can be so disruptive that an entire class is at risk due to constant interruptions and/or belligerent behavior on the part of that student. Needless to say we are often at a loss for strategies to help us maintain ‘calm’ in the midst of chaos. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have that support when the system has nothing in place for those students? I know first grade would be more than willing to ‘pilot’ such a program.” ~ Cedar Lane Elementary School

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“Many, many parents stopped in or emailed to thank me for having you come to our school. The parents said they could have stayed there all night listening, learning and laughing. The teachers were especially excited because they actually walked away with many techniques to try the next day. Many said it was the fastest two hours ever for an in-service.

“Casey, thank you for sharing your story as well. Having you talk is very powerful and helps bring the message even closer to home. I look forward to working with you again.” ~ Stacie Short, St. Albert School, Louisville, KY

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“Thanks so much! I am reading your newsletters. I’m VERY impressed! My husband and I feel so alone with our temperamental son, and it’s wonderful to hear that we really aren’t alone!” ~ Becky R.

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“Wow! I loved this strategy! I have a 9 yr old daughter and this describes her perfectly. Thank you for helping me think of other ways to help her get her thoughts out onto paper. In one way or another, your articles always help me. Thank you so much!” ~ Sharon T.

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“Your CD’s are amazing. We have recommended them to our support group, and to our son’s group therapists as well. I have a BA in psychology and have spent much time working with children and adolescents. After listening to your CD’s, we feel we finally have guidance for our own ‘behavior’. As I told my son’s counselors: we were able to see many things we were doing wrong… yet also received confirmation that many of the things we are doing are ‘right on.’ The CD’s therefore have not only been an educational tool, but also a wonderful encouragement (sometimes as a parent of an ADHD teen… we feel we are doing it all wrong!).” ~ Claudia O., Arlington, VA

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“Thank you for the great ideas. Your message today is perfect timing. We are right in the middle of the storm and I have a very good feeling that you have just saved a tremendous amount of heartache. Thank you for helping me to be able to help my son.” ~ Angie T.

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“Thanks for another great event! I received a lot of positive feedback and thanks. It was great to see so many Dads in attendance. I was watching their faces and you could see the look of ‘Oh, now I get it’ throughout your presentation. You offer real solutions.” ~ Robin Patras, Director of Children’s Ministry, Christ the Savior Lutheran Church/Indianapolis, IN

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“Everyone is buzzing about how wonderful you were. The principal wants for me to keep in touch and ask you to come back. The staff developer that has morning cafeteria duty came to the principal and me with a big smile saying, ‘It works, It really works!’ She was referring to a student that was having a meltdown in the cafeteria screaming at the top of his lungs, ‘I hate this school’ and other things. She put to practice what she learned in the training and asked him to go find a staff member for her. The child completely changed his attitude! Thank you so much.” ~ Noelia Torres, Parent Outreach Coordinator, Glen Haven Elementary School

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“Thank you for validating WHY I feel that way. It just never really occurred me to put 2 + 2 together and realize he really IS more comfortable in a more mature environment. You did it again! To say the least, you do an immeasurable service with your advice! Thanks.” ~ Barb, WI

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“Thank you Mr. Martin! You have helped me so much over the time. My children and I have benefit greatly from your wisdom and insights. I can’t appreciate you enough since I’m going through a very tough period of time of my life. Keep up the great work!” ~ Dinny L.

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“You describe my kids exactly! I delete almost all of the automatic email I receive but I always read Celebrate Calm letters. You are using your gifts in a wonderful way and making an incredible difference. Thank you!” ~ Patty H.

