Only book out there to help parents make choices
598778
I found this book to be a very informative. In regards to the customer review provided by "Andy F", I don't even think he read the book.

And yes, Andy, there are scientific journals out there prooving that there may be a connection to autism and thimerosal (mercury)

Look up April 2004 issue of the Journal Molecular Psychiatry it includes research from Northeastern University pharmacy professor Richard Deth and colleagues from the University of Nebraska, Tufts, and Johns Hopkins University, that there is an apparent link between exposure to certain neurodevelopmental toxins and an increased possibility of developing neurological disorders including autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Here's the link.  [...]

This is not an anti-vaccine book it is a book to help get parents educated, ask the right questions and if your going to vaccinate, Dr. Cave offers a a recommendation on how to do it safely.

When our very own CDC is quoting 1 in 166 kids are now being diagnosed with autism you can't help but want to protect your child and this book is a big help.
3716205
The late Dr Latham has a legacy to be proud of. This wee gem of a book contains essential advice for any parent - it is the manual our kids should have come with. I originally bought Dr Latham's much larger and more comprehensive Postive Parenting, and it made a huge difference in my interactions with my children. I became much less stressed out and more confident. I knew which behavior to safely ignore and I understood the power of parental attention - both postive and negative in shaping my children's behavior.

But - there was a problem remaining - my husband was reluctant to study the text-book sized tome! I tried to explain things to him, but he wasn't convinced by my summary. He had an extremely authoritarian parenting style and he dismissed my explanations as being too soft, or 'letting the kids get away' with stuff. Because I was experiencing success with the children's behavior, My husband accepted that there was something to the method. In many instances he copied my actions but without understanding the underlying principles there were occaisions that ended in tears. So between his unwillingness to study the textbook himself, and dismissal of my explanations, we ended up going in circles with the children being angels for mum and playing up for dad and the divide widening almost daily.

Then I found this wonderful little precis of Dr Latham's work. It is small and concise enough for my husband to open, read a small section, and learn some new technique in a few minutes. It now has pride of place next to the toilet(!) where hubby can upskill himself painlessly and without taking up too much of his precious time. Our whole family has become more relaxed and co-operative, and the children are rebuilding a lovely relationship with their Dad. My husband will always have an authoritarian bent - but he respects the science behind Dr Latham's work and is gradually modifying his own behaviour as he experiences success with the children.

If you buy one parenting book this is the one to choose (especially if one parent is more interested than the other). Understanding the underlying principles of behavior will allow you to adapt them for any situation - as opposed to other parenting advice books which run into series of ten or more books with highly repetitive advice for every situation imagineable.

Postscript: I have seen criticism in other reviews of Dr Latham because he was a Mormon. What bigotted nonsense! He was a highly respected behavioral scientist and his work is based on science not religion. He has written a few books which adapt his science for both Mormon and Christian parents which you are free to buy or not (I did not), and which are clearly promoted as containing religious aspects. But this book, and the larger Positive Parenting, are valuable to parents of any(or no) creed.
4264846
Best Baby Shower gift ever.

This was our parenting bible for 5 years.  It gives the big-picture needs for each age/stage as well as the specifics that everyone needs.  She is calm, kind (she calls the child "Cherub" which puts you in a positive place when reading it), and incredibly wise.

I re-read each section when we transitioned in age (we had 2 kids 3 years apart) or whenever I was struggling with the thousand issues that parenting can bring.  Each time it was like I got a mental reset and finished with the attitude "I can do this" - I can make a positive difference, even when parenting is hard.

