Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Child Development And Rearing    3. Christian Life    4. Christianity - Christian Life - General    5. Christianity - Christian Life - Parenting    6. Family & Relationships    7. Parenting - General    8. Religion - Marriage & Family   

Editorial Review

Listening to the author William Pollack read Read more

Reviews (112)

find another book
Makes a few accurate observations about boy behavior and its origins,however,the book leans a little too much toward "feminization" of boys in preventing behavioral problems.This may be the politically-correct way to help boys,but not the productive way.The book is also on the new york times best-seller list,this is significant,because that publication is notorious for being the most anti-male biased newspaper in the united states.

Are you raising boys today?
If you are raising boys today I suggest reading this book before they enter the school system! Is he in school and saying things like, "that's gay" or "fag"? Sure he is, we raise them that way and don't even know it.
You don't have to read the whole thing
The author makes some fantastic points in the first hundred or so pages in this book.He then makes those points over and over again until they have lost all meaning.
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Subjects:  1. Boys    2. Child rearing    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Family/Marriage    6. Fathers and sons    7. Life Stages - Adolescence    8. Masculinity    9. Parenting - General    10. Sons    11. Child care & upbringing   

Reviews (7)

You've got to read this book!
I received this book as a gift. There are quite a few books on this subject on the market and this one is the best. I too could not put it down and finished it in 3 days. It's a huge book, a great resource that is well researched and written.. I have a few friends who've purchased this book and really loved it too. I can highly recommend this book.
Like having a pediatrician in your pocket
I've looked at a lot of child care books as both an RN and a mother of three, and this is hands down my favorite.
A LIFESAVER for new moms!
I had someone give me this book as a baby gift. And, let me say it was the best gift I received!! Julie, if you are out there - this has truly been a godsend.
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Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Child Development    3. Children    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Health and hygiene    7. Infants    8. Parenting - Child Rearing    9. Pediatrics    10. Personal Health    11. Popular works    12. Family & Relationships / Child Care   

Editorial Review

Reviews (10)

Excellent Book!
Every person interested in the ins and outs of parenting should take the time to read this stellar compilation of information on how certain parents are the true influencers of how your child will do in their social lives.

Are the Cliff's Notes available?
Who edits these books?Arrggh!There is plenty of good information here, but who has the time to extract the useful stuff?Maybe I'll look into the audio version.

A Must-Read For Moms, Dads, Teachers, Principals
Your child is the only one in class not invited to a birthday party. Should you call the parents to try to wrangle an invitation?
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Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Child Development And Rearing    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Life Stages - Teenagers    6. Parent And Child    7. Parent and teenager    8. Parenting - General    9. Parents    10. Social networks    11. Sociology - General    12. Teenagers and adults    13. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Reviews (16)

The real nuts and bolts
A great find.I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't need this book.My [...] year-old saw it on the table and picked it up and found it helpful--though I think it's too dense for most kids.An important feature of the authorsmethod is to have your kids participate in the process which will help cement it.Especially helpful if you have a child entering middle-school where the big changes of multiple schedules, moving classrooms and intense homework take place for the first time.

Concrete help
This is an excellent book that will be helpful to most students.I checked it out at the library and found it so helpful that I am now purchasing my own copy.My 12 year old daughter doesn't have a lot of trouble with organization, but occasionally loses an assignment here or there.I have read the book - only a motivated high school student could handle this solo - and found it to have some excellent ideas.The book gives several options as far as organizing notes and assignments, individualized as to the student's personal preferences or learning styles.The book includes pictures of how binders or accordian files, assignment logs, etc... should be organized.We will put her ideas into use this Fall so that hopefully things can be found quickly, assignments can be seen as part of the "big picture" and even fewer things can be misplaced.I highly recommend this book.

Just For Parents?
I have never read this book, but I had to rate it so that I could post this question. I was wondering if anyone could please tell me if this book is just for parents. Could a kid or teen read it and understand it also, or is it mostly for the adult audience? Thanks in advance! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Development And Rearing    2. Child development    3. Cognition in children    4. Education    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Family/Marriage    8. Home economics    9. Life Stages - School Age    10. Orderliness    11. Parenting - General    12. Parents And Education    13. Family & Relationships / General   

Reviews (7)

A must read for every mom (and dad)!
Wow!I loved this book.The writing is so great... practical and hilarious at the same time.The description of her childrens' rooms matches perfectly with what I see in my own home.I was laughing out loud at many of the descriptions and will recommend this book to every mom I know.This book is a voice of sanity and reason in a crazy parenting world!Paula Spencer doesn't claim to have all the answers but her advice is to trust your gut and r-e-l-a-x.I think that's the best advice out there.Parenting shouldn't be so hard.It's the most natural thing in the world!I'm glad to know that I'm not the only mom who lets the kids clean themselves in the tub simply by splashing around in the bubbles.
Wise, Witty and Wonderful!
Laugh-out-loud funny and head-nodding wise, Momfidence is an essential guide to modern motherhood.Like a modern-day Erma Bombeck, Paula Spencer brings a delightful sense of humor, solid experience and a warm heart to the challenges of parenting, offering up sound and practical advice. Kudos to Paula for bringing common sense--and fun--back into being a Mom.