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“Thank you for your insightful presentation! Because our student population struggles with focus, anxiety and sensory problems, your approach and strategies were well-received by parents and educators. I absolutely loved your examples of the power struggles that happen on a daily basis. The ‘categorizing activity’ based on the brain activity and manifestations stirred everyone’s interest. Personally, I was mentally placing each individual student under one of the three categories. Your practical suggestions on how to gain control over yourself before attempting to ‘control’ others were my favorite part of the evening. We look forward to having both you and Casey back at Sophia!” ~ Camelia Rat, Sophia Academy, Atlanta, GA

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“Hi Kirk and Casey, I want to thank you for presenting the wonderful workshop here. We all learned so much and could have listened to more for hours. Thank you again for giving your time, expertise, and energy to us. You’re the best!” ~ Joanie Waldman, Director, Beth-El Zedeck Early Childhood Center, Indianapolis, IN

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“Since listening to your CD’s, I have been the CALM MOM with everyone (even Dad) and this Ranting Rachel has melted away.” ~ Brenda G., Palo Alto, CA

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“I’ve been getting your newsletters since you came to our school last fall. I look forward to every one and find every one incredibly helpful, insightful, inspiring and uplifting. This one today is no exception. I thank you so much for it. I wholeheartedly believe what you say to be true and have tried to live that and communicate it to my family. You are the best gift I get every week. Thank you for sharing yourself and your insights with us all!! ” ~ Caran B.

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“Love your newsletters. They are a cut above most of the professional newsletters I receive. Thank you!” ~ Katie-Child & Family Therpist, Austin TX

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“My professional staff and I continue to use the many strategies you presented. The in-depth evaluations provided in your individual team meetings have been invaluable. Your willingness to go beyond the formal lecture presentation to delve more deeply with classroom teachers presented us with a unique staff development opportunity. Often times, staff development never reaches the classroom. However, your strategy of reviewing actual cases and observing students in the classroom setting empowered our educators to pursue new strategies.

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“Kirk Martin’s Celebrate Calm presentations are always gratefully received by our community. His practical advice and experienced perspective serves to support our parents and teachers in helping students navigate the challenging years of adolescence. My community always appreciates us hosting his workshop. ~ Kay Sands, Principal, Trickum Middle School, Atlanta, GA

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“The Parent Workshop was a godsend for many parents. Many programs identify the problems, but few offer practical solutions or strategies. Your ability to de-mystify the problems of students with learning differences gave our parents hope and a renewed commitment to the success of their children. It is a shared consensus by staff, administration and parents that Calm Classrooms is one of the most powerful training modules for today’s complex learning environment. The combination of your knowledge, expertise and delivery model give Calm Classrooms my high endorsement.” ~ Principal Brandon Smith, East Wake Academy, Raleigh, NC

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“You passed on a great deal of insight and knowledge to our teachers and it will impact many children positively for years to come. It was truly a comfort to have someone who really understands the challenges we face as educators.” ~ Robert W. Duckworth, Principal, Legacy Elementary School, Ashburn, VA

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“The Parent Workshop was a godsend for many parents. Many programs identify the problems, but few offer practical solutions or strategies. Your ability to de-mystify the problems of students with learning differences gave our parents hope and a renewed commitment to the success of their children. It is a shared consensus by staff, administration and parents that Calm Classrooms offers one of the most powerful training modules for today’s complex learning environment. The combination of your knowledge, expertise and delivery model give you my high endorsement.” ~ Principal Brandon Smith, East Wake Academy/ Raleigh, NC

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“Instead of a boring lecture, Kirk Martin delivered lively, engaging training sessions that equipped us with the tools to change our community. Mr. Martin made the connection between scientific insights and practical strategies that help all children and families. We highly recommend Celebrate!ADHD.” ~ Beulah Greer, Executive Director, MS Parent Information & Resource Center

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“Thank you so much for the Professional Training Session. I have had so many ‘unanticipated’ great things happen since the training already. I am at a whole new level of acceptance of my son. I came to the training for professional reasons to grow in the field, and got so much more! I really feel it was so worthwhile and positive.” ~ D. Lacy, New Jersey

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“This wonderful work will transform the deflating experiences children encounter at home and school into a celebration of their natural gifts, talents and passions. Such positive affirmation cultivates each child’s self-worth and produces rousing levels of success. The powerful methods in Celebrate!ADHD help children feel a deep sense of self-confidence and acceptance. I implore you to celebrate ADD!” ~ Dr. Howard Glasser, Bestselling Author, Transforming the Difficult Child: The Nurtured Heart Approach

