Training seems to be available for every vocation, task and practice these days from teacher to technician and from safety to sensitivity. But what about the ubiquitous job of parenting — perhaps the most important task we ever face? For
Training seems to be available for every vocation, task and practice these days from teacher to technician and from safety to sensitivity. But what about the ubiquitous job of parenting — perhaps the most important task we ever face?
For this we rely chiefly on memories of being parented ourselves. While there’s nothing like experience, parents who want to learn from the best, problem-solve or improve their approach, can find helpful instruction, idea and support books at their public library.
This week’s Book Buzz list features a variety of new parenting titles available with your Hawai‘i State Public Library card from your neighborhood library.
Happy reading!
The Book Whisperer:
Awakening the Inner
Reader in Every Child
By Donalyn Miller
372.6 Mi
A middle school teacher shares her passion and success for connecting children with books. She includes tips for parents and teachers, reading lists, activities, questionnaires and other resources. Also look for What to Read When: The Books and Stories to Read with Your Child and All the Best Times to Read Them by Pam Allyn.
How to Raise a Drug Free Kid: The Straight Dope for Parents
By Joseph A. Califano
649.48 Ca
This parent’s primer and tool box helps you help your children navigate the difficult and contradictory messages about drugs and alcohol and gives practical ways to constructively engage and be your child’s strongest positive influence. You may also be interested in Cyber-Safe Kids, Cyber-Savvy Teens: Helping Young People to Use the Internet Safely and Responsibly by Nancy E. Willard.
The Mindful Child: How to Help Your Kid Manage Stress and Become Happier, Kinder and More Compassionate
By Susan Kaiser Greenland
The author weaves the wisdom of ancient contemplative practices with the insights of contemporary neuroscience into everyday practices that educators and parents can use to cultivate resourcefulness, focus of attention, and resilience in children and teens. The practices are age-appropriate, wise and playful. Also look for Raising Unselfish Children in a Self-Absorbed World by Jill Rigby.
Simplicity Parenting:
Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier and More Secure Kids
By Kim John Payne
641.9 Pa
Waldorf teacher Payne produced this profound and practical guide that offers parents a doable, step-by-step approach to simplifying everyday family life, from the toy box to the dinner table. In the process, he reveals to us the rewards to be found in slowing down, savoring our children’s childhoods, and more fully enjoying our own adult lives. For other general parenting guides try The Positive Parent: Raising Healthy, Happy and Successful Children by Kerby T. Alvy or Building Better Families: A Practical Guide to Raising Amazing Children by Matthew Kelly.
Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary “Executive Skills” Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential
By Peg Dawson, EdD
649.1526 Da
The latest research in child development shows that many kids who have the brain and heart to succeed lack or lag behind in crucial “executive skills”–the fundamental habits of mind required for getting organized, staying focused and controlling impulses and emotions. In this book the author translates research into meaningful, practical, well-organized, and easy-to-implement strategies that parents can use to enhance a child’s natural executive abilities. Also look for
Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs by Ellen Galinsky or The Parent’s Guide to Tutors and Tutoring: How to Support the Unique Needs of Your Child by James Mendelsohn.
Strong Kids, Healthy Kids:
The Revolutionary Program for Increasing Your Child’s Fitness in 30 Minutes a Week
By Frederick Hahn
613.7042 Ha
Personal trainer Hahn describes his exercise method to strengthen muscles, enhance flexibility, burn fat, and improve performance in children. He demonstrates how the fitness program can reverse obesity and change the lives of children and teens everywhere no matter what their athletic ability. Also look for Eat This Not That for Kids: Thousands of Simple Food Swaps That Can Save Your Child from Obesity by David Zinczenko.
Third Base Ain’t What It Used to Be: What Your Children Are Learning about Sex Today and How to Teach Them to Be Sexually Healthy Adults
By Logan Levkoff
649.65 Le
The author’s hip and healthy attitude about sex education has made her one of the country’s most popular figures on the lecture circuit. In this book she offers advice for today’s parents who are struggling to answer their kids’ questions about sex-or just trying to bring up the topic in the first place. Levkoff offers guidance on discussing everything from gender issues, body image, and sexual orientation, to AIDS and abortion.
You may also be interested in Questions Kids Ask about Sex: Honest Answers for Every Age edited by Melissa R. Cox.
• Carolyn Larson, head librarian at Lihu‘e Public Library, brings you the buzz on new, popular and good books available at your neighborhood library. Book annotations are culled from online publishers’ descriptions and published reviews.