No more guilt trips!!
Paula Spencer is well-versed in all the parenting advice from the 'experts'. Heck, she's interviewed them for articles she has written for magazines. That's why it's ironically-fitting (and somehow poetic justice) for her to tell all of us mothers not to worry so much about what we did -- or didn't do -- in our motherhood roles. Momfidence! is a welcome break from the guilt trip that we often find ourselves on.The book covers so many different aspects of real-life motherhood, and every mom is sure to see herself in many of the situations Paula describes. There is lots of practical wisdom in this book and lots of humor, too. Paula shares personal anecdotes with her readers, giving them a window into her world and true appreciation of her own pursuit of Momfidence! I gave this book to two of my friends who had babies recently, and they love it. I wish this book had been around 15 years ago when I had the first of my three sons. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Child Development And Rearing    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Mother and child    6. Motherhood    7. Mothers    8. Parenting - General    9. Parenting - Motherhood    10. Psychology    11. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Reviews (8)

It works
I used this method 21 years ago with my son.We started at 15 months.At 17 months, he could read a few dozen words.By 22 months, a few hundred words.By 2 years, he could almost anything.
Two Generations Have Learned To Read Using This Book
My mother purchased a copy of this book in 1965 when I was an infant. Mom implemented Dr. Doman's gentle art of teaching and by the time I was two I was reading from Little Golden Books. It's no wonder the kindergarten teacher surprised I was reading at a 1st grade level at the age of 5 years.
excellent program
This really works!It's NOT about drilling.It's about showing your child words frequently throughout the day for VERY short periods in a fun happy way right from the beginning.I think another reviewer mentioned that the author didn't mention reading aloud to your child, but honestly, folks, that's a given, right?This book was about a specific method to teach them to read.Not the obvious stuff that goes along with it.And the books they want you to use are your own homemade books that you make!About anything your child is interested in.My girls love this and my 4 year old is reading around a 6th grade level and my 1 1/2 year old can recognize and read a couple hundred different words and is beginning to figure out words that she hasn't even seen presented on cards before.This is so fun to do with your child and what a precious gift to give them. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Development    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Family/Marriage    5. Parenting - General    6. Child care & upbringing    7. Pregnancy, birth & baby care   

Reviews (4)

The Best "Only" Guide Out There!!
I think I've read every book about only children that has ever been written. "The Seven Common Sins" is by far the most practical, touching and inspiring one that I've read so far. The real life tales that Carolyn White provides, coupled with her wonderful way of expressing her own experience raising her only child, made me feel at ease. It was so comforting to know that there are other people out there who have had the same experiences that I have had! Carolyn provides great, solid advice in each section and I really benefitted from doing the "quizzes." I would recommend this book for only children, parents of only children, and for families in general!

Pratical advice for parents of only children
Don't take the title too literally! This is one of the best books on parenting; such great, hands-on practical advice. I view the book as a wonderful parenting tool for families with any number of children. As I read the book, I was reminded of several situations that I have observed in families with multiple children, and the parents "commit the same sins" that you mention in the book. Good parenting requires the same principles no matter how many children are in the home. Also, the www.onlychild.com website is a great resource for handling questions from others on why we have an only child. Thank you for your support and common sense!

the title of the book
I have an only child and am always interested in learning more, the categories seem to be the same as what I have already read on. I would not by this book, simply because of the title.I do not think "sins" is appropriate and it is a big turn away to me.Many parents of only children feel inadequate having only one child and to use this in the title just doesn't help much. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Child Development And Rearing    3. Child rearing    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Only child    7. Parent and child    8. Parenting    9. Parenting - General    10. Family & Relationships / Parenting    11. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Reviews (17)