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“Simply put, if you want the one resource who understands kids with learning differences inside and out, you must schedule a Calm Classrooms Workshop. The most beneficial Workshop our school has ever had.” ~ D. Gonzales, 4th grade teacher, Dallas, TX

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“Most in-service programs are nothing but theory. It is clear you have spent time in classrooms because your strategies work. Highly recommended.” ~ S. Hardeman, 7th grade teacher, Gwinnett County, GA Public Schools

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“I’m sure you hear this a lot, but… I honestly feel that was the very best, most valuable three hours I have ever spent.” ~ N.B., Raleigh NC

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“You restored calm to our home. I can’t thank you enough.” ~ The Hill Family, Boston, MA

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“Thank you a thousand times over. After our call, we started implementing your strategies. The visual reminders worked immediately and we’ve been meltdown free for three weeks now. The homework tips are great. Can’t wait to tell you more on our call next month.” ~ Stephanie F., Dallas TX

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“You are my weekly sanity check. I don’t know what I would do without you.” ~ Sandra B., San Francisco, CA

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“Our weekly coaching emails keep my family in balance, and your encouragement and wisdom always seems to come at just the right time. Sometimes it’s nice to have someone to bounce ideas off.” ~ Doug and Janet K., Toronto, ON

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“I like your straightforward answers. You challenge us, but you also take the burden of parenting and stress off of me. Ahh, I need that.” ~ Joanna and Steven F., Minneapolis, MN

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“You’ve helped more in two months than my psychologist did in two years!” ~ Calla S., Denver, CO

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“Thank you once again for your constant encouragement. Your messages make me feel more empowered to make a positive impact with my son. He is without a doubt the most complex individual I have ever met. I used to think I was pretty smart. Like they say, God indeed has a sense of humor. You have a gift and I greatly appreciate you sharing it.” ~ Don, Atlanta, GA

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“Our home life has improved and the arguing has decreased. Your workshop was invaluable.” ~ John H., Maryland

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“We have used your insight to reduce special needs services for several children, whose performance has dramatically improved. We are looking forward to expanding the program.” ~ M. Castinan, Special Services Coordinator, North Sacramento S.D., CA

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“Thank you for your collaborative approach. It is refreshing to work on an IEP together with parents in a productive manner.” ~ G. Callahan, IEP Coordinator, LRHS, Baltimore, MD

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“Each time I listen to a CD, you remind me of some wonderful way to turn things around and look at the positive side of things. God bless you!” ~ Hannah, Chicago, IL

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“Thank you guys so much for all that you do for those of us who sometimes feel like there isn’t anywhere we can turn for help. I know when I first contacted you at the beginning of the year I was feeling so overwhelmed, confused, and frustrated with my family’s situation. So throughout this year you have been a lifeline for us and I really appreciate the effort and sincerity that you offer. I find your parenting advice invaluable!” ~ California Mom

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“Just wanted to drop a note of thanks for the newsletters. It is very valuable information and I really appreciate the help it has already given me. As a mental health worker, I thought I had all the skills I would ever need to handle my children. But I often find that the more I learn, the more I realize I don’t know and/or forget to use. The newsletters are a great resource and very much appreciated.” ~ K. Kendall, MSW, UT

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“Your advice and words of encouragement are a lifeline for many of us. Thanks again for reaching out to us and our kids. Ya’ll are making such a tremendous difference in people’s lives.” ~ Joanna H., Baton Rouge, LA

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“Just listening to your CD’s gets me through the day. Family and friends are still clueless to my challenges as a Mom to this extraordinary and special child of mine. Thank you for being the voice of calm in my life.” ~ Mary B., Palo Alto, CA

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“The work you do is amazing and has had proven results. I thank God that you are so proactive in this fight for our gifted kids. From my heart, I am so blessed to know you.” ~ Shelley C., Raleigh, NC

