By: Paula Weir
Siobhan Chirico, a registered psychotherapist and educator, has long been a dedicated advocate for children and families. With a career focused on reframing how society understands children’s emotional health, she is now reaching a broader audience with her debut book, Climbing Crisis Mountain: A Guided Picture Book for Managing Meltdowns and Challenging Behaviour. As both an accessible guide and an empathetic resource, the book has received positive attention, including mentions in Newsweek magazine and notable newspapers internationally.
This milestone builds on Chirico’s longstanding efforts to connect emerging research with the practical realities of parenting. Her work highlights the importance of bridging theory and practice, offering insights that parents and caregivers can apply in their daily lives.
Chirico’s experience as a therapist specializing in children and families provides her with valuable insights into the resilience and adaptability families demonstrate, even in difficult times. The inspiration for her book emerged from recurring themes she observed in her practice. Many parents express uncertainty about how to handle tantrums and emotional meltdowns, often feeling underprepared to meet their children’s needs while managing their own emotional responses.
Reflecting on her clinical experiences and engaging directly with the children she supports, Chirico compiled strategies that aim to make a meaningful difference. Her clients—both children and adults—played an active role in shaping the book, offering candid feedback on what resonates.
By drawing from neuroscience and behavioral science principles, Chirico developed a user-friendly, step-by-step guide designed to support both parents and educators. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, the book provides flexible strategies that readers can adapt to their unique situations. Her aim is to create a resource that readers can revisit, especially during challenging moments.
At its heart, Climbing Crisis Mountain aspires to be a helpful tool during difficult times with children. It presents parents, caregivers, and educators with clear, approachable strategies for staying composed and effective when emotions run high. The book also underscores the value of self-compassion, encouraging adults to acknowledge their own feelings, accept mistakes as part of the process, and remain committed to growth.
The book’s accessible design—a mix of text and illustrations—further enhances its appeal. Chirico’s thoughtful approach ensures the advice is both practical and easy to implement. Parents who have read the book appreciate its encouraging tone and its focus on learning from experiences without undue guilt.
The title’s central metaphor of “climbing a mountain” is particularly impactful. It mirrors the emotional journey parents embark on when addressing challenging behavior, emphasizing the effort, perseverance, and sense of achievement that come with navigating such moments effectively.
Chirico’s dedication to child development and emotional well-being extends beyond her therapeutic practice. As an educator, she leads the Self-Regulated Learning teaching team at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Faculty of Education. In this role, she prepares future educators to support children’s emotional and academic growth. Her ability to simplify complex psychological ideas into actionable guidance is a defining feature of her work, and it shines through in her writing.
Her personal journey also informs her professional ethos. Raised in St. Catharines, Ontario, by first-generation immigrant parents from Belfast, Chirico grew up in a household that valued learning and resilience. This foundation inspired her to become the first in her family to attend university, where she developed a deep appreciation for the transformative potential of education.
Now living in Burlington, Ontario, with her husband, two teenage sons, and their dog, Tessa, Chirico continues to draw inspiration from her own family life. Her love of reading, running, and spending time in nature provides balance and nurtures her creativity.
Books have always played a central role in Chirico’s life, from childhood fiction favorites to the psychology and human behavior texts she now reads for inspiration. She credits authors like Lisa Genova, Liane Moriarty, Brené Brown, and Gabor Maté with influencing her perspective on emotional health and human connections.
One of her most cherished books, The Book of Forgiving by Desmond Tutu and Mpho Tutu, serves as a source of annual reflection and renewal for her. This love of books and her respect for their potential to inspire change is evident in the care and attention she poured into Climbing Crisis Mountain.
Chirico’s path to authorship was both thoughtful and deliberate. Recognizing the growing accessibility of self-publishing, she chose Freisen Press, a Canadian company known for its worldwide distribution and comprehensive support for authors. The process allowed her to collaborate with talented editors and illustrators who helped refine her vision.
For Chirico, the book represents more than just a professional accomplishment; it’s a testament to the resilience of families and a resource she hopes will have a positive impact.
As the landscape of publishing evolves, Chirico remains encouraged by the opportunities for writers to share their stories and insights. While technology and AI continue to influence the industry, she highlights the importance of maintaining the human touch in writing, especially when addressing topics as personal and nuanced as parenting.
Her advice to aspiring writers? Begin. Writing is a creative process that requires courage, persistence, and openness to feedback. Surrounding yourself with supportive, honest voices can be instrumental in honing your craft and producing meaningful work.
The success of Climbing Crisis Mountain has propelled Chirico into the global spotlight, with features in Newsweek and other international platforms amplifying her message. Yet, her mission remains deeply personal: to equip parents, caregivers, and educators with the tools they need to support children through life’s emotional challenges.
For those interested in exploring Chirico’s work, her book is available on Amazon, and additional resources can be found on her website, Climbing Crisis Mountain.
Chirico’s ability to weave research, real-world experience, and compassion into her work has made her a source of guidance and hope for families. With her unique blend of expertise and empathy, she is contributing to a deeper understanding of children’s emotional health—one step at a time.
Find the book at: https://www.climbingcrisismountain.com/
Published by Tom W.
