Thank you to our editor, Sara Carder, for believing in us; to Heather Brennan for shepherding us through this process; and to our agent, Michelle Tessler, for her advice and insight.
Thank you to friends, family, and colleagues who read and gave us feedback on this book: Amy Dickens, Laurel Garber, Ben Hansford, KimLan Kala, Brynn Karwas, Jennifer McNamara, Mary Posatko, Christine Richard, Jane Rosen, Rana Shanawani, Gillian Turgeon, Robert Turgeon, Michelle Villemaire, and Rosie Willis.
We have learned so much from researchers and clinicians such as Stanley Greenspan, Alfie Kohn, Dan Siegel, Tina Bryson, John Bowlby, Lise Eliot, Cindy Hazan, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Adele Faber, and Elaine Mazlish.
From Heather:
Thank you to my husband for being our number one book champion, for capturing the essence of our ideas so beautifully in drawings (I knew you would). Most of all, thank you for nodding and saying, “I get it. Tell me more . . .”
I couldn’t write about this way of raising kids without feeling it in my heart, where I have my own parents’ unconditional love. Thank you for always listening and having open arms. And to my amazing little sister, whose relationship with my kids brings us all endless joy.
Thank you to my kids for brainstorming ideas, techniques, and titles with me. You gave this book its character. Thank you both for your empathic way and for articulating your feelings. I’m the luckiest person in the world that I get to hug and talk to you both every day.
From Julie:
I have long been fascinated by how leading with empathy can turn a difficult, distressing moment into one of deeper understanding and connection. I have many to thank.
My professors at Antioch University and my supervisors at my internships at Cedars-Sinai Early Childhood and LA Child Guidance Clinic supported and expanded my understanding immeasurably.
All of the parents, babies and class leaders in my mommy and me program were instrumental as I sought to simplify the inspiring field of mindful parenting into a simple and user-friendly approach. ALP was the end result, and I couldn’t have done it without all of you.
I observe and listen to people constantly (kindness is everywhere if you look for it) and try out ALP whenever I can. Thank you to all the strangers out there who have demonstrated empathy and responded positively to a kind, understanding word from me.
It all started with my precious family. My mom, whose love is unconditional, taught us early on that there was no dilemma we couldn’t talk through and to never go to bed angry. My dad, who died fourteen years ago, was a thoughtful, kind, and gentle soul. He had the patience of a saint and was also a natural teacher. My sister and two brothers (Susan, David, and Stephen) along with our extended family, have always been there to listen, love, and support me. My number one teacher has been my son Jack, who always beamed when I was empathic and let me know when I was not. He allowed me to circle back and repair over and over. He is one of the kindest people I’m proud to know.