Editorial Review

You are having a baby! Congratulations! Now the reality hits you: what the heck am I doing? What if you could bottle the wisdom of all those parents who've come before you and mix it with the solid medical advice from an nationally-renowned pediatrician? Baby 411 is the answer! Think of it as the ultimate FAQ for new parents.

Baby 411 hits today's hot-button issues head-on. Inside the revised and updated 3rd edition, you'll find info on: picking a pediatrician, with savvy questions to ask and insider tips; finding the best way to get your baby to sleep through the night; deciding what to do when baby gets sick, including when to worry and when not to; discovering secrets to soothing a fussy baby; breastfeeding your baby and introducing new, improved formulas and solid food, with detailed nutritional information and step-by-step guide. ... Read more

Reviews

Pediatrician recommended!, March 2, 2009
I am a pediatrician, and when I was pregnant with my daughter (my first) I was looking for a medical advice book for all those things they DON'T teach you in medical school. Also I like to read the books that my patients' parents are reading. I guess you could ask why a pediatrician would need to read an advice book.... and I will tell you that most of the parenting skills and ideas you need to survive everyday life with your child are not a part of medical training. This book is an excellent combination of the very latest medical evidence and practical parenting advice. I find myself turning to it each time we enter a new "phase" (sleeping training, introducing solids, etc.)

The book is not meant to be read cover to cover in one sitting, but I did read the entire book on a vacation to see if I agreed with Dr. Brown's medical advice. I find her approach to complex medical issues to be balanced and backed by scientific evidence which is lacking in many books.

Baby 411 is a modern-day "Dr. Spock" advice book that every parent should have on their shelf for middle of the night symptom searching and for everyday parenting questions.

My "go-to" book for minor baby health crises, September 21, 2007
This is my go-to book for basic health questions about my baby. Unlike a number of other baby books on my shelf, the information is presented in just enough detail to be helpful in a minor crisis (A whole chapter on poop and vomiting? Yay!) Most sections about common symptoms and illnesses are very reassuring, but contain a useful "Red Flags" list immediately following that lets you know when you need to push the speed-dial number for your pediatrician. I find the reference section really helpful, particularly when I don't feel the need to wake my pediatrician at 1A.M. to ask a basic question about medication or illness. The authors do express strong opinions about some controversial issues, like circumcision and vaccination, which will turn some readers off; and I've seen a few parents who susbscribe to the attachment-parenting theory complain that some of the behavioral advice (specifically regarding co-sleeping and sleep training) is harsh or closed-minded. If you have your own strong opinions about these issues, ignore these sections of the book--there's lots of other useful information here.

Excellent book, except form factor, April 4, 2009
This is a wonderful book for parents. It provides a lot of useful information to help put first time parents at ease. The sections on birth and the first few weeks of feeding helped us understand whether we were on track with quantities of breast milk.

The book continues with good information on hygine, pooping/peeing, vaccinations, and has become a frequently-accessed reference. Many sections are organized in a way that you can find information on your baby according to his/her current age, which is helpful.

I would give this book 5 stars except for one issue I consider significant - it's almost impossible to read while holding your baby! The book measures 10x5x1.5 inches, and if you try to keep it open with one hand, it slaps shut. And, it won't stay open by itself on a flat surface.

Ability to read the book while taking care of the baby would have been a huge plus.

Must Have Book for first time parents!!, July 18, 2008
I can't say enough good things about this book! It has helped me with so many questions since my son was born. I bought this book during pregnancy but didn't get around to reading it. Once I brought my baby home, I had a million questions and no time to read. The format of this book (Q&A style) made it possible to find the answers I needed quickly and with thorough but concise explanations. The authors are great at balancing info so that you feel assured and informed. As many other readers have said, I love that they give "red flags" so that you know when something is hands-down an emergency or time to call the doctor. This book is the only one my skeptical husband will read when he wants to find something out for the baby. If you buy only one baby book, make it this one. PS- Better than "Mother of All Baby Books"

Excellent, easily read advice and information, January 27, 2009
I am a new mom and an Emergency physician, and I bought this book after reading some other reviews on amazon. Well, I can't agree more with the positive reviews. This book is worded in simple and clear language and gives frank and detailed advice. After reading it cover to cover, ( I couldn't get enough), I thought, why didn't I think to get this before? So many of my patients ask these questions and I give the advice that is easily accessible for less than 20 dollars- in a book- while they are spending time and money to go to the ED to relieve their worries. I will definitely recommend this book to friends, family and patients.

Best baby guide out there!, December 11, 2007
I'm so glad that i had this as a reference guide when raising my first baby (now my toddler). It had the most information in the most condense format. It was wonderful to read through cover to cover and to also use just as a look-up reference when ear infections, bumps, illness, or diaper rashes cropped up. The authors are funny, sympathetic, informative, and realistic. They recognize that when they give the stock doctor's answer of "take your child to the pediatrian's office -- again", it's aggravating for parents b/c of all the co-pays and time involved, but they justify themselves. They guarantee that this book will pay for itself by saving you the co-pay of at least one doctor's visit, and it definitely did so for me. After seeing my daughter's diaper rash get progressively worse after airing it out, using Aquaphor, Balmex, and Triple paste, we looked it up and found she had a yeast infection type rash. OTC athlete's food ointment and (ta da!) no more rash. They saved me $25. I have the Baby 411 and the Toddler 411 and I just want to thank them again and again. The one wish I have is that they would detail their child development section more thoroughly since it is what EVERY parents seems to be most concerned about. I know I poured over it again and again.

Excellent advice for new parents!, May 5, 2008
I love this book. It's great for when we feel like we don't know what we're doing or what to expect. (We have 4 1/2 month old twin boys.) We often refer to this and even re-read sections. I purchased this copy as a gift for my cousin and his wife who are expecting their first baby next month.

Great for first-time parents!, August 22, 2007
This book is especially helpful for first time parents. The information is delivered in a clear and easy-to-understand format, with a little bit of humor thrown in. You almost feel like you are talking directly with the authors. Ever since this came out, I've made it a point to give the latest edition as a gift to new parents.

Informative, Well-Balanced, Straight to the Point, & Entertaining, June 3, 2008
I should have bought this book when I realized how incredible "Baby Bargains" was. I waited until my daughter was 4 months old before I bought this book and I wish that I had not waited so long. I will be giving this to everyone that I know that is expecting moving forward.

This is very well-written. There is a wide variety of information that is up-to-date and straight-forward. It offers balanced information on hot topics without getting caught up in emotion. Too often author's of baby books get caught up in the political hype. However, if you are ever in doubt with anything regarding your child- check with your pediatrician.

There is so much unnecessary "stuff" out there for new parents that it can be overwhelming. Marketers of baby items often times prey on the vulnerability of new parents. This author does not do that. In my opinion, the reviewers who thought that this author has a hidden agenda are clouded by their own agendas. This book offers parents easy to read information so that you can make the best decisions for you and your family.
This is a must have for any parent who wants straight forward advice. I can't wait to read the follow-up book.

Helpful for First Time Parents!, September 13, 2007
I received a promotional copy of this book for free from my OB/GYN's office while I was pregnant earlier this year. My husband and I have found it invaluable, especially for those first few weeks after bringing our first baby home! It is well written and easy to understand. We find ourselves referring to this book first when we have any questions, and have found that the baby's pediatrician has agreed with all the advice in here so far! Highly recommended and I'll be giving this as a gift at baby showers from now on. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Wow! A baby book that actually answers the big question about having a baby: How am I going to afford all this?

With the average cost of a baby topping $7000 for just the first year alone, you need creative solutions and innovative ideas to navigate the consumer maze that confronts all parents-to-be. Baby Bargains is the answer! Inside, you'll discover:

• The best WEB SITES that offer the biggest discounts!
• NAME BRAND REVIEWS of car seats, bedding, strollers, high chairs, diapers and more!
• FIVE wastes of money with baby clothes and the best outlet bargains.
• NINE tips to saving money on cribs, plus in-depth reviews of crib brands.
• THE TRUTH ABOUT STROLLERS--and which brands work best in the real world.
• The SEVEN MOST RIDICULOUS BABY PRODUCTS.
• Dozens of safety tips to affordably baby proof your home.
• DETAILED CHARTS that compare brands of cribs, strollers, car seats and more!

