Childcare Books

I began by filling in these excellent books of memories with family pictures and written details about them, as well as writing replies to each prompt in the book. At that time I had two granddaughters and two copies of the Grandmother's Book by Levin. The two completed books are quite attractive, comprehensive and delightful to the girls for whom they were prepared. These girls are now 18 and 19 years old. I thought I was finished but then my other son and his wife gave me two more little girls to make grandma books for. I was able to find a copy of the book for the 8 year old, but when the 7 year old came along it slipped my mind. I'm not getting any younger, so I'll be spending the rest of the summer preparing two more copies like those I have for the two older girls. Of all the books I've seen of this genre I think this is the best. It is well illustrated and draws out great memories to share with the children. It connects them to their family histories, and one can make room for step-grandparents and genealogical information with little difficulty.

I am looking forward to sharing this book with my young daughter. I got one for both grandmothers. I think it's the best of the *grandmother remembers* genre. Get it here becuase it's hard to find anywhere else.

When I first picked up this book in a brick-and-mortar store, I thought it was perfect for my soon-to-be-married goddaughter, who is smart but a kitchen novice.

Before I wrapped it, I looked closely at the recipes and realized that, while easy, they are sophisticated. Just right for my own kitchen.

So I just ordered a copy for myself!

This is a great cookbook! Clear, helpful directions and delicious recipies. Very encouraging for beginners, challenging enough for more experienced cooks. Both a useful "how-to" reference and a source of enjoyable new recipes. Very glad I bought it.

Photographer and author Eric Blau does the greatest service to all members of the adoption triad. With only simple introductions, Blau allows the adoptees, birthparents and adoptive parents the forum to tell their stories, relay their feelings, and share their worlds. The b&w photos are as telling as the text; some are particularly haunting yet poignant. Of particular note is the inclusion of several birthfather tales, usually absent from similiar volumes. It is an even-handed look into the good and bad of adoption, and allows the reader to make up his or her own mind without preaching any agenda (ditto the forward by Annette Baran). The only book I've come across that is perhaps suitable for non-triad members to read in the hopes of grasping what the rest of us have dealt with.

Eric Blau has done a superb job in introducing his readers to the often heart-breaking world of relinquishment, search and reunion. Touching insights are given into the lives of birthmothers and adoptees alike: the pain that some birthmothers still feel years after relinquishment is palpable; the isolation and shame that many felt while living in a time when being an unwed mother was a disgrace; the lack of support from family and friends; and the lies they were told about how easily they would be able to get on with their lives. Blau balances these stories with those of other birthmothers who are not so emotionally attached -- who feel that they have made the right decision and have moved on with their lives, and never looked back. Through Blau's deftly handled interviews the reader gains fascinating insights into the lives of adoptees, some of whom never knew they were adopted until adulthood; others who struggle with mixed race adoptions, and finally, those who search but will likely never find. Blau compliments the writing with black and white photographs, some of which are often stark and revealing. This is an excellent book, particularly good for sharing with others who have no insights to adoption and who have expressed an interest to learn more, but not to "study" the subject. As a reunited birthfather, I highly recommend it.

Teaching Social Skills To Youth: A Curriculum For Child-Care Providers by Tom Dowed and Jeff Tierney is a comprehensive, step-by-step educational guide to helping young people unlearn problem behavior and cultivate their social skills. From learning how to carry on a conversation; to accepting criticism graciously; to the basic abilities necessary for human interaction; and simple ways to help young people learn and adapt positive behaviors, this methodically organized and presented instructional guide is replete with point-by-point pieces of advice, do's & don'ts, and suggestions. Teaching Social Skills To Youth is very highly recommended to parents, day care providers, school counselors, and elementary classroom teachers.

This is a wonderful book for teachers, parents or anyone who wants to become more effective in helping children to use good social skills. It is very practical and useful. Various skills that children frequently have difficulty with are broken down into simple steps, easy to master and practice. For example: How to Accept Criticism; How to Disagree; How to Accepts No for an answer. What is difficult and often vague is simpified for children in a very clever and interesting way. For this middle school teacher, it was a great help and a very effective and easy way to teach what is so often lacking and difficult for children this age.