One of my favorite details, for an example, is that each age has a paragraph on "if you are moving" and the reminder that moving day can be the most dangerous day for children.  I had not read that in any other parenting book, but it's details like those that can literally save lives.  She doesn't overwhelm, but she doesn't overlook either.

there is also a Portable Pediatrician's guide to ages 5-12.  Also highly worth a read (and reread!).
3202463
This is the parenting book I recommend the most often to the parents of  children I teach.  Finding the topic that concerns a parent at the moment  is easy, with suggestions for action given up front, and the developmental  rationale and longterm suggestions following.  Marilyn Heins speaks  clearly, directly and sensibly to parents, giving them the support and  confidence they need to be effective.  In thirty years of work with young  children, this is the most useful, practical and valuable book I can  recommend to parents.
2198296
This is 'the book' for guiding parents of pre-teens and teens in their talks with today's children regarding sex.  Completely relevant and up to date in assessing the impact of internet, TV, and the - appropriately termed - 'hypersexualized world' our children are being impacted by.  Very helpful are the 'take it home' sections for parents contained throughout that prompt parents through answering questions to determine their own awareness and feelings, and give parents exercises to complete which create an action plan for beginning relevant discussions with their children.  Beyond a simple description of the 'birds and the bees' (which I knew my children already knew about) I had no idea how to begin my discussions with them in ways that would allow me to address my concerns while acknowledging their situations.  This book provides that education for parents, and does so in a way that creates discussions with their children of extreme value and respect for both.
2886369
Ally Parenting is a book I didn't know I needed in my life. I have a 2 year old son and a 5 year old daughter. We sometimes have a difficult time with my son and my daughter is pretty easy going. I thought I didn't really need this book yet since it's for kids 5 and older, however after I started reading I realized how many of the communication blocks I used with my daughter. She may not always shut down, but these are the same communication blocks my mother used with me when I was young, which contributed to us not having a close and open relationship. I certainly don't want that with my children. I've purchased other parenting books, but they seem so daunting with so much information within each chapter. This book is a quick read with short chapters, concise suggestions (so you don't have to do a lot of guesswork figuring out how to implement the suggestions with your family) and a super helpful planning guide to help you get to the center of the problem you are experiencing and how to handle it. This is not like any of the other parenting books, where I've had to reread and read again to understand. This book is straightforward and gives you the information you need to know! I have also learned ways to improve communication with my husband. I was making him frustrated with me-tooisms, when all he needed was a listener. Additionally, I am a middle school teacher and am noticing the communication blocks I have built with my students. I am looking forward to trying out some of the reflection and connection ideas, not only with my own family, but with my classes of students as well. This book can improve relationships in all aspects of your life! I highly recommend this for all parents, for big and small children!
1867917
This book is so useful to me!  It is written in very accessible language, and uses examples that describe a diversity of families, including those with lesbian and gay parents.  The suggestions are clear and straightforward and make a lot of sense.  The ideas in this book have provided a framework for me to think about my parenting decisions following separation and re-marriage.

thank you for this book!
4741308
With a baby or small child in the house, who has time to read?  This book has down-to-earth advice for parenting and for attitudes about parenting, written in an easy-to-read and concise "list" format.  Each chapter is broken down into a "list" of 5 things and the whole chapter is only a few pages long--perfect for the "extra" five minutes that any parent gets in a week.  This is great for the first-time parent but also for the second, third, and fourth-timers.  I have older children and still love the wisdom in the "Teaching and Learning" and "Tips for Talking" chapters.  Always good to reread those few pages and remind myself of the small things that can make a big difference in a child's life.  A wonderful and heartfelt book about realistic parenting in our fast-paced lives.
1163733
Games2Careers looks at how the things we loved to play with as a child can help determine what careers will ultimately be most rewarding and satisfying to us as an adult. As shown through the fictional family in the book, determining and using one's career DNA doesn't have to start at a certain stage of life. It works as well for an adult changing careers or returning to the workforce as it does for a middle schooler selecting what courses to take and clubs to join. As a parent, I first thought this book would only be helpful for my high school aged child, but after reading it I see many ways to help guide my younger child as well, and even found it useful for my own decisions about returning to the job market. A definite must-read for parents, and every school guidance counselor.
2484240
Being a parent is hard. There are so many things we need to teach our children: how to tie their shoes, how to use the toilet, how to be kind to others. And then theres money  we need to teach them how to be smart about money. For many parents, myself included, thats an overwhelming responsibility. Lucky for us, theres help. Smart Money, Smart Kids is written by Dave Ramsey and his daughter Rachel Cruze and has become my go-to source for teaching my four kids how to save, spend, and give.