Reviews

A better resource than the Consumer Reports version., August 28, 2000
Put this one in the "I shoulda payed attention" category. I noted, while checking the reviews to the Consumer Reports book "Guide to Baby Products," that the Fields' book was clearly given the nod as the better book. Still, I've been a Consumer Reports subscriber for many years, and I reasoned that "Guide to Baby Products" must surely have information that "Baby Bargains" lacked. So, I bought both of them. My advice? Those other reviewers were right. "Baby Bargains" is as least as complete in its evaluations of products, and it's a much better source of background information. To boot, it's warmer in tone, funny, and a more enjoyable read all around. Buy "Baby Bargains" and skip CU's book.

seasoned mom rethinks opinion on book, April 13, 2003
If I had reviewed this book during my pregnancy (as it appears many do), I would have given it 5 stars. The book was helpful in providing reviews of many products. When I was doing my pre-baby purchasing, this book was my "bible". I recommended it to several others.

However, post-baby, I found that many of the products even the authors said I "needed" were a big waste of money. I also strongly disagreed with them on a number of products, and ended up giving away or returning several highly-recommended products in exchange for others. Most of the book seems to be their opinion, and doesn't jive well with many seasoned parents that I know.

Furthermore, their tips for saving money are mainly common sense, or impractical. For instance, to save on maternity
clothes, they recommend getting ONE outfit with a skirt, pair of pants, and top, and switching them around... don't think most of us need a book for that.

If I had it to do over, I would buy a car seat, clothes, diapers, some baby wash , bassinet...and wait to see what else I'd really need and want til after baby was born. This book tends to promote unnecessary consumerism to vulnerable first-time parents.

Great Bargains & Reviews, but read carefully!, December 17, 1999
It will be my baby shower gift from now on! This book is EXCELLENT - great for 1st time parents or parents who want to buy the best stuff at the best price. It's also useful for ensuring good baby gifts, especially baby clothes. People who don't have babies buy all the wrong clothes - no easy diaper access, snaps in back & not front, etc. So be sure to share the baby clothes tips!

Some readers complain that a lot of the recommended brands are pricey - like Peg Perego strollers. True, but you need to read ALL the recommendations. Peg Perego is said to be the best stroller. However, the text notes that only city-dwellers really need a stroller this light and durable. For suburbanites, the 4-in-1 travel system from Century is recommended, and it is cheaper than Peg Perego. I have a 4-in-1 Century Travel System, and I'm very happy with it. I bought it based on Baby Bargains' recommendation. Sometimes the book is wordy or confusing but this is a minor complaint. Read and reread this book - there's alot of info here - too much to memorize. Take it with you on shopping trips for quick reference! And be sure to check their website for updates!

The Bargain Hunter's Treasure!, January 20, 2000
Every new parent can relate to the huge money drain that comes with a new infant. We want our children to have the best, and it just seems the list of must-haves is never-ending. Many of us choose to do without certain items or find them second-hand, but there are certain things, like car seats, that are often better to have new. Thus the dilemma: how to find new items at the cheapest prices. Furthermore, how does one choose between the multitude of companies, brands, and styles of endless baby stuff? Baby Bargains to the rescue! This book is about "how to save money and still buy the best." If you're looking for a detailed comparison of brands and how they rank up, you`ll love poring over the chapters that range from Nursery Necessities to Maternity and Nursing Clothes to Catalogs, The `Net, Child Care and more. They also include lots of up-to-date safety info, "email from the real world" (letters from parents-they interviewed over 1000!), and they even tell you where to find specialty items like African-American bedding, affordable art prints for baby's room and rental baby equipment when you're on vacation. On top of all this, they include Smart Shopper Tips, a Phone/Web Site Directory, and they have a web site of their own

Great Info, Few Savings, December 2, 1999
This book was wonderful. I feel like I'll be spending more than I would have, but I'll be spending it for quality and safety. To their credit, the authors helped me sort through an endless sea of products and narrow my choices considerably. They also provide an invaluable list of business names, phone numbers, and web addresses. Though I agree with the review that stated guilty feelings over not going with the best recommendations in the book, you have to make decisions based on your budget. This book will give you the information on safety, quality, convenience, and price that will help you make well-informed decisions. Hey, maybe you can't always buy the very best in style and quality, but wouldn't you want to know that spending $25 more bucks on crib B instead of buying crib A might save your baby's life? I know now, and I'm not guessing when I walk into stores. Are you? So the title of the book isn't the most accurate, but who cares? I saved a few bucks in not buying cutesy things that I don't need that I once thought I did, but, more importantly, I learned a lot. I recommend that everyone expecting a baby buy this book. In fact, in a couple of years, when I hope to have another baby, I'll be buying the new edition.

Invaluable for a first-time parent, December 12, 1999
Being a new parent is exciting, and preparing for the arrival of the baby can be very confusing. My first visit to one of the enormous baby stores left me overwhelmed by the array of products. Asking other parents what to buy only helped nominally since we got conflicting information based on individual biases. We looked at the Consumer Reports guide at the local bookstore and were very disappointed by it as it did not review individual products. Baby Bargains did in fact save us a lot of money. For example, based upon its recommendation we decided to give it a go without buying a changing table. We have found that by using a waterproof pad under the baby and arranging the room for easy access to changing supplies we have no need for one, which saved us $170.00. We also found the stroller reviews VERY helpful as both of us are 6' or over-it was important to us to have a stroller that would be comfortable for tall people. The ratings helped us find the only travel system combination that was rated highly for convenience and portability as well as having an expanding stroller bar. Previous trips to the superstore had left us confused by the huge array of strollers and staff that were unable to explain features or differences."Where to buy" information also helped save us money since prior to becoming pregnant we never paid attention to who stocked what in baby products or who manufactured 100% cotton baby clothes. I also never paid attention to maternity wear to know that Target stocks inexpensive cotton basics, which saved us a lot of money over maternity store pricing. They did the comparison shopping for us, and sometimes information on who manufactured and/or stocked the best products was surprising. Overall the book was well worth the small amount of money we paid since it saved us much more. I do agree with one of the reviewers below in that sometimes what was most highly recommended was more expensive. However, the ratings always gave information that helped us make an informed decision if we did spend more money. We opted for a more expensive crib based on the information regarding who used solid wood but saved money by avoiding double drop sides, a feature that the book pointed out was redundant if your crib was going to be against a wall. Great book for making the informed decision and should save you at least the cost of the book purchase...if it doesn't they will refund your money so you really have nothing to lose!

A Must Have For First-Time Parents!, June 27, 2001
Before you ever set foot in Babies 'R Us, you must read this book! The first trip I took to the baby mega-store was an overwhelming experience with too many options that left me without a clue as to how to begin. (There were tons of different types of baby gear and garb, and each item had multiple brands with multiple styles and costs.) The bottom line is that I had no frame of reference to know what I needed, when I needed it or how to make an informed decision.

Thankfully, a friend recommended Baby Bargains - and luckily it was before I had purchased anything. Baby Bargains breaks information into digestible categories - covering everything from cribs and strollers to diapers and clothing. It provides overviews of brands, product features, prices and even makes ratings as to what they consider the GOOD, BETTER, and BEST from each category.

In addition, it tells you what items you absolutely NEED, what things are nice to have and what items you shouldn't bother with. Not only does it explain what "layette" means to all the novices, but it makes recommendations on the appropriate quantity of blankets, sleepers and such to get you started.

Finally, it provides various resources for finding the products you want and for finding deals. I found baby bedding online at a much lower cost than in stores and even got free shipping.

Talk to friends with kids, but also get this book and take it with you while you shop!

I have given > 10 copies of the Baby Bargain book away..., December 30, 2002
I love giving copies of books I enjoy away, in hope that others will share what I've gain from them. For example, over the years, I have given many copies of "Life's Little Instructions" book. But when it comes to practical books that one can use, I think the Baby Bargain book is my favorite. I enjoyed the book so much that over the past 3 years I've given more than 10 copies of the books away to my co-workers, friends and family who are expecting babies, and every feedback I've received has been the same - it's awesome!

My daughter just turned 3, but before she was born, we were clueless about what to get. Whenever we go into a Babies R Us, we feel lost because of the vast choices available. We decided that we need a book that will guide us through the baby products maze like what the excellent "What to Expect" book did with my wife's pregnancy.

