What people are saying...
Testimonials

Winner 2009 Learning Magazine® Teachers' Choice℠ Award for the Family

Independent Publisher Book Awards
Recognizing Excellence In Independent Publishing

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Hear what others are saying about Optimistic Outcomes:
What Every Parent Wants and Every Child Needs.

I loved your book— I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s amazing! It’s so easy to read, practical, comprehensive, and useful. This type of information is so needed. I will recommend it to everyone.
Nancy Ratey, Ed.M.
American Board of Disability Analysts — Master Certified Coach, and author

Maureen McKay has created an essential resource guide for parents and educators.  The creative strategy format and accompanying CD-ROM provide a wealth of resources.  This is a book that I will recommend to all of the families I work with.
Sam Goldstein, Ph.D.
Clinical Neuropsychologist (Neurology, Learning and Behavior Center- Salt Lake City), nationally certified school psychologist, member of the University of Utah faculty and Primary Children’s Medical Center, and prolific author.

What a favor Maureen McKay has done for parents. Optimistic Outcomes is a treasure trove of practical and clear strategies parents and caregivers can pick up and start using today. It’s a great resource for anyone who wants to help children reach their potential.
David Walsh, Ph.D.
Founder, National Institute on Media and the Family and best-selling author of parenting books.

The format of this book really makes sense. I think about how stressed and overwhelmed so many of us are; and how hard it is to sit down and absorb a whole book written by somebody with lots of theory and academies. I love your cut-to-the-chase approach. I am very sensitive to the idea of offering ideas without a context for understanding children's developmental needs. You strike an amazing balance in the way you have put this book together... providing the context, but in very few words. I was struck with the developmental sensitivity and the empathy both for children and for parents that comes through in your book. I am really excited about it and am happy to add it to my list of recommended resources for parents.
Marti Erickson, Ph. D.
Co-Chair, President's Initiative on Children, Youth, & Families, University of Minnesota
Founding Director, University of Minnesota's Children, Youth, & Family Consortium
Director, Harris Programs Centers for Early Education and Development

A wonderful resource for parents on a wide range of important topic areas. It's filled with great tips, and designed in a handy, reader-friendly format
Sandra Rief
Educational consultant, and author of How to Reach & Teach Children with ADD/ADHD

I thought the format of this product was perfect. A flip book with topic tabs made it easy to search for what I was looking to learn about. The information is presented in straightforward language and there are MANY useful tips. The accompanying CD was easy to navigate as well.
Parent, Teacher

The material that was presented in the flipbook was thorough. The tips are general enough to be used with any elementary student. As an elementary teacher I was looking through to see if there was anything that might be missing and I couldn't think of anything else that should be added.
Parent, Teacher

This product helps parents assist their child in developing study skills, homework skills, readiness skills, and problem solving skills. Children will benefit and be more motivated to complete their homework if their parents have the skills and strategies to assist them.
Parent, Teacher

Parents who use the ideas in this book would have a definite positive impact on the children.
Parent, Teacher

I really love this book. I think it would be a great book for all parents and teachers, not just those with children who struggle.
Mother, Ed.D., School Administrator

Every family should have one...and every child should have parents concerned enough to use all the great ideas.
Mother,elementary school teacher

The book is designed to help parents work collaboratively with their children. It reflects a positive way of parenting that McKay is able to easily communicate to other parents. McKay's creative tips have helped many frustrated families.
Becky Lawyer, M.A.
Former ADHD/LD Services Manager-LDA MN

This book is a must have for any parent of an elementary age child. The format of the book is extremely easy to use and with the abundance of different tools you will not run out of different ideas to try. Children with all different learning styles can benefit from this book. My child is a great student already, but the tools and tricks in this book have capitalized on her strengths and addressed her challenges in a positive and fun way. Buy this book and keep it on your kitchen counter because you and your child will want to access it often!
Kris
Mother, preschool teacher

At last, a book that puts it all together! I have a daughter with Asperger’s Syndrome with ADHD. I’ve been trying for years to gather tips from here and there to help with her study needs. It’s so nice to have a complete, easily accessible resource! We’re already experiencing less stressful homework/school sessions, which benefit our entire family!
Mary
Mother, author, journalist

As the name implies, Optimistic Outcomes is a positive, practical approach to helping my daughter succeed in this very competitive, demanding culture. This book addresses solutions for the day to day real issues of learning. I can quickly find several creative solutions to help my daughter stay on the track to learning. And I also use it to trouble shoot areas of concern for tomorrow. This is one resource that doesn't sit unused on my shelf.
Lee
Mother, licensed educator

It was a pleasure, listening to you speak at our event. I have added you to our speaker list and will encourage PTO/PTA groups to consider you as a speaker in the future. Thanks for your support and work.
Parent Education Coordinator

Your talk was wonderful! I heard many positive things from other parents. You created a talk exactly like I had in mind for our changing school community, it was really great.
PTO Chair

You were an excellent facilitator. I hope to see you again.
Parent Attendee

You did such a fabulous presentation on stress! My students learned so much and enjoyed learning the information from you. The PowerPoint was excellent and very well presented. Thank you for sharing your expertise.
Michelle
Junior High Teacher

An excellent and funny presentation. It was easy to understand, and I feel that I can apply your ideas right away. Thank you for sharing your adversities and how you overcame them.
Parent Attendee
Obstacles to Opportunities

Maureen uses lessons learned as a child growing up in a small town melded with the realities of raising children in today's fast-paced society to deliver a punchy, straightforward message on how to recapture the basics with your children while there's still time to shape them for adulthood. I would highly recommend Maureen's entertaining seminar to parents of children of all ages who are interested in slowing down and enjoying the "now".
Bonnie
PTA President