Childcare Books

I have 6-8 weeks left of my pregnancy and started to read this book and bookmark pages for my birth partner, my husband. Reading now, I think this book is very beneficial and will be very useful for us when the time comes to deliver our first baby. It was recommended by my midwife and I am glad I listened to her.

This book is a great resource for anyone about to give birth or attending a birth.
It really goes into detail about "how it works", what can be done to help the mother, what might help alleviate birth discomfort, birth scenarios etc.. Very helpful, either as a supplemental reading for a birth class or as a very good substitute for one. I would definitely recommend you buy this book!

I loved this book I read it cover to cover in less than 3 days I found it very informative and the highlighted pages would be very usefull in the labor and delivery room. I look forward to being able to use it during the actual delivery

This is our first pregnancy, and my husband is honestly more nervous than me! Letting him know what to expect is great for him.

This was one of the best purchases we made in terms of labor and delivery for our first child. Well worth reading for the mom-to-be and anyone else who is going to be involved in the labor and delivery.

Melissa Faye Green is an excellent writer. She is a true artist painting a vivid picture of scenes, and weaving historical, political and social aspects of the deadly HIV/AIDS epidemic. This is an incredibly powerful book. It is not easy to read due to the difficult emotional toll it can take on one, but I felt morally obligated to read it, so that I wasn't just shutting out the devastating misery suffered by so many millions. She portrays the human face of this awful disease with poignancy. It is an inspiring and human story of one woman's efforts to alleviate her own and others suffering. God bless Melissa for opening our eyes.

This was a wonderful book! Having myself been to Addis Ababa recently (July 07) with my daughter to pick up her adopted Ethiopian baby boy (4 months old), you can just imagine how this story of one woman's love for so many orphans resonated with me. The book is a quick read -- something interesting in every chapter. The author intertwined Haregewoin's up and down story with bits of Ethiopian history and the unwinding spread and theories of HIV-AIDs plus added her own experience with H. and the adoption her own Ethiopian children -- which made the reader come away with a true cultural experience. H. is truly a "Mother Theresa" figure and an inspiration to all women. Thank you, Melissa, for introducing us to her. I really enjoyed having the photos of many of the children and their adoptive families to relate to. I will be sure that my daughter reads this book and I have suggested it to my book club in Boulder, CO which will read it in the fall. -- Gayle Weiss

There should be another Lady added to the Mother Theresa's of the world!

Haregewoin Teferra, an Ethiopian who has helped many orphaned children. Children who have been left behind because parents either died or left to have a chance at life! This books shares the struggles of Mother Teferra who had a wonderful life with her family to a helping those children with AIDS and with no homes.

I like what the story is about, however the book has so much detail it is hard to get through the first chapters.

My wife was reading this at the same time I was reading Dave Eggers' fantastic novel What is the What. We were supposed to trade when we finished, but she couldn't read this book without wanting to tell me about each chapter.

I finally read it a year later and am sorry I spent the previous year with just my wife's summary. Greene is a great writer --she mixes great storytelling with a reporter's eye for research and information. The book itself, based on any description of it, should be intensely depressing to read, but, because of Greene, I think, is actually very life affirming and energizing.

I think it would be hard to read this book and not feel a certain, almost painful, overflowing love for the world. It's absolutely great.

Great book filled with wonderful and useful info. For those looking to parent their children in a naturally minded informed way this is THE book.

This book has saved my life in so many ways!! When my oldest son was five years old, he had been on various antibiotics, decongestants, antihistamines, steroids, and you name it to treat asthma, and chronic ear infections and colds for two years almost non-stop. At the time, I felt like the only thing I could do to help him was keep pumping this stuff into him... it was so depressing, and what was even worse was that nothing I gave him was even working! I felt like I had hit a wall. I didn't know what to do. Then a friend recommended this book to me. Ever since I got my hands on this gem, we have started living again. It's amazing how much valuable information and guidance for parents can be packed into one single book. One of the many sections in this book has an extensive list of illnesses, what is normally prescribed in conventional medicine for these illnesses, and then the real good stuff --homeopathic remedies that can knock out the illnesses much faster than conventional medicine, and get this -- with NO SIDE EFFECTS! My son is off of all of his old medications and is feeling and looking so much better and stronger. Now I use this book as a reference on what to do and use whenever my two younger boys, I, and even my husband are sick. And keep in mind there is so much more in this priceless book, I've only mentioned one section. I open up this book several times each week and I know once you see what this book has to offer, you will too!