Fantastic Book - Helps parents understand why their children do what they do
Other reviews have cited a lack of helpful hints in this book.Please know before buying, this is not a "how to" book.You won't find formulas for parenting.What you will find is an excellent study on the behavior and development of your child at any given age.This book is outdated in its look and in some of the scenarios presented.However, the observations and information laid out are timeless.A three year old is a three year - in 1972 or 2022.I see parenting as an adventure and a challenge, where each child is unique.It's my job to tailor the rearing of my child to suit him and these books help me do just that.This series has made me a more informed parent.For instance, in the 2 year old book I read that children at this age have a very hard time sticking to a decision.They want a drink, so you give them a drink. You then hear, "I don't want a drink!".So you take it back.Whereupon your child wails that he wants his drink.This can go on for an expastering long while.The more informed I am on what's age appropriate behavior, the more I'm able to separate my reactions from the emotional frustration that might otherwise erupt.I can then spend more time thinking rationally about how I can help him through this, rather than becoming angry.I love these books and think that all parents would benefit from reading.As I stated above, these books won't show you HOW to be a better parent.Just as reading a book on art history won't show you HOW to be a museum curator.But knowing and understanding art history is a must in order to be a great curator.Same with kids and same with these books.

We read many books - this one was best for us
My wife and I are both college grads. Our son is now 4�. My wife works part-time as a librarian, so we have access to just about any book in print. Around the time our son turned 3, we were "bewildered" as to how our sweet little boy could be turning into someone we did not recognize (or even like!). My wife brought home a vast collection of parenting books. She grabbed all of the popular ones (Dobson, Sears, Spock, etc), plus some more obscure or even controversial ones.
Boring
This was just too boring for me to really give it a chance.I needed a book with tips and solutions, not just an over-analysis of what is typical 3-year-old behavior. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Development    2. Child psychology    3. Child rearing    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Family/Marriage    7. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/Toddlers    8. Child care & upbringing    9. Family & Relationships / Child Development   

Reviews (23)

Serious Advice for Smart Parenting
I wish I could just absorb this book and automatically incorporate its ideas into my everyday parenting.The information is very well presented and convincing, and the suggested activities are specific and useful.It's serious advice to parents of babies and young children that their child's best learning moments are in play!It doesn't encourage parents to take to the sidelines, but rather to use play and everyday experiences to foster their child's love of learning.
A Must Read for Every Parent
After seeing recent TV newsmagazine shows on Pre-School waiting lists, and the related parental and childhood stress, I wish every parent would read this book.There is a lot of solid evidence in here that will allow you to relax, enjoy playing with your child like you never have before, and help you to stop worrying about flash cards and where your child rates relative to their peers (especially when they're only two years old and it doesn't matter).

Excellent book
I ordered a number of books on child educational development, and I think this one may be the best.It is written in a very accessible manner, but is also very well-documented.The writers really focus on the things that parents are concerned about, and not only give information, but also provide suggestions and activities you can do with your baby and young child.
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Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Child Development    3. Education    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Parenting - General    7. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Subjects:  1. Child Development    2. Developmental - Child    3. General    4. Psychology    5. Philosophy & psychology    6. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Editorial Review

Building on the success of his guide to raising healthy young boys (Read more

Reviews (14)

Makes Boys Sound Like Wreckless Hormone Driven Monsters,
Basically to make a long story short he gives boys A Clinical Psychologist's View
I find Gurian's cross-cultural perspective fascinating, and he does a better job in this book than in "The Wonder of Boys" of suggesting actions that can be taken and changes that can be made to help our young men.As a mentor and a clinical psychologist who works with children and their families, I see far too many boys trying to figure out how to become men with little or no input from men.Growing up just happens as boys grow older, but maturing is another matter; maturing or developing into adulthood requires guidance and/or examples to follow. Mothers do all they can, but boys need men they respect who will teach them how to become men, or at least lead by example.This is highly recommended for mentors, educators, and parents.

Good but left me longing for more
I have 2 boys 12 and 14. I hunger for books on this subject. I liked this book better than others. I chaff at the sterotypes necessary in this sort of book although Gurian handled this issue gracefully.The book is dense on theory and philosophy and more articulate and complete and thought provoking than most. I liked his list of characteristics and attributes of the fine young man. The sections on practical hints, while much more complete than most other books on the subject could certainly bear some fleshing out especially for parents who not are well connected with adequate male models.It made me grateful I have a great husband and a circle of good friends. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boys    2. Child Development    3. Children's Studies    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Family/Marriage    7. Life Stages - Adolescence    8. Psychology    9. Teenage boys    10. Adolescent children    11. Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure   

Reviews (2)

Highly Recommended
In this hectic world it is critical to have the most essential information concentrated into a fun and easy to digest form.Everyone has opinions and advice when it comes to babies, but this book extracts the most valuable pearls of wisdom from the experts whe know best.I just ordered copies to give as gifts to all of my friends who have young ones or are soon expecting.Thanks to Samantha Ettus for keeping experts advice coming our way!!!

