The Indigo Children: The New Kids Have Arrived [Paperback]

Chapter 1 offers some charateristics of Indigo children and an explanation of the origin of the name.
Chapter 2 offers advice on the inner attitude for parenting, guidelines for creative discipline, includes a brief mention of alternative schools and non-competitive games.
The authors recommend you skip chapter 3 if you are àt all offended by New Age metaphysics or spiritual talk in general'.
Chapter 4 warns you of the dangers of ritalin. It gives some information on nutrition and some alternative therapies that have proved helpful to some indigo children.

If you are looking specifically for practical help with a child diagnosed as ADHD this book is probably not your best starting point.
If, however, you are looking for a paradigm change, want to learn about `the new kids' or are just curious to know what all the fuss is about, then you might well want to read this book.
This book is just the beginning. I think we will see a mushrooming of literature on `the new children`.

Punishment will not work while discipline guides by providing logical and realistic consequences. As these children read intent more than words we should treat them with the same respect we would other adults. We should say what we mean, mean what we say and do what we said we would do. Integrity should be our guide. If we want these kids to make wise choices, we must give them the opportunity to make choices, including some unwise ones. Listen, talk, share. Many Indigos have problems with school. It is interesting to note that Albert Einstein found his schooling so distasteful that he could not consider scientific problems for a year. There is a 12-year old who would not go to school because he saw no value in the hours spent there but who helped bring about change in the school to better serve the needs of himself and others. Education must change to accommodate the Indigo Child. Robert Ocker helps children to focus on problem solving, conflict resolution, taking responsibility and character education. Education requires a new vision for the children of the 21st century. As educators we must revisit our assumptions about the meaning, purpose and function of education. We must teach children how to think, not what to think and develop children's abilities and skills rather than memories. These children are computerized and technological which means that they will introduce technology that we cannot even dream of. Real education takes care of the body, soul and spirit. Are there any school systems that really work with Indigo children? There are two established systems - the Waldorf System based on the teachings of Rudolf Steiner and Montessori schools. Waldorf schools are reported to be the fastest growing nonsectarian educational system in the world.

If you think you have or know of an Indigo Child, this book could be invaluable. If you are an educator and have trouble with some children who seem to be exceptionally bright, this volume could shed new light on the situation. It is very helpful to learn what these people who have long experience working with children have to say.