The Baby Bargain book had helped me, as well as 10 of my closed friends and family, through the exciting period of expecting our new babies, preparing the nursery, buying the clothes baby will need when he/she comes out of the hospital, diapers, baby monitors, clothes, and everything else that may (and WILL) be needed. After reading each section of the book, walking into Babies R Us is no longer a daunting task, because I know exactly what to look for.

I compared many baby product books, including the Consumer Reports book, and I must say that the Baby Bargain book won hands-down. However, you must know what it is and what it isn't. This book is more about what to get and what not to, as opposed to where to get them or who has the lowest prices. In today's almost friction-less economy, price shopping is as simple as hopping online. It's difficult to put anything pricing information in print without being outdated as soon as the book is published.

The amazing thing about this book, I found, is that it makes a very interest read for men and women alike. I have a friend who read the book I gave him, cover to cover, on a 5-hour flight from east to the west coast.

While I can't buy a book for each of you reading this review, I highly recommend that you purchase this book and read it for yourself. I promise that it's going to be one of the most rewarding and exciting books you'll ever read.

By the way, congradulation on the new addition to your family, and remember, your life will never be the same again.

Saved us a ton of money! Buy it for your expectant friends., July 3, 1999
I can't say enough good things about this book. For my wife and I, it was like having a super-savvy friend walking with us up and down the aisles of "Babies-R-Us" and all the other stores that can overwhelm first-time parents. The Fields' do a great job telling you about items that will be almost certain WASTES of money -- I had no clue. So often people get caught up in the purchasing/registering frenzy that they don't really think through what they will really need when the little one comes. This book helped us to avoid some costly miscalculations.

The authors' reviews of the big-ticket items -- cribs, strollers, high-chairs, etc. are all indispensible and frankly, they beat the plastic pants off Consumer Reports' Baby Guide. This book will always hold a hallowed place in our home for the wisdom it gave us dummies as we headed in to the $$$baby-zone$$$. It turned out not to be so expensive after all. Thanks Alan and Denise! Highly highly recommended.

New 5th Edition about to be released (April 7th), March 19, 2003
I was about to buy this book (as it comes highly recommended), but discovered from their website (windsorpeak.com/babybargains/default.html) that the new edition will be out in 2 and a half weeks. The book is only updated every 2 years and the new edition adds 70 new pages. If you can wait, I'd recommend it. ... Read more

Editorial Review

With millions of records now available online, those interested in their family history have a wealth of information?and misinformation?at their fingertips. In this book, author Kimberly Powell, the About.com Guide to Genealogy, helps both novice and experienced genealogists sort it all out. She shows readers where to search and which key-words they?ll need to create an accurate family tree?from start to finish. With this book, readers will learn how to create an online search strategy, use search engines and Soundex to find kin, reach out to others with peer-to-peer record swapping, discover useful records from around the world, and more. Packed with tips on free databases, search sites, and downloadable government records, readers will have all they need to use the Web to dig out their family?s true tale! ... Read more

Reviews

Best book I have seen on genealogy, March 1, 2009
I am a librarian and have bought a lot of books on genealogy but this one is fantastic. It is loaded with websites and ideas and to have it all in one place is just staggering. The author did a great job.

Very good and informative, December 28, 2008
This book offer a trememdous amount of very useful information for doing online genealogy. I prefer the information in it compared to "Printed Sources .. a guide to Published Genealogy Records". It is well written and user friendly.

The Everything Guide to Online Genealogy by Kimberly Powell, November 13, 2008
This was my first purchased book on genealogy. It was great. There is so much I didn't know. I've been doing genealogy for 12 years, here and there. I definitely recommend this book to beginners and advanced genealogist.

Great resourse book, June 23, 2009
This was my first book on Genealogy I purchased and it has been a big help, after I had started my family tree. It's packed with great information and on-line resourses and also, some samples of family tree research. A must have for your Genealogy library.

Excellent Resource, January 27, 2009
This book is great. It tells a lot of stuff I already knew about researching family history, but I also learned a lot just in the first Chapter! This is a must have for serious researchers!

A GREAT STARTING POINT, May 4, 2009
THIS HANDBOOK IS A GREAT ASSET TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT IN GENEALOGY (AS I AM). IN FACT, I PURCHASED 2 COPIES; ONE FOR ME AND ONE FOR MY SISTER. NOW WE BOTH CAN BURN UP THE NET!

great book, January 30, 2010
Started researching family history a couple years ago, but was't making much headway. This book really has helped me get going and is improving my results. I purchased the book along with the Family tree maker 2010 software which is a much better than the previous editions. A great book to buy.

The Everything Guide to Online Genealogy: A complete resource to using the web....., September 12, 2010
I have read most of this book, did not finish it because of new semester at college. Will finish it when class settles down.

What I have read so far is very interesting. This book has chapter titles and subtitles and if you are doing genealogy for the first time, or not, I would highly recommend this book. Chapter 2 Begin Backward and Chapter 3 Learn How to Search are to me the most important start to genealogy.

The book has 4 useful guides to help you: questions? Answers to common questions, e-link Important snipets of information, e-Alerts urgent warnings and Essenials qick hand tips. I am familiar with the author, Kimberly Powell as I subscribe to her articles on a genealogy website named on the cover of the book and the articles have been very helpful to me. ... Read more

Editorial Review

It's instant relief for when your 2-year-old is on the floor of the toy store, pitching a fit. Or when brother and sister discover that they can't stand each other. Or when your son can't say no to video games.

THE POCKET PARENT is, literally, a pocket-size book of tried-and-true advice, common sense, parental wisdom, and sanity. Written by two professionals who've reared six children between them and made a career out of helping others with parenting issues, this handy book will be a lifesaver for every parent of a 2-to-5-year-old. It begins with an overall view of the Pocket Parent approach to discipline. Based on unconditional love but firm limits, and aimed at keeping the child's dignity and self-esteem intact, here are strategies that include "I" statements, modeling, family meetings, and "one word" requests. Once the ground rules are set, the guide moves to an A-to-Z compendium of common problems. Just look it up-Anger, Bad Words, Biting, Chores, Doctor Visits, Fears at Night, Lying, Separation Anxiety-and find the "Sanity Savers" list of suggestions, easy-to-follow bullets, anecdotes, and more.

For the bag, glove compartment, backpack, or shelf in the kitchen, it's there for you whenever you need it. ... Read more

Reviews

EVER WISHED YOUR CHILD CAME WITH OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS?, November 27, 2001
I have twin 2-year-olds and a new baby. Needless to say, I find my patience, parenting skills and sanity being tested daily! Sibling rivalry (including occasional hitting and biting), anger towards the new baby, not listening, whining, separation anxiety, bad words, tantrums in public...what's a mother (or father) to do when you've simply had it? "The Pocket Parent" has become a part of the essential "stuff" that I carry around with me. Because of it's size and A-Z arrangement of topics, I can look up some ideas to try on the spot. The humor and empathy throughout the book help comfort me in the thought that I am not alone and that I am a good mother in the midst of a very important and sometimes very challenging job. I have noticed that since I have been using this book that I often try to take a few moments to think before I speak. I am proud of that, because I find my communication with my children to be more respectful as well as more effective in gaining their cooperation. "The Pocket Parent" lifts my spirits-especially on one of those days when everything that can go wrong,does. I also appreciate the fact that there are many "Daddy" anecdotes included in the book. My husband and I found it very helpful to read suggestions together, followed by discussion for a few minutes before we go to sleep when we have a specific problem. I highly recommend "The Pocket Parent" for every parent that has questions about their preschooler.

A Great Resource for Parents of Preschoolers, November 8, 2001
"The Pocket Parent" is a wonderful, easy-to-access resource, which parents of preschoolers will surely refer to again and again. It offers practical, hands-on suggestions for handling many challenging, everyday parenting situations-often even supplying the words that parents can use. Readers will recognize themselves and their children in the real-life anecdotes the authors have chosen to illustrate their sound advice.

I love many features of this book, but one of my favorites is the "Take Heart" section in every chapter. Each begins with "You're not the only parent who...," and offers reassurance (and alternative strategies) to parents who may feel they've "blown" a parenting situation.

I highly recommend this book. In fact, I predict that it will become a classic-trusted and frequently used by parents of two-to-five-year-olds.

-- Blakely Bundy, M.Ed., Executive Director of the Winnetka Alliance for Early Childhood and President-Elect of the Chicago Metropolitan Association for the Education of Young Children

Practical advice - and lots of it for a small book!, November 16, 2003
I currently have twins about to turn 3, as well as a 6 year old and a 1 year old. Needless to say, the practical advice found in this book is priceless. Having looked at several books on parenting, this book stands out because of it's simple style, yet completeness in covering the topics addressed.