All I can say is WOW. I feel like this book has helped me to be a better parent, and I can say...that my daughter has never had and anti-biotic as a result of following this book and visiting Dr. Feder. I have loaned this book to neighbors, family and friends...It is a life saver!

Natural Baby and Childcare is a great book for treating conditions in adults as well as children. While I was visiting my daughter and grandchildren, I came down with a cold, and used Dr. Feder's book to treat my symptoms. The A to Z section on treating illnesses was easy to navigate and understand. I appreciated the guidelines on home treatments and found the right homeopathic medicine for my symptoms. I feel that the treatments allowed me to heal quicker and enjoy my time with my family. I would recommend this book to adults too!

Read it as a novel, read it when your kids are sick and you are looking for help, read it when you are sick, read it when you want your family to stay healthy. Read it!!!!

I am proud to lend my support to the kind of intelligent tool my parents insist upon. Does it replace an agency? Not for our families. An agency is not just a place to get a pool of names. When you use an agency you should be purchasing a rare commodity, expertise. The judgement that allows the placement professional to quickly separate the diamond from the cubic zirconia. This expertise, coupled with the sound scientific foundation upon which this test was created and book written, will provide you with the best tools possible to select a superb nanny for your child. Essential for do-it-yourselfers, too. If you can afford it, I urge to employ the most experienced agency you can find that specializes in the type of nanny you need (live-in or out, new or experienced, nanny school certified or college degreed, etc.). Our nannies, for instance, specialize in nurturing the gifted child. Bravo Dr. Pick!

My wife and I are making plans to start a family and one of our major concerns has been child care. We are both marketing professionals and plan to continue our carreers, but the added stress of leaving our child with a stranger has been the source of many long debates with our friends and family. We have heard countless stories, both good and bad, with regard to finding and retaining the right nanny. A couple we know recommended we read "Are you hiring the right nanny" and take the guess work out of who has the right system. They were right! This book makes a difference. It's an easy read, complete, and provides the tools to make informed decisions.

I have seen many books come and go about nannies. Few are written by people with as much experience as Dr. Pick. Following her steps will greatly enhance your chances of having a successful nanny/family relationship and most importantly, happy kids! Peace of mind for you is icing on the cake. I have worked with Dr. Pick and spoken with her numerous times, her test is even available on our web site. Buy the book. You have my personal pledge it will make a difference whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or use an elite international agency like ours! Jackie Williams, President and Founder of I Love My Nanny.com

This is a wonderful book for family! I have graduated from "The English Nanny and Governess School" in Chagrin Falls, OH, and have found that this book is acurate and useful for both parents and nannies. With the bad rap many nannies are taking through media, I'm pleased that this book gives nannies the recognition they deserve. Many work long hours and want to be dedicated to the child and the family. It helps to know what to look for in a nanny so that she may stick around for quite a long time. The child will appreciate his mommy and daddy taking time to read this before hiring anyone to take care of his/her daily needs. You won't regret buying this book!

Finding a nanny was an amazing amount of work. I had no idea where to start. This step by step book gave me the insight I needed to choose the best nanny for my daughter. I am recommending this to all my friends.

This beautifully illustrated book shows some of the important contributions Israel is doing in several areas, from technology to medicine right now. It presents a very positive view of a country full of creative people, that in 60 years already gave several Nobel prices and so many technological discoveries. In a scenario of a growing anti-Israeli propaganda, it is a very necessary book.

This attractively illustrated book provides a showcase of Israel's achievements in fields as diverse as agriculture, education, medicine, science and technology. It looks at the technologies, processes and the products from this tiny little land that are improving the lives of so many people. The authors highlight some of the people responsible for this ingenuity that is benefiting the whole world.