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“I had to write to tell you about the amazing impact of one of your simplest ideas—exercise. We always felt that our had enough exercise, because every afternoon he would run around in the yard, ride bikes in the neighborhood, etc., so when I read what you said about getting moving I guess I just didn’t pay much attention to it—’yeah, yeah, we got that covered.’ Then we adopted an abandoned dog into the family and she really needed exercise, first thing in the day. My son and I started walking her first thing in the morning, me walking and him scootering—doing jumps, tricks, etc.—really vigorous exercise for a couple of miles. This has transformed his schoolwork!! The difference is incredible—I can’t believe it took me this long to get it. It’s the physical workout first thing in the day, before I expect him to sit down and concentrate on fractions or grammar lessons. Not only is he able to concentrate better, he is happier, calmer, and has more ‘good energy.’ I just had to write to say, ‘You were right!!!’ and to thank you for all you continue to do to help our kids, schools and families.” ~ Patty H., Columbia, SC

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“Your newsletters are so very, very good—you seem to hit on the things, at the right time, that we are seriously struggling with, at the time. Thanks more than I can say.” ~ A Grateful Mom

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“I find your CD’s inspiring, needed therapy for ‘Mom,’ and a general sense of ‘Why couldn’t I have found this a few years ago?’ I would just like to thank you, for being so straightforward, honest, and down to earth. Thanks for giving a Mom her sanity back! = ) lol” ~ Beth K.

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“Last night my son and I were working on his mountain of homework. He was humming and fidgeting in his chair and I was getting frustrated at the pace he was working. We had already worked in 2 separate ‘shifts,’ and still had a long way to go. When we took a break I decided to listen to one of your CD’s to calm myself, and what a surprise it was to hear your suggestion of letting kids fidget and hum. I decided to give it a try. Guess what… it worked! He was so much more relaxed and finally made a big dent in his work. Isn’t it amazing how God made me hear this message just when my son and I needed it most?” ~ Angela G.

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“We are working on not raising our voices and staying calm and matter of fact. I got to try this out on Sunday AM at church when my youngest wanted a donut before the service and started whining and crying. I didn’t say a word after ‘no’ and kept walking. Lo and behold, she followed right behind and that was it! Hmmmm, could it be that simple????? hahaha!” ~ A Michigan Mom

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“I was skeptical at first, but you described my son perfectly. It’s like you had been watching our house! I am so glad I got over my fear and invested in the Workshop. You are right—life is more peaceful and calm when you become proactive. I am making progress! Thank you.” ~ Samantha and Derrick M., Chicago IL

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“You helped me understand my son. For all these years, I had just assumed the worst because he was so different and so difficult. For the first time, we are doing father-son things together and it just feels good. It’s hard but so worth it.” ~ Jack P., Bronx, NY

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“Aaron was so unmotivated and disorganized, but having someone (besides us!) to hold him accountable and teach him how to capitalize on his advantages made a huge difference.” ~ Jacob and Sheryl G., Ashburn, VA

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“Scheduling the in-home consultation was a little scary, I have to admit. But having you come and observe the kids, show us how to set up the house better and interact in positive ways has made a huge difference. It has helped eliminate meltdowns, family arguments and calls from the Principal.” ~ Sarah and Joel D., Raleigh, NC

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“You made a very strong impression on Justin. When we got home Saturday he said, ‘I want to keep working with Kirk until I’m a teenager.’ Since then, he has said many times, ‘I’m good at inventing things.’ I have to say, it’s the first time in his life I’ve ever heard him say that he was good at anything and for that I cannot thank you enough.” ~ Karen R., Silver Spring, MD

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“John used to have an explosive temper and get so upset about everything. Since you’ve been working with him, he’s much more patient and the outbursts have stopped. I feel like you’ve given me my little boy back.” ~ Chris and Sara S., Frederick, MD

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“I had been trying to teach my child in the way that my brain thinks. Now that I have gotten on his page, our relationship has blossomed and the result can be seen in his behavior and self-confidence. Why was I so dense for so long? Keep up the great work. It really is life changing.” ~ Jennifer H., Dallas, TX

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“I can’t tell you how much home life has changed since we instituted your ‘No Yelling’ and ‘No Excuses’ policy.” ~ Eva and Gabriel K., Tampa, FL

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“I just never really understood my son before this Workshop. We had given up hope that we could do anything to really help. It’s been 3 weeks now and we’re amazed at the changes we’ve been able to make. Thank you for giving us hope and helping us to enjoy our son again.” ~ Mark G., Chicago, IL