The book is easy to read; both Dave and Rachel weigh in on each topic, offering the parent perspective as well as the child perspective. But its not just their familys story; this book offers practical advice that will help any parent teach their children the same lessons. This book has real ideas that just make sense. Weve already started using some of the ideas with our kids, who range in age from 4-15.

Once you read this book, youll find yourself bringing it up in every conversation  Ive talked about it with my friends who have young kids, friends who have teenagers, and neighbors whose kids are grown and starting their own families. There are nuggets in this book for all parents, no matter your childs age.

Read this book. You won't regret it!
552991
If you're trying to decide of you can live on one income once the baby is born, you need this book.  Unlike a lot of similar books, this book doesn't try and sway you one way or the other.  (In other words, some families may find they're better off with one income, some families will complete the same worksheets and find they do indeed need two incomes.)  It offers little in the way of philosophical, social or political justifications for one parent at home.  It provides a way that each family can analyze what they spend and if two incomes is necessary.  Some families may be surprised to see that having a second salary may cost them more!  The points about taxation were especially revealing, and you don't have to have your masters degree in economics to follow this book!
2161544
Margo Arrowsmith shares her personal and professional wisdom in this guide to living with aging parents. She uses her personal journey with her own parents to teach and to illustrate the steps one must take to make clear and thoughtful decisions. This book is useful, readable  and helpful to anyone who faces tough decisions about the best situation for their own aging parents. I strongly recommend it!
925966
This is a fantastic book!  Little Things Long Remembered by Susan Newman is perfect for parents at any stage of raising children.  The layout of the book is ideal for busy parents who could use a recharge of their parental battery, but who don't have the capability to dedicate large amounts of time reading a traditionally-structured book. Susan Newman offers helpful ideas to help you connect with your child, from gestures to outings, and they are categorized by how long it may take to which days or special circumstances may benefit from one of these thoughtful ideas.  I also thoroughly enjoyed her cardinal rules.  They are nothing good parents don't already know, but I feel like I should laminate them and hang on the bathroom mirror.  Not only has this book given me great inspiration and reminds me to reconnect (that proverbial pep talk that everyone who knows they are doing a great job needs to give them the push to continue doing so), but validated that some of the thoughts I'd already and practiced with my young daughter.
Little Things Long Remembered would be a perfect gift for an expecting mom, new parents, or even for grandparents.  I have read some reviews that state that it's not applicable to stay-at-home parents or homeschooling parents, but I must disagree.  The entire book is not geared toward any one group of parent or family.  In fact, there are some ideas that involve siblings, and having only one child, I didn't feel that this entire book was not worthy because it included a family dynamic that doesn't apply to me.  I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
2175307
Diane's thoughtful book is now my "go to" when I am having a parenting dilemma or just need a bit of support to reinforce my parenting values.  The book is filled with useful ideas for parents facing all sorts of parenting issues.  Since purchasing this book, I have used many of Diane's techniques of active listening and conflict resolution to help my children navigate difficult situations with a true sense of love, compassion and responsibility.  My family has benefited from my renewed calm that this book has helped me grow and maintain.  Diane has beautifully infused her many years of experience as a school psychologist and Living Values educator into this parenting guide.  It is full of practical ideas for parents to try when they are facing discipline issues or when trying to help their children navigate this increasingly complex, and often negative, world.  I found the section on handling technology specifically useful and my children and I have had very purposeful and meaningful conversations about the benefits and drawbacks of technology use in our lives since reading this section.  I no longer need to be a mommy witch who forbids my child from playing violent or inhumane games on our iPad.  This book gave me tools to talk with my son about the objectionable content I was seeing in many video games in a way he could really appreciate.  My son has now learned to only choose games that reflect the values of our family on his own.  Even at six years old, he has now learned to be thoughtful about the way violent games normalize cruelty and he is wary of it.  If creating a values-based atmosphere in your home is important to you- a place where love, peace, honesty and kindness are cornerstones- then this is the guide book for you.
985015
In this book, designed for parents of children ages 2-12, Hunt asserts that establishing boundaries (with rewards and repercussions) for your children gives parents both the tools and the freedom to nurture close, Christ-honoring relationships with their children.