For all of the main areas that most parents have to deal with (tantrums, potty training, getting kids to bed, etc) this book has a section devoted to it - first with a simple question and answer dealing with the issue. Then, a list of tons of practical suggestions, briefly written with entertaining examples - this is the real meat of the book in my opinion - it's like all of the practical advice everyone has ever given on a topic is condensed into that part of this book. Then, each section ends with a bottom line conclusion. These "bottom lines" basically act as that little bit of support every parent needs to deal with the frustration of having kids.

My bottom line is: this book is a really great resource. It definitely makes the perfect gift for new parents, or even as a parent gift for the kids' birthdays. Believe me, a parent will appreciate it!

An A-Z Guide For Parents of 2-5 year olds, June 25, 2003
I have finally found the book I have been looking for! It is perfectly sized to consult at a moment's notice; all you have to do is look it up...40 worrisome issues are addressed such as ANGER, BEDTIME, BAD WORDS, CHORES, DEATH, FEARS AT NIGHT, THE "GIMMES", LYING, MEALTIME, MORNING "CRAZIES", POTTY TRAINING, SEPARATION ANXIETY, TANTRUMS, WHINING, and more. It is written the way friends talk to each other...with compassion, humor and excellent practical advice. The format is geared to busy parents-- hundreds of quick bits of wit and wisdom to help a parent restore his or her sanity! The authors call the bullets of tips..."Sanity Savers". I love the short anecdotes that illustrate the skills, often demonstrating the exact words to try in order to communicate more effectively with a preschooler. I found myself laughing out loud as I recognized myself and my children in the many examples of daily battles. I love the "Take heart" section in each chapter that reassures parents that they are not the only ones who sometimes regret what they have said or done. We all need to hear that sort of thing over and over again. Many of the sensible suggestions have been working for us. I highly recommend this book; it is the only quick-read A-Z book for parents of pre-schoolers that I have found on the market.

Perfect Parenting Companion, December 15, 2003
I find this book to be immensely helpful with the everyday struggles I face as a parent. The authors give multiple strategies so I can find the ones that will suit my situation. Aside from the appropriate and helpful advice, the book's greatest selling point is how easy it is to use. It literally provides parenting problems with excellent solutions in accessible alphabetical order (in a convenient size to carry in your bag).

OUR SUPPORTIVE #1 CHOICE OF PARENTING GUIDES, November 25, 2005
My wife and I continue to find this refernce book to be the most helpful guide we own for suggestions in dealing with the challenging behavior of our 2 and 3 year old sons for 6 reasons:

1. We love the overall tone of the book and sense of humor throughout from the authors who are also parents themselves. We feel comforted that we are not alone in the daily challenges we face with our toddlers.

2. Pocket Parent clearly taught us (formerly very permissive parents) how to become STRICT disciplinarians who no longer allow our children to "rule the roost" and get their whining demands met all the time.

3. Pocket Parent offers hundreds of POSITIVE sensible strategies of how a parent can remain in COMPLETE CHARGE of the misbehaving child WITHOUT resorting to the more "automatic negative parenting pilot" reponses of yelling, nagging, bribing, threatening, ...(which were not working most of the time for us anyway!).

4. Pocket Parent suggestions (called sanity savers) are very practical and parent friendly...the book is not clinical nor condescending with "shoulds" and "donts" from "holier than thou experts."

5. Pocket Parent covers every behavior you can think of in an easy alphabetical, quick read bulleted format. We keep our copy in the bathroom to QUICKLY refer to again and again in our few moments of peace.

6. Pocket Parent is fun to read and priced very reasonably...this year's stocking stuffer for all our friends with 2-6 year olds.

Most Supportive Book on the Market Regarding 2-5 year olds, October 15, 2004
Pocket Parent is our favorite toddler/preschool troubleshooting handbook for all those challenging behaviors that test your sanity... like power struggles, desrespectful attitude, quibbling siblings, bad words, potty training, lying, biting, the gimmmes, not listening, tantrums, whining and many others.

I love the easy to use A-Z format of this pocket guide written in hundreds of concise bullets of helpful suggestions and short anecdotes illustrating the point.

Written exclusively for the parents of 2-5 year olds, Pocket Parent is the very best book on the market today for practical tips, compassion and humor for both moms AND dads at a very reasonable price. My husband appreciated the oh-so-true dad stories (as many books are geared more to the moms).

Pocket Parent has lessened the yelling and punsihing in our house and we strongly recommend it to every family to consult as they need it. This book does not have to be read cover to cover. Each chapter stands alone and you can pick up some ideas to try in less than one minute. Also available in Spanish called "Manual para Padres."

PS...I noticed that many of the same communication techniques work very well on my 40 year old husband, too!

Pocket Parent Helps a Grandma, October 20, 2004
Pocket Parent offers a wide variety of specific tips to try in different situations in order to get more cooperation from my 4-year-old granddaughter. I also have used some of the communication strategies on Grandpa and even he seems to cooperate more--the first time I ask! I realize that when I am short of time and patience, it's easy to resort to the things that don't often work like yelling, nagging, threatening and criticizing. This quick read reference book clearly gives hundreds of wise alternatives with great "word for word" examples to follow. Although some of the tips take practice, many suggestions have already worked for me. I also appreciate the humor...we all need to know we are not the only ones that ocassionally feel we are just about at our wits' end! Raising children today is definitely not easy, but it's the most wonderful job in the world...especially the second time around with the grandchildren!

The Pocket Parent is a fun, easy to use, "grandparent-friendly" guide that I highly recommend to my generation as well.

Also recommended: BETWEEN PARENT AND CHILD, by Haim Ginott..."the guru" of my generation...which is the philosophy The Pocket Parent is based on. I noticed that Alice Ginott recently helped revise her late husband's highly respected parenting classic.

The BEST A-Z Guide for Parents with 2's, 3's, 4's and 5's, October 14, 2004
The Pocket Parent is an amazing collection of upbeat sanity saving suggestions on every possible challenging behavior you can think of...Bad words, Bedtime, Biting, Chores,the Gimmes, Sibling Fights, Lying, Interrupting, Morning Crazies, Potty Training, Whining and more. I learned that inorder to change my child's behavior, I will probably need to change my approach first.

This book with almost 400 pages is easily portable (4" X 8") and is loaded with compassion and humor from the two authors who "have been there, done that" raising their own children right along with us. There is nothing in this book that you don't already know...it's just that we forget the communication options we can choose to use instead of automatically reacting by yelling, bribing, nagging, threatening, criticizing and punishing in the heat of the moment. I keep saying to myself as I read this book..."That makes so much sense...why didn't I think of that?" But it's never to late to improve... and things are definitely better at our house.

My favorite part of the layout of the quick read bullets of information are the short true to life anecdotes. It's as if the authors had been looking in my window as my 3 and 4 year olds push my buttons!

I truly feel comforted that I am not alone in the trials and tribulations of raising a toddler/preshooler.

I especially appreciate the annotated list of 120 books to read with 2-5 year olds relating to each behavior topic. That list is worth the price of the book all by itself. My child loves to hear stories about other children that misbehave.

This book is a reasonably priced gold mine. Keep in handy either in the bathroom or on your bedside table for quick reference in your very few minutes of peace.

If you have a 2, 3, 4, or 5 year old...this book will give you ideas to try as well as make you laugh on almost every page.

Pocket Parent does not have a single "Should" or "Don't" in the entire book. I had the pleasure of hearing the author who recently visited our Connecticut school district say, "The true experts of any child are his own parents. No one knows a child better than his mom or dad. So it is the job of each parent to take these ideas and filter them through their own personality and parenting style to see what strategies make good sense for their family. And if one works once...be grateful! It may not work again!"

There are hundreds of tips, insights and techniques to try in this book. My daycare bought a copy for all 75 family at the center.

Thank you to the authors for a practical, uplifting compassionate guide that I refer to again and again. The support and ideas I have found within these pages help to refill my "love tank" so that I can be in a better emotional place to respond more sanely to the challenges my children throw my way.

