Raising Your Spirited Child

By Jacobus Hollewijn and Mary Sheedy Kurcinka, Ed.D.

January 7, 2026

A Guide for Parents Whose Child Is More Intense, Sensitive, Perceptive, Persistent, and Energetic.

INTERVIEW NOTES:

The book "Raising Your Spirited Child" helps parents understand their child and their own inborn temperament while focusing on three simple, but vital concepts—calm, connect, and coach—to help their family thrive.

Research- and strength-based, yet honest, Raising Your Spirited Child speaks to parent burnout and, in a helpful and supportive manner, offers solutions to that exasperated question, “How am I supposed to stay calm and connect with my child when I’m just trying to survive the moment?”

Dr. Mary Sheedy Kurcinka utilizes her deep experience to address the pressures previous generations of parents didn’t have to consider. Her empathy and effective advice are exemplified in the introduction of her new and easy to apply Spirited Child Approach, which nurtures the entire family. (Excerpts from the book description of Amazon)

A great discussion on this episode of Health In Focus With Jacobus. Instagram.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthinfocuswithjacobus

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576403735073

Website: https://www.HealthInFocusNow.com

08:49. Stella Chess & Alexander Thomas

11:30. How are temperaments expressed? How to channel energy.

12:40. Creating a predictable routine

13:14. Create a ritual

14:00. Breakfast routines for kids

15:15 Satter Institute and the meal plan

15:40. Creating menus for kids.

20:49. Bedtime Snacks recommended

21:45 Sleep ritual

26:42. Window for sleep

27:30. Sound machines for sleep for kids

28:05. Sleep cycles

28:50. Weighted blankets

30:15. Sleep masks

31:10. Night lights affects Melatonin

32:40. Clutter

33:00. No electronics in the bedroom

34:;30. Environmental chaos and the spirited child

38:08. Connecting with the spirited child

40:39. Bubbles up means I’m agitated

43:20. The Green zone

44:06. The Yellow zone

46:10. Creative ADHD

48:40. Autism

49:40. Age level for conversations with child, age of problem-solving.

50:49. The persistent child

53:55 Negotiations

1:12:29. Family meals

1:14:38. The Mozart Effect

1:20:42. When to geh help

1:22:10. Bedtime Connection and routines

The purpose of this website is to inform, educate, and entertain, not to diagnose, treat, or cure. Jacobus is not a licensed physician. If you intend to utilize any of the information contained in the articles and/or podcasts, it is recommend you see a licensed, competent medical provider of your choice, or find additional information from other reputable sources. I cannot control the opinions of my guests. I will double-check my facts in good faith, but may not be able to fully verify every statement made by any third party. If you utilize any information from this Website, you do so at your own risk.