For example, at the Weizmann Institute, Dr Michal Schwartz has developed a way of harnessing immune system cells to repair and revive damaged nerve fibres. Other medical breakthroughs include the miniscule camera-in-a-tablet used for internal diagnosis, ultrasound for destroying tumours and Israel's highly effective disaster relief operations.

A great help to third world people has been the discovery by scientist Yoel Margalith of the Bti bacterium that kills certain kinds of flies and harmful mosquitoes. This has already saved millions of livers and is an environment-friendly intervention. Most remarkable is that Margalith is a holocaust survivor, of both the Bergen-Belsen and Teresienstadt camps.

In many fields Israel is so far ahead of the pack that other countries have no chance of catching up. One of the most interesting innovations developed in Israel is a project to avoid collisions between aircraft and migratory birds. It involved the study of the flight paths of birds. This work of researcher Yossi Leshem is now also used by the Jordanian and Turkish air-force.

Israel has more engineers per capita than any other country on earth and a remarkable number of hi-tech companies. Innovation in the fields of computers and information technology is particularly impressive. This encompasses software, operating systems, storage & retrieval systems, verification and firewall technologies, plus a host of mobile phone applications.

Israel's creativity is not restricted to science and technology, as there is also much happening in arts and culture. Despite its small size and its many enemies, this country is bursting with creative energy and making a huge contribution to the global marketplace and to quality of life worldwide.

The founders of this brave country were aware that Israel had almost no natural resources and that its people therefore had to develop and apply their brainpower. Well, they are succeeding spectacularly. What a pity that Israel has to devote so much of its money and resources to protect itself from its neighbours! If its full genius were given free reign, it would become even more of a blessing to the world.

Filled with information we never realized. The press tell only the negatives and this book astounds us with mighty positives.

The book is fantastic and shows a secret, unknown and even more fantastic Israel! Read it!

This book talks not only about the impresive technical advances of Israel but also the humanitarian ones. I buy many copies for friends that want to know more about the "real" Israel along with the book: The Israelis : Ordinary People in an Extraordinary Land -- by Donna Rosenthal.

Several of the vignettes also have executives speaking about the Israeli character. The CEO of Teva, of RAD, and of NDS all have very interesting things to say about the Israeli character. For instance, the CEO of Teva speaks of giving a scientist a question which he answers then he comes back begging for more.

If you are looking for the perfect stocking stuffer for your favorite teenager or "tween" this season, then this is it. I am currently a mentor for troubled girls at a local youth center in Baltimore and can't think of a better gift to share. There's no better feeling than helping someone discover their untapped potential, and giving them the wings to fly. Kudos to the author for helping to fulfill a critical unmet need!

If it wasn't for this book, I would be working in Starbucks, or worse, Texaco. "Applying to College: A Planning Guide" by Casey Watts lays it out clearly and ingeniously for someone planning to attend college. My parents didn't even have to intervene. I did it all by myself. Applying to UPenn couldn't have been easier, and I got in! There should be more useful books like this out there. Casey Watts should write another book on "How to get your Boss' job" or "Becoming a US President". More books like that would make a difference in this country. I highly recommend this book for anyone planning to apply to college or any other institution of higher education. She knows what she's talking about, and she knows it well.

Um, my mom bought this book for me because she tells me I have to go to college. She tells me I can't live at home like my uncles, who still live in their house and who are in their 40's.
Anyway, I got this book to get her off my back but, it has lots of cool stuff in it about applying to college and stuff like that. It tells you lots of helpful things you have to think about before applying to college so hopefully, I won't make a big mistake. All kids in HS should read a book like this so they know what they are doing, and it keeps your mom off your case.

When my little sister was applying for college, I gave her this book. I certainly wish I had it when I did my college applications. Not only was the book informative, helpful, and easy to read, it was also fun and interesting. Casey Watts is a masterful writer, and the book reflects her witty and wise style. I would recommend buying it for anyone who is applying to college or knows someone who is!

After leaving the armed services, I did not plan on attending college. In fact, I never intended to go to college. The process seemed daunting. And, after what I had seen in my life through various tours in the Marines, I could not fathom how book-learning and course-work could be relevant to my life.