Best Book on Parenting I've Ever Read!, November 6, 2001
"Parenting can be a long, lonely road on those days when you're quite sure that no parent has ever gone through what you're going through. 'The Pocket Parent' gives you support and humor, in kind and caring suggestions and stories, to help you find your way. It doesn't preach. Instead, it points to options we may not have tried. As the father of three young children, I knew the moment I picked it up that it would be dog-eared and highlighted in a matter of days. 'The Pocket Parent' is simply the best book on parenting that I've ever read.'' ... Read more

Editorial Review

From the author of the #1 bestseller The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Covey's new bestseller offers precious lessons in creating and sustaining a strong family culture in a turbulent world. No family is free from challenges. But a strong family embodies a problem-solving culture in which parents and children act interdependently, appropriately, and positively. It is a culture that enables all family members to experience the joy, satisfaction, and integrity of living their principles day by day. In his first major work since The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey presents a practical and philosophical guide to solving the problems, large and small, mundane and extraordinary - that confront all families at one time or another. With clarity and common sense, Covey demonstrates how the basic principles of the original book are the key to building strong families and strong communities. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families is an invaluable guidebook to the welfare of families everywhere. Stephen R. Covey is recognized by Time magazine as one of North America's twenty-five most influential people. He is chairman of the Franklin Covey Company. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Written with warmth and humor, Yardsticks offers clear descriptions of children's development. This comprehensive, user-friendly reference has been a favorite of parents and teachers for more than 10 years. For each age, this book includes: narrative description of developmental traits; charts summarizing physical, social, language, and cognitive growth patterns; suggestions for curricular areas: reading, writing, mathematics, and thematic units; favorite books for different ages. What's new in the 3rd edition: a brief overview of issues in the development of bilingualism and biliteracy among Latino/Hispanic children; an appendix on the birthday cluster exercise for applying the information in the book to working with a whole class of students; an updated list of recommended children s books; an updated list of recommended resources for teachers and parents. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Concerned about making enough milk for your baby? Wondering how to make more? Two lactation experts are here to help.

Separate fact from fiction with help from this comprehensive book about improving low milk supply. Written by two leading experts who have been there themselves and officially recommended by La Leche League International, The Breastfeeding Mother's Guide to Making More Milk incorporates the latest research and discoveries about causes of low milk supply, the way your body makes milk, and how babies contribute to your milk production. Best of all, you'll find valuable suggestions for both time-honored and innovative ways to make more milk.

Learn the facts about:

• Determining if baby is really getting enough milk
• Supplementing without decreasing your supply
• Maximizing the amount of milk you can make
• Identifying the causes of your low supply
• Increasing your supply with the most effective methods, including pumping, herbs, medications, foods, and alternative therapies
• Making more milk when you return to work, exclusively pump, have a premie or multiples, relactate, or induce lactation

Reviews

Must Have for Mothers with Low Supply and Lactation Experts, December 20, 2008
The book has sections that would be wonderful for any expecting mother to read: understanding the biology of milk making, normal breastfeeding behaviors, best steps to get your supply off to a good start, and how to know if you should really be concerned about low supply - many mothers go through at least a moment or two of doubt! But for those of us currently in the trenches dealing with low supply or wondering how we can be more successful for the next baby, this book is just packed with information!

"While it's true that most mothers can make enough milk [to feed their babies], we are now learning that there are definitely mothers who really aren't making enough milk." For those of us who have been there and done that, this affirmation by experts in the field of lactation of the painful reality we have struggled with almost makes the book worth it all on its own. But of course, the authors offer much, much more in reassuring and informative discussions that fully explain what they call "The Milk Supply Equation" - the factors, from adequate breast tissue to effective and frequent milk removal, that work together to ensure a good milk supply.

I'm well-read, worked closely with a lactation consultant for months, and still learned one or two really helpful (and generally SIMPLIFYING, stress-reducing) things in each chapter. For instance, it explains how to supplement without damaging the supply you have, and perhaps even in such a way that it helps to increase it... But perhaps most importantly, the book will help you think through the underlying causes behind your supply issues and how to address them. Because without knowing the root of the problem, it's hard to direct interventions effectively...

As a concluding personal note, that's why I sound so gung-ho about this book... I would have given it a great review anyway, but I had a HUGE ah-ha moment reading through Ch. 8. I have insufficent glandular tissue, and had only ever heard about it in relation to hormonal causes. Yet I always felt like "hormonal imbalance" was a diagnosis that didn't fit me. Reading through Ch. 8 I learned that injuries to the breast during childhood and adolescence can also halt or impair breast development - and that fits me to a tee! So now I have confirmation that I need to focus on interventions to grow tissue, but really don't need to concern myself with the hormonal imbalance piece. I hope this book is just as helpful for many other women out there.

Wish I had gotten this at my baby shower! Extremely helpful advice, February 17, 2009
I used to think breastfeeding was a natural and simple process. Baby latches on, starts suckling and milk comes out. Pretty simple, right? Then I had my baby 2 months ago.

From day one my baby struggled to latch on, and when he did, it was terribly painful for me. To make matters worse, my milk supply was not enough to keep him full. To my disappointment, I had to supplement with formula (something I vowed not to do!) and, since my baby was not being breastfed enough, my milk supply finally decreased to zero.

In my desperation to find something that worked, I found this book. It would have been a life saver if only I had anticipated what possible -and very common- problems breastfeeding moms face. By the time I got and read this book, it was too late to rebuild my milk supply. But if you are expecting, or are currently breastfeeding, do yourself a favor - buy this book. It explains in very simple words how milk production works, what problems moms frequently have and how to fix them, and it even lists safe herbs and medications that promote milk production (or galactogogues).

Essential Read For Women With Supply Issues, March 10, 2009
This book is an excellent resource for anyone dealing with supply issues. It is very well-written and interesting; I had a hard time putting it down because I was learning so much.

I had supply issues from the start with my son. I saw (and stumped) numerous lactation consultants and tried everything (pumping, diet changes, Domperidone, etc. etc.) to figure out the cause of my low supply. Nothing helped, and repeatedly doctors told me the canned answer of "Give it up...some women just can't make enough."

When my son was 4 months old, I started seeing 2 lactation consultants who deal with tough cases, and we worked through this book. It was such a help and encouraged me greatly after repeatedly being told to give it up. It didn't talk down to me or treat me like I was defective, and it didn't give me simple answers like "just go pump some more." It instead walked through, in specific detail, causes of low supply.

One section discussed causes where the baby drives poor supply (e.g. bad latch, tongue-tie). The most helpful section for me, because there isn't a lot of this information available online, was the one that discussed causes where the mother drives low supply (e.g. hormonal issues, breast tissue issues, diet). Steps to rectify the problems were also discussed in detail.

Because of the book, we identified the areas that were causing the problems (the most notable being some unusual hormone issues with me, and a tongue-tie in the baby which 2 doctors had failed to diagnose). We are working through the solutions discussed in the book, and I now can take the steps to hopefully prevent the supply issues with future kids. It has been very rewarding to finally find the causes of my low supply, thanks to this book.

Wonderful resource, with information you won't find elsewhere, February 27, 2009
I really can't say enough good things about this book. It's clear, readable, and quite comprehensive. I was lucky enough to talk with both authors for podcast interviews on my breastfeeding blog.

There are a few features that I particularly want to highlight:

1) The authors write about maternal hormonal causes of low milk supply in more detail than I've seen in any other breastfeeding book for moms. There is also some hard-to-find information on some topics like gastric bypass, eating disorders, and vegan/vegetarian diets.

2) The chapter entitled "Planning for the future" is such a smart feature to include. So many mothers who have had difficulty with milk supply are very motivated to try again, and this chapter tackles the process of planning for a new baby straight on.

3) The authors take seriously the feelings mothers have when they have a problem with milk supply. They devote a chapter to "coping with milk supply," which I think mothers will find very helpful.

An absolute must have for the breastfeeding mother!, June 25, 2009
I am a breastfeeding working mother who struggled for over a year with a low supply with my first child. Now nursing my second child and experiencing similar issues, I immediately purchased this book after hearing about it at my local Le Leche League meeting. This book is by far the most in depth and comprehensive wealth of breastfeeding information that I have come across, and I have scoured the web far and wide to resolve my issues. Before reading this book I had limited information on the physiological process involved in making milk, a point that became crucial in increasing my supply.

Thanks to the information in this book I was able to increase my supply by 25%. On good pumping days I even exceed that!

Not only did this book increase my supply but also my self esteem. So often at my local LLL meetings mom are dealing with over supply issues and hardly a mom comes in with a low supply issue. This book gave me the comfort I needed in knowing that I am not alone and that I can make more milk. I am not the hopeless case I felt I was with my first child.