Hunt divides Bonding with Your Child Through Boundaries into two parts. The first part (chapters 1-5) lays a biblical and logical foundation for using boundaries in the home and gives practical tips on ways to set up boundaries in general. The second part, which is the bulk of the book (chapters 6-41), consists of alphabetized chapters offering biblical help for parenting quite a wide variety of behavioral issues that children face (see a full list in my full review; url below)

Part one had some especially helpful tips, gleaned from Hunts niece Kathryn, a mother of six. Some of these tips weve already put into practice in our home. Part two would best serve as an index of sorts to refer back to as problems arise. For this reason, Id recommend purchasing this book in its paperback form rather than for Kindle. The information in these very brief chapters is both practically helpful and biblically-based. I don't agree with every single tip in every single list, of course. We have certain standards in place for our family based on our particular theological and philosophical convictions. But on the whole, she offers many valuable suggestions for the various issues in this book.

Each behavior chapter includes four sections in which Hunt provides almost script-like advice for dealing with the issue at hand, sprinkling Scripture throughout. The four recurring sections are 1) What Are Contributing Factors? 2) What Could You Do? 3) What Could You Say? 4) Wisdom from Gods Word. I can see myself referring to this book often as my children encounter new struggles throughout their childhood years.

See my full review at Religious Affections blog: http://religiousaffections.org/articles/reviews/review-bonding-with-your-child-through-boundaries/
2913709
I loved that this book gave you pretty much word-by-word answers to the early questions your child asks you about reproduction. My three year old daughter asked me recently where a friend's baby came from. I answered absently, "Oh, you know, she just showed up one day, out of nowhere." At that point I knew I needed a book. :) This one gives you information about what your child is REALLY asking at different stages of his/her development. I am a liberal parent who feels things like sexual orientation and gender identity are totally irrelevant to how much I love, accept, and approve of my kid, and this book is right there. Social conservatives might have a problem with many of its ideas, although I would suggest they read it, for obvious reasons.
3143919
Kathi Lipp in her new book, I Need Some Help Here! published by Revell gives us Hope for When Your Kids Dont Go According to Plan.

From the Back Cover: For every overwhelmed momthere is help and hope.

Its easy to feel worried and anxious as a parent. There are so many areas of your childs life that can go wrong along the way. Whats a mom to do?

With wit and wisdom, Kathi Lipp meets you in your moments of panic or despair and offers the most powerful tools you haveprayer and practical stepsfor both your kid and yourself. She covers the stages of your childs life from toddler to teenager and tackles the most common issues that cause you stress and anxiety, sharing

 practical wisdom when your child makes poor choices
 how to pray when your child is running away from God
 comforting words for when your child feels left out
 been there, done that advice for when your child is different than other kids

Whether you are at the end of your rope or simply need a little extra support as you walk the parenting road, youll cherish Kathis heart and her humor.

Being a mom is difficult.  If you have more than one each child is different and has to be dealt with according to the needs of that child.  Outside of The Bible there is no manual for parenting.  So where do you go when you need help?  Kathi Lipp has the answer.  Ms. Lipp is a mom and she has friends that are moms and they have all gone through bringing up their children.  Do they have all the answers?  No.  However that was never their intention.  Ms. Lipp provides twelve chapters with advice on what to do when your child is in a certain situation.  If you are in the early stages of your childs life this book will help.  If you are in the later stages then this book will help a lot.  I think it will be a book you will refer to often.  I also think it would make a great gift for all moms everywhere.  I recommend this book highly.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.