Raising kids is a labor of love – every parent knows this! But sometimes the struggle can strain everyone’s wellness, and that includes both child and parent. Parents try to keep afloat between careers, spouses, and children, but sometimes they need a little boost.
David J. Palmiter, Jr., a clinical psychologist, offers a helping hand. In his book, [amazon_link id=”1934716146″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Working Parents, Thriving Families: 10 Strategies That Make a Difference[/amazon_link], David aims to coach parents on living life to fullest with their children. He discusses a broad spectrum of activities ranging from eating healthfully, discipline, mental health care, creating a special time with your child, and more!

David also is a Professor of Psychology and Director of the Psychological Services Center at Marywood University and has been married for more than 20 years with 3 kids! Clearly, he’s got some experience in what he’s talking about!

Please welcome David to the Spotlight!

MCA: Welcome to the spotlight David! Can you please tell us about what motivated you to create your book?
David: Years of frustration on two counts:

1. A prevailing sense that the ivory tower of academia possessed key information for promoting happiness and resilience in kids that wasn’t being made available to busy parents, at least in a form that was edu-taining, science-based and practical.
2. Only 20% of kids who need mental health care get it, and, even when they do, the care they receive is either truncated or not evidence-based.
Moreover, the kids who end up needing care might not have had such a need develop had parents been taught some key strategies.

MCA: Now that you have an award-winning book, what are your goals for the next year?
David: I’d like to have as many parents read this book as possible. Likewise, I’d like to do as much related public education as possible, be it in-person or through a range of media outlets.

MCA: Please name three ways your Mom’s Choice Award® will help you attain your goals.
David: 

1. Independent confirmation that my book is a high quality and useful product for parents.
2. The sharing of clever marketing ideas.
3. I hope it will gain me more exposure to book sellers, media outlets and conference organizers.

MCA: Can you share with us what you learned about yourself as an writer in creating your award-winning product?
David: As most people who have written a self-help book know, this is not about making money, it’s about mission. No US employer would be allowed to pay someone as low of an hourly rate as I’ll end up making on this book! I have learned that I hate sounding like I’m selling something when I market this book. I want parents to read it in so they can improve their – and their kids’ – wellness. THAT is where I find my meaning.

However, I struggle with how to get more parents to read the book without feeling like I’m selling. Moreover, and even though I endeavor to be entertaining, I sometimes feel like I’m selling produce in an elementary school while others are selling ice cream (e.g., tiger mom).

So I’ve learned that I’m vulnerable to feeling frustrated related to these two types of marketing issues.

MCA: Since launching your book, what has been your most rewarding experience in promoting or sharing it with the public? Do you have a favorite memory?
David: I so much enjoy giving talks to parents on this material. They LOVE it, and can’t get enough of it. For instance, I gave a talk, just a few weeks ago, in a very rural and economically deprived part of Pennsylvania. These parents and I shared a love affair for the hour we were together.

MCA: As a new honoree, do you have any questions you’d like some of the “old hands” to answer for you?
David: YES! I’d love suggestions for strategies for not sounding a salesman when I market without being defensive (see my answer to the previous question). I’d also enjoy leads or ideas for how to be invited to present at conferences related to parenting issues and/or effective ways to be invited onto national TV programs that are covering parenting stories or issues (i.e., I do a lot of media work but have yet to break into that venue).

Mom’s Choice Awards® Honors

[amazon_link id=”1934716146″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Working Parents, Thriving Families: 10 Strategies That Make a Difference[/amazon_link] by David J. Palmiter, Ph.D., ABPP
Sunrise River Press, 2011
Adult Books
Parenting – Contemporary Families

Contact, Connect and Network with David

The Alumni Spotlight is a periodic feature on the official Mom’s Choice Awards® blog. It is part of our ongoing effort to “shine the spotlight” on you and your award-winning, family-friendly products, services, and media.