Best of luck and don't give up!

Answers Every Mom's Milk-Producing Needs, February 14, 2009
"Making More Milk" is THE resource for the breastfeeding mom. The book addresses, in well-researched detail, every imaginable lactation issue in easy-to-read detail. Helps for Mom, Helps for baby, supplementing, breast issues, back to work issues, all the questions are answered. If you are having trouble with your milk supply or you just want to find out how your breast milk supply works, this is the book for you. The book is indexed for easy use as a reference book for every breastfeeding supply issue that may arise. The book also includes a terrific Galactogogue Table. A new moms deals with many issues, breastfeeding usually being at the top of the list. It's nice to have a reference guide that will answer ALL of her questions in an easy-to-read format.

A book for mothers from the experts other lactation consultants go to for milk supply problems!, December 7, 2008
This book was so interesting, I read it in one sitting! It doesn't talk down to mothers, but does explain how milk production works and how to help yourself if you need more milk for your baby. If you are a mother with lower milk production than you like, this book is for you. There are sections for mothers who are struggling with milk supply for their current baby, and for mothers wanting to have more milk for their next baby. I especially liked the mother's stories that begin each section, and the fact that there are a lot of different options to try for each problem. Best of all, the authors are experts who teach other lactation consultants around the world how to help with milk production problems.

Finally some good information on milk supply!, December 8, 2008
I am so relieved and happy that this book is available. There is so much confusing information out there about breastfeeding, it is just such a relief to hear really accurate information from authors you can trust. Diana West and Lisa Marasco neither talk down to mothers, nor make them feel like they need a PhD in order to breastfeed. There are sensible solutions for every mother in this book, whether you are just worried about your milk supply, or have real physical reasons for not making enough milk. Furthermore, reading the book is like chatting with a bunch of other moms...who also happen to know just about everything about nursing babies!

Fabulous resource for breastfeeding women and those helping them!, February 12, 2009
This is the book that many mothers (and the lactation consultants helping them) have been waiting for. It is comprehensive, detailed, and easy to understand in guiding women through figuring out the many complexities that lead to, or subtract from, a full milk supply.

The authors cover the material with clear language and support it with good examples. Even if you think you know a lot about milk production, you will learn more from this book.

If you struggled with making enough milk for a previous baby, read this book BEFORE your next baby arrives. If you are currently struggling, read this book NOW (and find an expert to work with you).

Should be on every breastfeeding mom's bookshelf!, May 25, 2010
I am blessed with a beautiful baby boy who happens to be a very sleepy baby. Although my milk supply came in relatively close to delivery, it wasn't keeping pace with what he needed (due to his sleeping at the breast, there wasn't enough stimulation to signal my body for more!). We had to start supplementing with formula at 1 and a half weeks. My supply slowly caught up with him through a lot of pumping and many weeks of trying to keep a sleepy baby awake to nurse.

I was surrounded by support during my intial weeks of nursing, but I got this book looking to boost and support my hard-won milk supply as I transitioned back to work. The tables of galactogogues, chapters on hormonal issues, and the easy-to-understand milk-supply "equation" utilized in this book helped me pinpoint what I should and could do to support my supply.

I gave it four stars because the index is not the most accurate or helpful, but I am sure subsequent editions will fix this issue! I am glad I will have this book to help with subsequent children - I only wish I bought it sooner!
... Read more

Editorial Review

Parenting a teenager is tougher than ever, but new brain research offers new insight into the best way to connect with teens. With humor, wisdom and a deep understanding of the teenaged brain, noted teen expert Dr. Laura Kastner shows parents how to stay calm and cool-headed while dealing with hot-button issues everything from rude attitude and lying to sex and substance use -- with clear, easy-to-follow suggestions for setting limits while maintaining a close and loving relationship. Find out why Dr. T. Berry Brazelton calls Getting to Calm required reading for any parent who struggles with their teen! ... Read more

Editorial Review

This landmark book on human sexuality makes the sacred lovemaking techniques of the East fully comprehensible to Western readers. Elegantly illustrated, it helps the reader acquire new attitudes and broaden his or her range of experience, to revitalize and strengthen relationships. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Explore*Entertain*Educate* are the key elements of this award winning guide book.A comprehensive guide to Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernadino, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Each updated entry features : complete description, phone number, address; directions; Thomas Guide grid number, website, hours, admission, recommended Ages, and even length of time for attraction and birthday party potential! Each featured location is indexed by city, price, theme and includes a Calendar Section as well as an Ideas and Resource section. One of the most informative guides you willl find!
Voted Best Family Guide Book by Los Angeles Magazine! A valuable resource for anyone who lives in the area or is looking to visit. ... Read more

Reviews

unbelievable resource for parents in socal, September 23, 2001
if you are looking for a guidebook of places to take your kids, this is the only one you'll need. it is thorough, gently opinionated, and most importantly, lists absolutely everything of interest from san diego to santa barbara. one really gets the sense that the author has actually checked out every listing - an amazing feat. if you are just visiting the area, this book will probably overwhelm. in fact, its length and breadth make it dense reading and not easily flipped through in the car. it is not organized by location which makes it somewhat hard to use, especially on the fly, but thats my only criticism. a great buy.

The Ultimate travel book for south CA!!, March 23, 2002
I've found the only and best way to travel ever!! I wanted a book that I could use easy fast and dependable, I found it at last! This book has a number of different ways to make travel easy. Everything is organized by category starting with Amusement Parks, Arts and Crafts, Beaches etc. After you find your category look for the city your in then just find the places and read the review. I've talked with the author and she said that her and her three boys and they've been to every place so they could write from personal perspective. In the back four more way to find an awesome place. Every review has hours admission and directions and much more. It's a travel Bible for so. CA. a must have for travelers!!

From a Kid, February 2, 2004
I am currently a teenager in Los Angeles. My parents bought this book when it first came out (when i was nine), and i must say that we spent a lot of family time together touring the places in Southern CA. There is a place in SoCal that every kid will like, and this book just helps parents find where that magical place is. I absolutely love the tour of the LA Times, which my family did not know was offered before we purchased this book.
Now that i am older, i still visit some of the places in the book with my family. The book is a helpful way to plan family time.
For teachers: this is a helpful book for field trip ideas!

This book has added so much to my life!, February 8, 2006
This book is amazing. The lady who wrote it must have been such an adventurer! She took her kids all over the place! You can tell that she really went to the places because she describes the best things to do there and she's always correct! I have found so many wonderful new places thanks to this book. I've been to about 50 of the places recommended and I plan to go to more. The best thing about the book is that it leads you to unknown parks and beach areas and museums that are free. It's not just a touristy book promoting all the expensive glitzy things to do in each city. Instead you find wonderful "real" places that families from the area know are the loveliest spots.

Fantastic present!, November 18, 2004
I have bought this book at least 20 times - it is by far my favorite baby present, grandparent present, parent of kids present, etc. How great to get something that does not add clutter but rather fun to a kids life. The indexes are EXCELLENT as are the directions and website references. Susan Peterson is very funny in person - she spoke to our MOPS group and was just excellent.

Great Resource, March 16, 2009
I bought this one for a friend who's getting ready to have a baby. I got my copy shortly after my first child was born, and it was worth every penny! Even though I've lived in SoCal for 20+ years, the book lists many places I'd never even heard of. And I love that it lists places that have free days at certain times of the month.

A must for SoCal families, July 26, 2007
This book has provided so many wonderful adventures and opportunities for our family! We have been able to take our kids to amazing, educational, fun and sometimes unheard-of places here in SoCal. And, the information Susan Peterson gives about each place is so valuable: prices, deals, appropriate ages, which season is best for them, and even little known facts or insights that will help you enjoy it more. We were thrilled to find this book, and always recommend it to friends, and loan it to visiting relatives and friends. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

A USA Today BESTSELLER!