Truth be told . . . I was scared. Applying to college required organizational skills I simply did not have. So, rather than pursuing this challenge, I preferred to think of it as a non-option, a waste of time. Nonetheless, I found myself coaxing my friends to send away for brochures and applications. I experienced college vicariously through the smiles and comaraderie depicted in the pages of Beaver College, State University of Alabama, and Boomerton College. It was exciting and I got hooked.

Hooked with no where to go. No plan for how to tackle the task of a college application. No plan for how to make my dream a reality.

That's where Ms. Watts' book stepped in. A clerk at the local bookshop pointed me in the direction of books geared towards helping people like myself tackle the application process. He offered no recommendations, but Casey Watts' book caught my eye. A quick skim revealed this book to be a treasure trove of knowledge, a compendium of wisdom. Casey Watts is to the planning and organization industry what Martha Stewart is to home decorations and gourmet cooking . . . though, from what I know, Casey has never been, and hopefully never will be, incarcerated.

If the doors to opportunity ever seemed closed to you in your life, turn to Ms. Watts. She has the key.

Even though it's titled, THE CO-PARENTING SURVIVAL GUIDE: LETTING GO OF CONFLICT AFTER A DIFFICULT DIVORCE, I wish that I had read this book BEFORE the divorce was final because of all the outstanding ideas about co-parenting, that you, your former spouse, your lawyer(s) or even the court, may not address. BUT, if you are an open minded parent and willing to do what is in the best interest of your child/children (and isn't that the reason you are looking at this book to begin with), it offers some really outstanding suggestions.

I especially love the Co-Parenting Contract. It goes beyond the divorce decree, and really sets-up some workable guidelines for parents and children.

This book addresses several topics, offering up suggestions and examples.

The book was a bit simplistic, much of the same information was covered in the New Hampshire Mandatory co parenting class. But it was still some very good advice.

Nothing ground breaking here but it's a good collection of what you probably should know.

THE BOOK: THE CO-PARENTING SURVIVAL GUIDE: LETTING GO OF CONFLICT AFTER A DIFFICULT DIVORCE...
BY ELIZABETH THAYER, PH.D.
IN THIS ERA OF SPOILED BRATS (THE PARENTS), THIS BOOK WILL HELP WITH THE CONFLICTS OF TODAY!! WE ARE NOT LOOKING AT THE REAL MEANING OF TWO PEOPLE MAKING THE COMMITTMENT OF MARRIAGE!!! SOCIETY HAS PROGRESSED TO THE SIZE OF THE WEDDING, THE DREAM OF THE PERFECT WEDDING, NOT THE COMMITTMENT OF REALLY LOVING THE PERSON YOUR MARRYING. CONSEQUENTLY, PEOPLE MARRY AND HAVE CHILDREN, THEN WHEN THE STRAIN OF MAKING A MARRIAGE WORK BECOMES TOO HARD......THEN DIVORCE IS INEVITALBLE. THEN THE GAMES.... BEGIN, ONE OR BOTH PARENTS DECIDE THAT THEIR FORMER PARTNER IS NOT WHO THEY WANT THEIR CHILDREN AROUND.....SO, POISION THE CHILDREN'S MINDS AGAINST THE OTHER PARENT. THIS BOOK HELPS BOTH PARTIES REALIZE HOW TO WORK WITH THEIR OWN CONSCIENCE....AS WELL AS HELP MAKE THE CHILDREN AS COMFORTABLE WITH THE SITUATION (WHICH MUST BE FIRST IN THE PARENTS MINDS). DRAGING EACHOTHER THROUGH THE COURTS IS NOT THE ANSWER, COURTS JUST DEAL WITH WHICH SIDE AS MORE LEVERAGE, EVEN THE PSYCHOLOGISTS JUST PLAY WITH THE SITUATIONS. WE NEED MORE BOOKS LIKE THIS, AGAIN DISPLAYED IN EVERY LIBRARY IN THE UNITED STATES.

when i divorced two years ago, reasonably contentiously and with a four year old daughter, the best advice i got was to read this book. i did, with highlighter in hand, and found it absolutely invaluable. i continue to this day to consider it absolutely invaluable! such that, i just ordered a gift copy for my brother and his new wife, to help them with my niece and her co-parent. that gift brings the total i've purchased for others up to five. its an unfortunate reality that there will probably be more in the future, but the book helps immensely and so there will be gifts.