The wisdom and advice in this book are masterful. To collectively inform not only the (hoped for) excellent childcare teacher together with meaningful advice and aids to Directors and Parents alike is daunting. This fine little treasure of a book does it all. I would hope it would be "dog eared" by any and all of the aforementioned persons. It is a rare talent to write with care, wisdom and a wry sense of humor that carries advice on this vehicle of meaningful information.

With my eye on the approaching eligible age for pre-school of my eldest grandchild I happened upon a gem of a good read: "Tips for Teachers: First Aid for Bad Times with Directors,......etc. written by Bette Simons.This book hits on the obvious and gives solutions with simplicity on the individuality of the child and the anxiety of the parent. The book does not linger, it targets with percision and wisdom for a meaningful development and socialization of the child in this new setting. In addition, the book is peppered with charming drawings so typical of and by the age group of these children. It is worth many times over, the modest price. Spread the word! "

The whole idea of infant potty training seemed crazy until i thought about all those countries where no one uses diapers. Sure, it's a little different here, but the basic principles are still working. We decided to do attachment parenting, which has made it easier to infant potty train. My 3 month old goes diaperless everynight. Days when we stay home, he goes diaperless. I won't say there aren't a few accidents, but i will say it's amazing how few of them there are. This whole process depends on the parents putting in a lot of care and being really patient. We started at around 3 weeks old and now our son cues us on when to take him to the potty. He pees in public restrooms, in the bathroom sink, and in our baby bjorn potty (which is great for a 3 month old!).
There is a much larger (and more expensive) book out by the same author on the same subject, but that book really isn't all that necessary: this book covers it all. All you need to know to do it if you are sure you want to do it. If you aren't sure, the other book "Infant Potty Training" will convince you that it can be done. I've heard that most babies who are trained as infants take themselves to the potty as soon as they can walk...well, we'll see about that!

We started when my son was around 1 month old. He's been cueing us to take him when he has to go as of a couple weeks later. What's even better- we do it part-time. If we're at the park or out-and-about, he's come to understand that he has to go in the diaper- but we always go potty at home. He's never had diaper rash and we've got a great system. There's no doubt in my mind that as soon as he can physically get himself to the potty himself, he will. He even tries to hold it if I'm slow to respond!

This is so much easier & nicer than "conventional" toilet training!

a practical, easy to read workbook. includes personal antecdotes from the author's practice in family therapy. Focus is on helping parents separate their relationship issues from that of their relationship with the children. Highly recommended for parents who wish to help their kids throught the divorce process.

I had the adavantage of having ms. Weyburne as my thrapist, so i had the opportunity to know about this book and was very much interested in reading her views on this subject. I was excited because it was exactly what my sister needed at this time. I first bought it for her because she was going through a divorce and was having a hard time dealing with her kids on this subject, but then i noticed in some later chapters, things that seemed to help me understand better my own divorce (though no children were involved). I bought a second copy for myself and gained valuable knowledge about divorce, with or without chilren. I recognized many situations that a person goes through during and after a divorce and was able to use that knowledge to help me get past a few walls I had built around myself. This started with the chapter on taking care of yourself and went through confronting and coping with your feelings, mourning the loss and changing negative thinking habits. Ms. Weyburne is very knowledgable on this subject and used her education and twenty years of experience to write a book that can help parents, going through divorce with children, and also adults that have or are going through a divorce with no children. I was lucky enough to know about the book because she was my therapist, so i am writing this to let others without the same opportunity, to hear about a well written and very insightful book. Thank you Darlene.

This curriculum was fabulous, innovative, and very easy to use. It increased the overall marketability of my preschool program.

Charmingly illustrated & well-written, this is an excellent Graphic Novel adaptation of Stoker's novel.

Mucci's writing carries over the original novel's text, mood & themes VERY well. This is harder to do than it seems.

And Caldwell is an extremely talented Illustrator & Cartoonist. I predict great things for him in the future.

Any teenager would love this.

I found Susan Lipson's insights to be articulated in a manner that any parent can relate to as well as be inspired. Her experience and thoughtful creative way she shares with the reader is practical and helpful for anyone with children and the desire to make them perform and realize their potential. Great ideas and guidelines. She is real and an expert all at the same time.