"Informative. Complete. And practical. This book will guide family caregivers through the surprisingly complex world of senior care."
—MEHMET OZ, M.D., New York Times bestselling coauthor of YOU: The Owner's Manual: The Complete All-in-One Care Guide

Choosing the best care for your aging parents and other seniors in your life is not only complex, with multiple options available, it's also highly personal and often emotional. This essential resource—written by the founders of Home Instead Senior Care, the world's largest provider of nonmedical care for seniors—guides you through a comprehensive range of things to consider, step by step, so you can make better informed decisions and be confident that the senior in your life is receiving the best care possible. Checklists and diagnostics will help you:

• Decide if at-home care is the right choice for you and your loved ones
• Evaluate the pros and cons of retirement communities, adult care centers, nonmedical caregivers, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and hospice
• Determine the costs of senior care options and find helpful support networks

"This is not just another book about caring for aging parents. It's a great reference you'll use again and again. Stages doesn't shy away from the hard questions. Rather, it shows you how to confront them."—SUZANNE MINTZ, President/CEO, National Family Caregivers Association

"Recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, this salient volume compassionately addresses a full range of hard-to-discuss subjects."--PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

All of the authors' profits from the sale of this book will be donated to the Home Instead Senior Care Foundation.

Paul and Lori Hogan founded Home Instead Senior Care in 1994. Now with 850 offices in 15 countries, Home Instead is recognized as a global leader and authority on senior care. Visit them at www.stagesofseniorcare.com.

Editorial Review

In a time when brand new names appear every day and classic names keep making comebacks, 25,001 Best Baby Names comes to the aid of frazzled parents-to-be with the easiest to use, most convenient and most up-to-date book available.

The perfect reference to make naming girls and boys quick and painless, 25,001 Best Baby Names is thoroughly researched and updated to reflect recent trends in baby names. In a compact format and with incredible variety, 25,001 Best Baby Names includes names with origins from around the world.

Including 30 fun lists to help you choose the perfect name - or just to make you laugh while browsing - 25,001 Best Baby Names makes naming your baby easier than ever!

Editorial Review

Preemies is the only resource of its kind -- a comprehensive "Dr. Spock"-like reference that is both reassuring and realistic, delivering up-to-the-minute information on medical care in a warm, caring, and engaging voice. Authors Dana Wechsler Linden and Emma Trenti Paroli are parents who have "been there." Together with neonatologist Mia Wechsler Doron, they answer the dozens of questions that parents will have at every stage -- from high-risk pregnancy through preemie's hospitalization, to homecoming and the preschool years -- imparting a vast, detailed store of knowledge in clear language that all readers can understand.

Preemies covers topics related to premature birth,including:

• What are your risk factors for having a premature baby?
• Can you do something to delay early labor?
• What do doctors know about you baby's outlook during her first minutes and days of life?
• How will your preemie's progress be monitored?
• Can you breastfeed your preemie?
• How do you cope with a long hospitalization?
• What should you know if your baby needs surgery?
• Are there special preparations for you baby's homecoming?
• What kind of stimulation during the first year gives your baby the best chance?
• Will your preemie grow up healthy? Normal?

Editorial Review

Being a mom means more than being a wife and parent-it also means being the household accountant, building manager, cook, gardener, housekeeper, and personal shopper-just to name a few of the roles that come with the territory! As America's "Family Manager," bestselling author Kathy Peel has shown millions of moms that running a household is like operating a business. Like any good C.E.O., every mother must know her goals, determine her strategies, and manage her human resources.

Delegate-Motivate-Organize...Relax!

Every smart manager knows that success depends on teamwork. Kathy shows readers how to get kids and spouses to help around the house-with lots of practical advice and encouragement to get them motivated and keep them going.

Save Time, Money, and Your Sanity

With hundreds of time-saving, money-saving, and stress-reducing ideas, this indispensable handbook also shows readers how to take charge of running the home-without running themselves into the ground. ... Read more

Reviews

A must have for newlyweds, moms, anyone in charge of home, November 10, 2003
SHORT CUTS and HOW TO's. Everyone must read this if you are the head of the household, in that mom-sort-of-way. I think anyone starting out would especially appreciate this book. It teaches basics such as how to sort laundry the best way to cleaning shortcuts. I have only read a few chapters so far, but enjoy every minute reading it when I have the chance. Everyone will learn something from this book! Thanks Kathy!

Author, Mother & Working Mom Approved!, March 31, 2004
This book is a fantastic reference guide for any busy mom! Most helpful are the tips on keeping a well run household when you haven't got much time to get everything done.

This is an absolute must-have. I learned (and am still learning) a lot from this book. Think of it as having your own personal mentor and cheerleader on your nightstand!

Very Helpful Book, November 28, 2005
My husband and I recently bought a home and I really felt I needed to find some tips on being organized. I used to be very organized (and still am at work), but with the birth of my daughter almost a year and a half ago that has all gone down hill around the house. I came away with some really good tips for organization. Not to mention some good tips on how to get rid of ants and various other insects and rodents. Great book for any mom who feels their house needs a little boost in the organization department.

Definitely one to keep on hand, November 21, 2005
This is the kind of book that one would need to keep referring to, as one goes about ones life in the various roles described. I really like the way Kathy Peel gives a complete job description for each role, more or less, and answers questions that would come up as each job gets tackled. There is so much involved in being a family manager, and I'm sure she has covered everything. Having this book on the shelf is like having the wisdom of both sets of my grandparents and my parents right there.

Things I never thought to do (or never knew how), August 7, 2007
I just got this book a few days ago, and have been reading it in my spare time, but already I've organized the office, my daughter's closet, and the kitchen cupboards with Kathy Peel's advice. This book not only gives great tips and advice, but gets you motivated to keep a clean, organized and orderly home. I'm only in the 4th or 5th chapter so far, and have gotten so many great ideas for keeping a more smooth-running home. My husband has really enjoyed coming home every day to a more organized, neater home. Our biggest problem is clutter, and she gives great advice for getting rid of clutter and controlling the influx. We have a lot to do yet, but I'm excited to take back our home with Kathy Peel's helpful instructions.

not the typical organizing book, February 11, 2007
A lot of organizing books repeat the same old principles. Kathy's book applies an entirely different creed! Family managers become CEOs of the family which gives us a whole different perspective and value system. I highly recommend this book. Even after you get the concept down, there is a lot of information in the book you will want to have on the shelf as a reference.

A must for new brides!, April 10, 2007
I have been a housewife for 17 years and I still learned a lot of great time saving tips from this book. This is definately the kind fo book you have to buy, not borrow, so you can hilight and tag pages that jump out at you. It has columns for notes, budgets, etc. This is an absolutely perfect book for a shower gift or anniversary gift for a new bride--I am excited to give a copy to my daughters when they leave home.

Helpful for clueless, January 3, 2007
It is worth the price if you are really clueless and need a guide to taking care of the house. I have always wanted to stay home with my kids and have always had visions of a happy clean home, and then reality hits and it is not that easy. [...]

HomeManager101, July 5, 2008
Upon leaving the corporate world to nurture our first born, I came across this book. It was a very helpful tool! It gave me help I needed to transition rolls from Corp Woman to Family Manager. It helped me see myself in a new light. The term HomeMaker is so matronly and out dated. With my new title as Home Manager and new job description I was ready to tackle the days ahead with confidence. This book gives sooo much practical advice. It's like having a granny sharing all her secretes and golden nuggets to keeping a house in order all the while balancing the delicate relationships of wife, mother and friend. Written well, organized chapters by subject, meaty & written in plain english with no unnecessary fluff. It is a wonderful book and I'm so glad I got my hands on it! More than a good read, it has templates and loads of suggestive advise to getting the job done efficiently and quickly. The Family Manager Takes Charge is a must have for those seeking more sanity while running the home.

Very basic, January 5, 2007
Walks you thru the very basics to start each project. Simple and easy to do. ... Read more

Editorial Review

If you're wanting to learn about genealogy...
Then this may be the most important letter you'll ever read!



You Are Going To Get An Extensive Look At One Of The Most Remarkable Genealogy Reference Books ThereIsAvailable On The Market Today.



It doesn't matter if you are just for the first time looking at your family lineage, this genealogy guide will get you on the right track to uncovering your heritage.



This Isn't Like Any Booklet On Genealogy You Can Find In Any Store...On the internet, or even at your local library for that matter!



