Book excerpt: Do you dread parent-teacher conferences? Does your child really know how to push your hot button? Has your child been labeled "defiant" or "rebellious"? Here are proven strategies that have helped millions to tame -- not break -- a spirited child. Parents are often faced with scary labels for their children, such as attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities, bipolar disorder, or hyperactivity. In this uniquely prescriptive guide, leading parenting expert Dr. Michael Popkin shows parents how to think differently about so-called problem children. The effective strategies within this guide will quiet the difficulties spirited children have at home and school while exposing the unique, special gifts they possess. Develop a relationship with your spirited child by: -- Building relationship skills -- Disciplining with encouragement -- Balancing the power dynamic -- Curbing tantrums effectively With step-by-step methods for every type of misbehavior and every child's unique personality, this comprehensive guide will help parents cultivate their child's spark, not extinguish it -- and reach beyond depressing labels for their beloved children.