Must have for new moms!
As an expecting first time mom, I have a lot on my mind and this book has helped me think through a lot of those concerns.The Expert's Guide to the Baby Years has given me fantastic insight into many of the issues I'm facing while pregnant and those I'm sure to face in the coming months and years.It has been a lot of fun to read all of the topics such as how to "Choose a Name", "Dress Your Baby" and "Nurture Your Marriage."This beautiful book would be a great gift, as I'm sure every new mom would benefit from and enjoy reading advice from the experts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Child Development And Rearing    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General    6. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/Infants    7. Parenting - General    8. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Reviews (8)

Hmmm...why you might not need to buy this book
I love Amazon's Search Inside the Book feature but in this case is it doing the author any favors when it lists most of the books (listed by age group) which he suggests are appropriate? If you can see the books and movies, why buy the book?
A good foundation
This book has great age-appropriate movie and book suggestions. The topics of discussion have been very useful for us... our 5 year old son now specfically asks us to pause the movie or book so that he can get clarification regarding the concepts or words he does not understand. On the inside cover, I jot down the newer books or movies that strike me as being potentially inspiring for my son in the future. I REALLY wish Mr. Gurian would write a version of this book for girls! I have had to start my own list for my daughter.

useful
I find this book useful in choosing movies for my son and in pulling out character building topics to discuss with him.This book acknowledges that boys connect with media and gives specific ideas how parents can USE that power rather than simply be subject to it.I do have to agree with the other reviewers, I'd like to see more; a little more depth and an updated version to include more recent books and movies. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Books & Reading    2. Books and reading    3. Boys    4. Catalogs    5. Child Development    6. Family & Relationships    7. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    8. Family/Marriage    9. Film & Video - Guides & Reviews    10. Motion pictures for children    11. Parenting - General    12. Psychology    13. Child care & upbringing    14. Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure   

Reviews (9)

Tim Kimmel presents "True" Greatness
I found Tim Kimmel's book truely helpful in thinking through the dangers of wanting the best for your kids. His book leads us in a counter cultural way- against the tide of hoping our kids will attain the "success" of fame, fortune and power. True greatness, Tim writes, is "a pasionate love of God that shows itself in an unquenchable love and concern for people. It is based on grace. It's attitudes are hunility and gratefulness.It's actions are generosity and a servant attitude."These are truely attributes of greatness, modeled by Jesus himself.Parents who push their kids to achievement on the ball diamond or the classroom do not nessisarily lead them to greatness.Abundant thinking, living large by thinking big, embodying God's spirit of abundance in the way they treat each other and everyone they encounter create one of the best environments for preparing kids for greatness in every dimension of their adult lives.It is a book well worth reading and putting to practice in the familuy.

Dr. Kimmel's call to refocus our direction to greatnes is great!
Dr. Kimmel's articulation exceeds my ability to so clearly define what is missing in our parenting direction to point from success to True Greatness and from behavior to character.His book validates my heart in what I have seen in 30 years of teaching, counseling and shepherding.It is a great read for those who are shaping lives, preparenting, parenting or grandparenting.

Thank you Tim!
Tim has really tapped into what our parents of today need to hear and apply. I was impressed with his ideas and encouragement. I have started to apply his principles with my 3 and 5 year olds and it is working. I have studied many parenting books and now I have found the one that works. I would place Tim on equal grounds with Dr. Dobson! Buy this book and apply it to your parenting skills, you will not ever regret it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Development And Rearing    2. Child rearing    3. Christian Life    4. Christianity    5. Christianity - Christian Life - General    6. Christianity - Christian Life - Parenting    7. Parenting    8. Parenting - Child Rearing    9. Religion    10. Religion - Marriage & Family    11. Religious aspects    12. Religion / Christian Life   

Editorial Review

In the thoughtful and provocative Read more

Reviews (69)

negative reviews?
The negative reviews of this book are completely off the mark.It is NOT anti-female and Mr.Gurian is NOT a "closet misogynist" nor is he promoting a "dangerous" book.The author does reveal alot of passion and genuine concern for the problems facing boys,and he recognizes something that all teachers and parents should recognize,that boys and girls are different(hate to repeat the phrase,but people dont seem to be getting it)and that boys should NOT be feminized at home or in school.Being more physical,more aggressive,more competitive,is hard-wired into a boys being..it is not something that should be stifled with medication or unnecessary punishment.Boys need some boundaries and some discipline,sure,but they dont need to have what makes them boys taken away from them.This book does not have an "agenda",but the fems who condemn it certainly do.