This book covers everything there is to know about genealogy and it's easy for the average person follow! In fact, some people have called it the "Genealogy Manual ". ... Read more

Editorial Review

I n this edition of his parenting classic, Michael Gurian considers how the culture has changed in the ten years since The Wonder of Boys was first published, including the impact of the Internet. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Being disorganized can sometimes prove frustrating; at other times, it can be financially and emotionally devastating.If we temporarily misplace a receipt, at worst it can be irksome.But what if your financial and medical records can t be located by relatives or guardians when you ve suddenly become incapacitated?For the Record takes the worry out of what to do with all the information these folks would need in an emergency.It s for everyday life, too, for it will help you quickly locate that receipt you need.Author Ricki Pagano brings to this book her years of experience in helping others. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Friendly, accessible guidance for parents of autistic children

Autism affects more than 1 million children and adults in the United States, and parents are often baffled and distressed by the behavior of autistic children. This book provides help–and hope–by explaining the differences between various types of autism and delivering the lowdown on the latest physical, speech, and nutritional therapies. Featuring inspiring autism success stories as well as a directory of autism treatment facilities and other resources, it offers practical advice on how to educate autistic children as well as insights on how to cope with autistic fixations and behavior problems.

Linda Rastelli (Chatham, NJ) is a veteran journalist who has written on various health topics. Jeff Bradstreet, MD, FAAFP (Palm Bay, FL), is Director of Research for the International Autism Research Center and has a son with autism. Temple Grandin, PhD (Fort Collins, CO), suffers from autism and is the author of Thinking in Pictures and Emergence: Labeled Autistic. ... Read more

Reviews

You need not be Dummies to benefit from this book, October 4, 2006
Finally! A book that gives a clear overview of pretty much every aspect related to autism spectrum disorder: from "classic autism" to Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism. It covers diagnosis, medical and biochemical interventions, sensory issues, learning environments, education, social skills and relationships from pre-school through adulthood. And much more! How can one book address so many topics on one book? Even I'm dumbfounded it can be done...and I guess that's the point. It's Autism for Dummies, which means it gives the briefest most concise explanation. It is written in a clear and understandable manner than ANYONE can simply pick it up, scan through it and get a good handle on what autism is. This is an excellent reference book that every school and parent should have in their library to quickly thumb through for a quick explanation. I, as a parent of three children with ASD, have purchased SEVEN copies (so far!); one for myself to use a continual quick reference book, and 6 others for the professionals who work with my kids.

Do you have relatives or people who work with your child who are always asking you questions you are having difficulty explaining? It's not that you don't know the answers! (Because, of course you DO). It's that sometimes the explanation is complicated and uses terminology they aren't familiar with. Autism for Dummies can provide the simple explanations for you, or you can pass the book on to those with questions and let Grandma or teacher peruse at will. My personal recommendation is to hand it over with little self-deprecating humor saying something akin to, "Well I finally found a book that explains autism to me!" (As if you aren't really the expert you are!) And offer to share it.

The book itself stands alone, but I find further solace in the fact that I can trust the information is accurate because one of the co-authors is Stephen Shore, an international presenter and author on the subject of autism and Asperger Syndrome, and he just so happens to be an individual with autism himself. Temple Grandin wrote the foreward and believe me when I say that if Temple didn't approve of the information in this book, she wouldn't have put her stamp of approval on it by contributing. Her standards are high. It's an excellent resource and I highly recommend it.

kristi sakai, MOM of three with autism and author of
Finding Our Way: Practical Solutions for Creating a Supportive Home and Community for the Asperger Syndrome Family

A very complete and helpful guide..., September 20, 2006
Over the past three years since we began to suspect my grandson was autistic, I have accumulated a large library on the subject. Many of the books covered or advocated specific types of treatment, or information on school special education, or finances and autism, or possible causes, or personal success stories or even stories of acceptance when success didn't happen. This book covers them all, and more, and does it well. I'm getting another copy for my son and daughter-in-law, although by now they are experts, not dummies.. This is a really EXCELLENT contribution to the available literature on this increasingly common developmental condition. Don't miss it!

I learned about autism the hard way, February 5, 2007
A decade ago I learned about PCs from the Dummies series; I learned about autism the hard way when my son was diagnosed nearly 25 years ago. For the past 20 years I have specialized as a psychologist in helping the families of children with autism and other disabilities to survive and thrive with their adorable and loveable, but challenging, children. Stephen Shore is one of the truly remarkable people I have met on my journey. His latest book is extremely valuable for anyone starting out on this journey whether as a parent, a family member, or a professional living or working with a child who has received this diagnosis.

When my son was born there were few books available in public libraries, so I went to colleges and universities to get information. Now the pendulum has swung the other way. When I searched Google recently, there were over 20,000,000 sites that covered autism. The sheer amount of information staggers the mind. And surely there is no shortage of books on the subject-- a search of Amazon shows almost 13,000.

Where to start getting reliable, understandable information that you can wrap your mind around and that you can trust--right here!!!

--Robert A. Naseef, Ph.D., psychologist, author of Special Children, Challenged Parents, and co-editor Voices from the Spectrum

Voices from the Spectrum: Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, People With Autism, And Professionals Share Their Wisdom

Special Children, Challenged Parents: The Struggles and Rewards of Raising a Child With a Disability

Living Along the Autism Spectrum: What Does It Mean to have Autism or Asperger Syndrome?

What an invaluable resource!, January 28, 2007
Whether you are new to the world of autism or you are a "veteran" reader/researcher, this book is a must have. It is comprehensive, yet easy to read. This book is an invaluable resource for parents and educators. As an elementary special educator, I plan to keep this book in my classroom for easy reference for regular education teachers, counselors, and administrators. I recommend it to all the parents of my autistic students. As a grad school student, I have recommended it to the college as required reading for preservice special education teachers. As a parent, of an autistic child, I plan to purchase an extra copy and make sure that my son's school has this book in their library. I just wish this book had existed when my son was first diagnosed!

Congratulations to Stephen Shore for providing this guide!

The best resource I have found for understanding autism, December 13, 2006
When my friend's son was diagnosed with ASD I started reading anything I could find either on-line or in print. There seemed to be either simplistic articles for mass audiences or very involved technical or specific articles. Recently, I was fortunate to pick up a copy of this book because it has been the single most comprehensive and accessible reference I have found.

If you have recently had a family member diagnosed, you should pick up a couple of copies and pass them around to grandparents, uncles and aunts, friends of the family and siblings. The book focuses on the parents of a newly diagnosed child, supporting what they are feeling and laying out options and expectations. This is something I have found lacking in other resources, but this probably is the most important information you would be looking for at this time.

The book is very complete in it's coverage of the entire autistic spectrum and constantly refers to other great resources to research further. All in all, this is simply the best introduction to autism out there right now. But it is much more than just a shallow introduction to the subject but should be a lasting resource you can go back to.

Great "starter" book, January 9, 2007
This book is excellent to get you started on autism research. I found it to be extremely good for my son's teachers and others that may not know anything about autism at all. It covers the basics with balance between the different types of autism. I would have liked to see more on general developmental disorders like PDD-NOS but other than that it is great. My church will be using it along with several other books as a resource to get our special needs ministry started.

Understanding Autism For Dummies, January 3, 2007
This is a very good book with easy to understand explainations. It is a must have for anyone with a new dx.

Brilliant Presentation, May 19, 2007
A welcome book to add to the growing body of autism literature! This masterpiece gives an excellent overview of autism and Asperger's and the wide range of spectrum behaviors these related conditions cover. Readers learn about autism/Asperger's (a/A) from behavior/sensory reactions to resources for adults on the spectrum. A lot of coverage is given to education for people on the spectrum of all ages; discussion about environment and sensory responses is discussed in depth.

This well written book is the ideal reference book and resource tool that will give readers a very good understanding of autism, which is a neurobiological condition and its spectrum partner, Asperger's Syndrome. Be sure to add this gem to your autism library. Parents, educators, medical professionals and lay people alike will get a lot out of this book and will certainly come away with a good understanding of autism. This book's fund of information will also hopefully pave the Road to Tolerance.

Stephen Shore who co-authored this book has written his autobiography and has autism as well. Temple Grandin's foreword endorsing this book will certainly speak to its accuracy and credentials; both Dr. Grandin and Mr. Shore are veterans and experts in matters pertaining to autism. Make this book your best friend and be sure to pass it along to others. It is a veritable treasure chest!

autism for dummies..a review, March 1, 2009
Good basic book for newbies to autism. Even after 32 years of teaching kids with autism, I can say it's a good book for any special education library.

Highly useful for parents, April 5, 2008
In my opinion this is a very useful book for parents, but not as complete and exhaustive as a teacher (as myself) would need. That's why I'm giving it 4 stars and not 5. Easy to read, and complete as far as parents are concerned. ... Read more