I am a play therapist, author of "The Successful Divorce, In The Eyes of the Child" course and have taught parenting divorced for nine years. This is the book that says it all. The authors teach in clear logical manner how to co parent your children. They are sensitive to the pain both parents and children feel post divorce and teach how to proceed in parenting. I frequently use sections of their book in teaching to remind parents that they must still work together enough to meet children's needs. This is a concise book, no long drawn out narratives or tales of others pain... just the facts and how to avoid the pitfalls. I and the children of divorce, owe these authors a huge thank you. Their new book is also great,

I found this book to be very interesting although a bit hard to understand in some areas but I did receive some very good information with dealing with teenagers especially boys all in all a very good book for parents who have difficult teenagers.

Anyone with a teenager(s)in the house should do whatever is neccessary to make the time to read this book! I am only a few pages from finishing this book and this is as close to an "OWNER'S MANUAL" about teenagers as you're going to get. It will help you to better understand what's going on inside your amazing teen and enable you to help him/her through a most awkward (not to mention dangerous) stage of life. I wouldn't make your teen aware that you're reading this though, because there's alot of great info that a parent needs to know but may not want the teen to know that you know, if you know what I mean. And if you remember being a teen and think that will help you dealing with your teen, guess again. The problem is that when we were teens we didn't know the reasons for all the things that went on in our bodies as well as our lives. This book makes it all crystal clear, and understanding is the key to safety and harmony for you and your teen. If you love them and would like to regain your sanity read this book ASAP!

It really helps to be able to feel you are doing as much as you can. Reading a book that is detached from your situation helps you to look at a problem in a different way and see the obvious.....which was lost when in the heat of your own problems.

I have recommended this book to every parent I know of a teen or preteen. It not only provides tips and "tricks" for setting up communication opportunities, but also really helps parents to not take certain teen behaviors personally. The rules change when our kids become teens. This book is a great resource for the "new" person you find living in your child's room. THANK YOU, Mr. Riera for writing this book and sharing your insight.

I just finished this and passed it on to my husband to read (after highlighting many sections that apply specifically to our relationship with our 15 year old daughter). I learned so many things from this book - about myself AND my daughter. One of the most helpful discoveries was realizing that she actually is a normal and fairly typical teenager and, much to my relief, is not in need of an exorcism. I've seen a difference already in our ability to communicate effectively with each other and I'll refer to this book again and again ... especially with our son's teenage years just around the corner.

I have read all of Schoenstein's books, and in my opinion this is his best. If you know a parent whose kid has a PDA to handle his or her schedule, buy the alleged adult this book; the kid will be eternally indebted to you.

No one will remember everything in their childhood but the concept of it, the lingering thought of childhood is a wondrous memory that will sometimes shape us in our behaviors. Suppression will lead to rebellion. If we don't let our children lead their normal development, we're limiting their imaginative skills, thus their creativity in adulthood. Children need guidance, not dictatorship nor enforcement. Guide them.

I would die to go back to childhood, go to back to the loving hands of my parents, to go back to playing all the senseless games. We want our children growing up recalling their childhood with smiles, not with smiling resentment.
In the age of tech advances, push-parenting has been so vivid, goodwill yes, but a bad judgement.

I agree with the author that precocious child prepareness for children 0-3 is unnecessary and unhealthy.

The author brings me back many of my childhood memories, and present us the ridicule of push-parenting so that we may be cautious in raising our kids and not fall into the trap of push-parenting.

This book is fun to read and is highly educational. Highly recommended.

I was given this book as a gift from my in-laws. I can't thank them enough. It's very hard to look around at other kids whose parents are taking them to gymnastics class, 2nd language class, music class, scheduled play class, etc. and not feel like you are deficient as a parent if you're not doing the same. I easily fall into the trap of panicking that my daughter, who is 18 months old, isn't being exposed to enough, or talking enough, or climbing well enough. This book really helps me keep my feet on the ground and remember that Laura Ingalls Wilder didn't have the benefit of "language flashcards" at 12 months and she turned out just fine. Oh, and the "reading" 6 month olds...give me a break!

