Dr. Maria Gilmour
SEVEN SUPERPOWERS
How Parents Can Shift from Punishment and Control to Comfort and Success!
Families today barely have the bandwidth to make dinner, let alone implement a behavior program. Dr. Maria Gilmour has developed seven easy-to-remember “superpowers” — innate strengths — that parents can use to calm a tense moment, help a child feel secure, and create the conditions for success.
Dr. Gilmour is a parent educator and board-certified behavior analyst who has been working with families and schools for the past 20 years to help parents bring their home life back to the loving basics.
“As a parent, you are on a sacred mission,” Maria explains. “You may feel life shoved you into a parenting role without the skills or fortitude required — especially if your kids behave in ways you never expected. Children need to know that they are not alone and that their needs will be met.”
Instead of academic theory, Maria uses stories and anecdotes to illustrate seven simple superpowers – proven approaches to parenting that will help you think on your feet, see the world through your kids’ eyes, and set them up for success.
The Seven Superpowers
Introduction
Children are people with their own needs and drives… If you replace the phrase “inappropriate behavior” with “struggle for attention,” it suddenly makes sense.
1. Structure Zone
Instead of plywood, concrete, and 2x4s, a family structure is built from Consistency, Predictability, and Follow-through.
2. Delayed Gratification
Delayed Gratification might seem old-school… but it’s quite the opposite. You’re creating something of value for the child, and you’re activating a superpower.
3. Choosing the Right Bait
Imagine if you could simply ask, “Hey, Fishies! What are you in the mood for today?”
4. Total Recall
Your child is watching you at all times — taking cues from how you handle life events, learning how to react under stress, recording household language, and forming biases.
5. Patience Power
Few of us understand that patience is something to be exercised, and when you do, you develop a superpower — and your kids do too.
6. Fun Zone
The Fun Zone is a no-blame zone. If the Fun Zone had an entrance sign, it would read:
“All Ye Who Enter are Innocent.”
7. People Presents
What we put into the chalice for our children are not teachings, precepts, or how-tos.
The chalice is filled with your being. It’s the feeling you give your child that someone has their back no matter what.
Seven Superpowers is packed with easy-to-use tools to help caregivers navigate through everyday challenges using compassion and positivity.
– Kelly Stafford, M.A., BCBA
Through relatable stories and a safe and positive piece of literature, Maria celebrates the messiness of parenting and empowers us to connect with our superpowers.
– Joelle Lea M.S., BCBA
The book is fantastic! It explains negative reinforcement and punishment clearly and uses examples that are relatable. Raising awareness around what we are modeling to others is so important and a helpful reminder for parents.
– A Reader
Chief Clinical Officer
Behavior Analyst
Parenting Author
Dr. Maria Gilmour
Dr. Maria Gilmour has worked professionally with families for the past 20 years as a parent educator and a board-certified behavior analyst.
Dr. Gilmour works with parents and families, teachers, educational leaders, and school administrators in both public and non-public programs for children with special needs. She is well known for her creative approach to cross-disciplinary collaboration.
She feels that a child is best served when parents and family members, educators, and therapists work together to support the specific needs of a child. Dr. Gilmour has worked as a consultant for families and educational programs all over the world through telehealth solutions.
In addition to her current role as President and CEO of Wynne Solutions, Dr. Gilmour also works as Chief Clinical Officer of Gemiini Systems, a discrete video modeling program for individuals building language and social skills. Dr. Gilmour resides in Vancouver, Washington, and she consults with families and educators while conducting research on new technologies to teach language and social skills.
Contact Author
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