The book is a valuable resource
I'm shocked this book has gotten such bad reviews here. I've read it twice in my son's first year! I will probably read it again in a few years. I wish everyone who cares for or teaches boys would read this book. He tells about the differences between the male brain and the female brain. He stresses the importance of teaching boys spituality (not religion, just spirituality) and responsibility. There is a section in the book about how to talk to boys about sex and why it is so important. As a mother, I find this book to be very important and I've marked sections for my husband to read. Let's be realistic about the differences between boys and girls. While there are always exceptions, boys and girls do tend to be different in certain ways and this book is about how to raise and discipline a boy.

Not all "boys will be boys"
Yes, it is true that social and medical science have established a physiological basis of greater aggression among boys:namely testosterone, which should surprise no one.
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Subjects:  1. Boys    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Child Development    4. Child rearing    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Parenting - General    8. Psychology    9. Child care & upbringing    10. Family & Relationships / Reference   

Reviews (4)

Inspiring
Some real life tear jerker stories, amazing insight into the abilities of children and how to get them to show it.I have witnessed three children go through the same teacher's class.They all loved school until they survived her grade.What a shame that school is now a downer for them.If all teachers would make just a smidget of this guys efforts maybe the world would be a different place.

Great Little Parenting Guide
I thought this book was great. The overall feel reminded me of the book "Now I Know the Ten Commandments". I recommend it to anyone.
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!HE HAS GREAT IDEAS FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS!!
THIS IS A GREAT BOOK!!HE IS REALLY A SERIOUS TEACHER ABOUT TEACHING. . .BUT MAKES IT FUN AND WONDERFUL FOR KIDS OF ALL KINDS.I LOVE THIS BOOK FOR ALL TEACHERS AND PARENTS ALIKE.HIS 55 RULES BASICALLY BOIL DOWN TO:DO YOUR BEST, TAKE PRIDE IN ALL THAT YOU DO, BE POLITE AND RESPECTFUL OF OTHERS, DON'T EXPECT TO ALWAYS BE REWARDED FOR YOUR BEST, BUT WORK LIKE THERE IS A REWARD, FOR YOUR OWN SATISFACTION.GREAT TOOLS AND A WONDERFUL READ! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Development    2. Conduct of life    3. Education    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Parent Participation    6. Parenting - General    7. Teaching    8. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    9. Education / General   

Reviews (1)

A Diamond Second Bester...But By A Micro Eyelash
From my experience, no other book--at this time--can upend Gonzalez-Mena's INFANTS, TODDLERS, AND CAREGIVERS.In it's seventh edition, it stands as the most near perfect infant/toddler textbook ever created.
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Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Child Development    3. Developmental - Child    4. Family & Relationships    5. Parenting - General    6. Psychology    7. Child & developmental psychology    8. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Reviews (33)

Good if you need ideas
This is a good book if you're struggling with how to play with your infant.I found that a lot of the suggestions were things I was already doing instinctively, having been around children most of my life.It did give me a few new ideas.However, I also feel that there is so much pressure out there to "entertain" your baby or help them reach their "full potential" when really the most important thing is just to love them and care for them.Sometimes all of these structured activities just add more stress when your baby might benefit more if you just relax and do what comes naturally.Still, good book to get some ideas of age-appropriate play.

Good but sloppy.
The book is repetitive.Nonetheless I found the book helpful and I still use the soothing techniques suggested.I do like the fact that the book emphasized the need to console the baby BEFORE he/she is in a full lather...something my husband and I disagreed upon until we both read the book.

An absolute must for any new parent
We love this book. This is an absolute must for any new parent. The activites are divided into age appropriate sections (0-3 mths, etc) that offer the right balance of activities and expert knowledge. On the days that you had no sleep the night before and you can not possibly think of an activity yourself, you can open the book right up and the big color pictures are self-explainatory. As my daughter grew, the book became a picture book that provided us with endless stories about the pictures. Also, great to leave out for babysitters and grandparents. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Child Development    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/Infants    7. Childcare    8. Parenting   

Reviews (54)

Excellent resource
Please ignore those reviews that gave this book fewer stars because it primarily focuses on children with apraxia and related disorders.It must have been too hard to do a little bit of research.You can write a review on Amazon, but you can't figure out what the book is about before you purchase it?
Very helpful for parents of children with apraxia
My daughter had only 25 or so words at age 2 1/2 and through our persistence we researched her problem and took advantage of all of our available resources.This book gave us valuable information and insight, even in the area of dealing with insurance companies! Our daughter is showing steady improvement, and we continue to use the book as a reference.

I received two copies and I only needed one
I was charged for two and I don't know how to return one so I could get my money back. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Child Development    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Parenting - Child Rearing    6. Pediatrics    7. Speech