Ralph Schoenstein has done a fantastic job of taking my generation's tendency to push-parent and showing us all just how ridiculous we are for doing it. Every Mom who has played Mozart for her baby while still in utero, or grilled her pre-schooler on the differences between white and ecru needs to read this book. From now on, I'm giving copies of this book as baby shower gifts -- to save the next generation of babies from push-parenting!

I don't have any children of my own but was drawn to this book based upon my own encounters with the increasing number of "Toilet Trained for Yale" tots and their stop-at-nothing push-parents.

The author delivers an insightful, biting commentary on this parenting trend, that in the effort to produce the brightest and best baby, these parents will do and try almost anything!

"Parents are not raising a child. They are raising a living resume."

Through laugh out loud passages, the author takes us a step back to look at the hilarity and obsurdity of the ever prominent baby and me classes, music for the womb cd's, and all other gimicks that are touted to insecure, compensating, over-achieving parents.

A funny, quick read. However, based on the content and length, I would reccommend waiting for the paperback!

Although we did not chose to hire an Au Pair at this time, the advice in this book was invaluable in helping us decide what type of person we wanted coming to our home daily, what questions to ask and what we could and could not expect from in home childcare.

The sample calendar's, task lists, and operating procedure forms were great for getting organized before the big day. We will definately review this book again when we are ready for a true Au Pair.

Au Pairing Up is a terrific resource for anyone even considering the Au Pair option. You will get candid insight into both the pluses and minuses of the Au Pair option; a lot of great information on how to select an Au Pair; and many ideas on how to get the most from your Au Pair. Perhaps most of all you benefit from the author's, Ruth Liebermann's, extensive (20+ year) experience with Au Pairs and her very insightful comments. While the book is extremely extensive and comprehensive I also found it easily accessible--the oversize format, the concise wording and the interesting layout all help. I'd highly recommend this book to people considering getting an Au Pair, approaching the interview stage, or even people who already have an Au Pair and want to maximize the experience.

If you are thinking of hiring an au pair or even if you already have one - you simply must buy this book! This book has been an incredible help to me in creating a comfortable and effective environment for our family and our au pair.

When we hired our au pair we didn't know what we were doing at all. We purchased this book after we already had our au pair. But after getting the book, we realized there was so much incredible information on the process of hiring an au pair (that we had no clue about), that next time we would definitely follow Ms. Liebermann's advice in this area. While we were perhaps lucky with our hire, I can see how following her recommendations would greatly aid in getting the "right" person into your home.

I like things done a certain way for my daughter but I wasn't always sure how to get my points across to our au pair. Again, Ms. Liebermann's book outlined so many great ways to increase the communication levels between us that it has really made it smooth sailing around here. Communication is key - it can be difficult having someone new living in your home - this book makes it possible to have a great and rewarding au pair experience for both your family and your au pair. I knew I wanted some sort of "manual" to help explain things but I didn't know how to go about it - it was great to get this book and have an "operating manual" already done.

Ms. Liebermann's speaks from years of experience in this area, and it shows. Her recommendations are excellent and spot on. I highly recommend this book.

I have given this book to many new mothers, some having second and third babies. It is universally well received. Even for the family that has no intention of hiring an au pair or access to an au pair service, this is an excellent resource. The how-tos and list of questions to ask any child care provider are worth more than the price of this book. The CD works great for today's families. It's quite easy to read and well organized.
Au Pair companies and other provider agencies could use it as a registration incentive/gift. Early Childhood Education at the high school, community college, and university level needs this resource included in the curriculum.
It is wonderful!

Where was this book six months ago when my husband and I were considering getting an au pair?? This book does it all! From the application process to choosing an applicant to preparing for your au pair's arrival to making the relationship successful, this book covers everything you need to make the process as smooth as possible.

If you are just starting to think about what type of childcare best suits your family, read this book. If you already have an au pair and are struggling to make it work, read this book. If you have an au pair and things are going well but you want to make the situation even better, read this book!

It has everything you need and you won't have to start developing forms and a "standard operating procedure" from scratch - like I did!