Raising children is a sacred calling-and not for the faint of heart. It shapes the parent every bit as much as parents shape their children. In Devotions for Sacred Parenting, Gary Thomas, author of Sacred Parenting, delves deeper into the conversation and contemplates the soul-transforming journey of being a parent. Many books have been written about how to parent your children effectively, how to become a better parent, and how effective parenting produces better kids. Devotions for Sacred Parenting explores an entirely different reality: how parenting transforms you, the parent. It explores the spiritual dynamics of parenting and why caring for your children is such an effective discipline in shaping your soul and forming the character of Christ within you. With all new material, 52 devotions explore the spiritual dynamics of parenting. These life-related devotions are creative, fresh, and encouraging, inspiring mothers and fathers to look at parenting from a different perspective-as a holy and high calling from God, and as an opportunity to grow spiritually as you strive to raise godly children. Devotions for Sacred Parenting helps you understand how God is parenting you as you parent your children.

Your child may be a sensitive dreamer if: he forgets to follow instructions, no matter how clear and simple, she craves praise and positive attention, yet refuses to conform to what's expected, he tells more than his share of fibs and tall tales. If you recognize these actions in your child, you know the frustration of turning to parenting experts for advice only to find the systems don't work, the rules don't stick and strong boundary setting makes the situation worse. The creative-sensitive dreamer is not the strong-willed child. Get this book and learn how to parent your special needs child who is principle -oriented rather than rule-oriented, highly creative, overly sensitive and frustrated at a world that fails to live up to the ideal.

With a down-to-earth, warm, and humorous style, one of America's top family psychologists sets forth a virtually stress-free, biblically based system of childrearing that encourages family growth in harmony with God's Word. Picture respectful, responsible, obedient children who entertain themselves without television or video games, do their own homework, and have impeccable manners. A pie-in-the-sky fantasy? Not so, says family psychologist and bestselling author John Rosemond. In the 1960s, American parents stopped listening to their elders when it came to child rearing and began listening instead to professional experts. Since then, raising children has become fraught with anxiety, stress, and frustration. The solution, says John, lies in raising children according to biblical principles, the same principles that guided parents successfully for hundreds of years. They worked then, and they still work now! In this book you'll find practical, Bible-based advice that will help you be the parent you want to be, with children who will be, as the Bible promises, "a delight to your soul" (Prov. 29:17).

The decision to have a child is seldom a simple one, often fraught with complexities regarding emotional readiness, finances, marital status, and compatibility with life and career goals. Rarely, though, do individuals consider the role of the law in facilitating or inhibiting their ability to have a child or to parent. For LGBT individuals, however, parenting is saturated with legality - including the initial decision of whether to have a child, how to have a child, whether one's relationship with their child will be recognized, and everyday acts of parenting like completing forms or picking up children from school. Through in-depth interviews with 137 LGBT parents, Amanda K. Baumle and D'Lane R. Compton examine the role of the law in the lives of LGBT parents and how individuals use the law when making decisions about family formation or parenting. Baumle and Compton explore the ways in which LGBT parents participate in the process of constructing legality through accepting, modifying, or rejecting legal meanings about their families. Few groups encounter as much variation in access to everyday legal rights pertaining to the family as do LGBT parents. This complexity and variation in legal environments provides a rather unique opportunity to examine the manner in which legal context affects the ways in which individuals come to understand the meaning and utility of the law for their lives. The authors conclude that legality is constructed through a complex interplay of legal context, social networks, individual characteristics, and familial desires. Ultimately, the stories of LGBT parents in this book reflect a rich and varied relationship between the law, the state, and the private family goals of individuals.

Dr. Paul Warren and Jody Capeheart tackle the intricate issues and concerns concerning Attention Deficit Disorder within "You & Your A.D.D. Child." A behavioral pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist, Dr. Paul Warren is an expert in child and adolescent issues. Jody Capehert is an educator with more than twenty-five years of experience in public and private schools.

Issues tackled within this book include: figuring out just what ADD is, evaluating the condition, when and how medical treatment should be used, alternative options, and how to deal with the ADD child in various functions and settings. The text is a healthy mix of practical application along with medical jargon.

As a parent, a teacher and an Aspie herself, Jennifer O'Toole provides the definitive insider's view of Asperger syndrome. She shows how to help children on the spectrum by understanding how they think and by exploiting their special interests to promote learning. Her strategies work because she thinks like the children that she teaches. This exciting book is full of effective and fun ways of engaging with children with Asperger syndrome. Jennifer explains how theory of mind difficulties create the need for concrete forms of communication, and provides original methods to inspire imagination through sensorial experiences. In particular she reveals the untapped power of special interests, showing how to harness these interests to encourage academic, social and emotional growth. Affirming that different doesn't mean defective, this book offers the insight and guidance that parents, educators, and other professionals need to connect with the Asperkids in their life and get them excited about learning.

An urgent and necessary book by prominent child psychologist Dr Abi Gewirtz, When the World Feels Like a Scary Place brings solutions to a universal problem - how bad things happening in the world affect our children, and how we can raise engaged and confident kids in spite of them. To say we live in an age of anxiety is an understatement. The problem is, most children can't put things in perspective, and parents (who are often anxious themselves) can have a hard time talking to their kids without making it worse. Dr Gewirtz offers clear and practical advice for having the kind of tough conversation with your kids that really helps. Through conversation scripts, talking points, prompts and insightful asides, When the World Feels Like a Scary Place is an indispensable guide to talking to our kids about the big things that worry them - making us calmer parents with more resilient children.

Pediatrician Carolyn Roy-Bornstein and her husband had a comfortably empty nest after their sons had grown and flown. Soon after, Carolyn noticed that two of her patients struggled after their father died of cancer and their mother became too mentally ill to care for them. As a result, they were both placed in foster care, where one developed a severe eating disorder and the other began self-harming. In a leap of faith, Carolyn and her husband opened their home to these sisters and became their foster parents. Carolyn, despite being a doctor, was unprepared for the harsh realities of severe anorexia, depression and grueling treatment. She had worked as a pediatrician for the Department of Children and Families for years, but still was not equipped for the bureaucratic struggles she would face to save her youngest foster child from a brutal eating disorder. This book outlines the struggles of a fledgling foster family who, despite all odds, remains devoted to one another throughout the healing process.

Making Schools and Families Successful introduces to schools a process that reaches the deeper motivation of students that unifies students and teachers. This process is centered on unique potential and character. Since in character development parents are the primary teachers and the home the primary classroom, the school eventually seeks its natural bond with the family. This School-Family partnership establishes the natural foundation for scholarship.

'A practical, no-nonsense guide to getting children back to nature ... Brilliant' Stephen Moss 'A valuable practical guide to helping children form a kinship with nature' Independent Many of us want to spend more time outside with our kids - but what do we do when we're there, and why is a connection to nature so important and wonderful anyway? The Nature Seed is a practical and philosophical guide for anyone with children in their lives. Full of the wonders of sharing the natural world with young minds, it's a manual for finding awe in the cracks of the pavement and magic on a stroll around the block. Whether on an urban walk or in an inner-city park, out in the woods or by the sea, Lucy weaves together stories of how a connection to nature helps children thrive, and Ken draws on his time working with kids outdoors to give you creative, easy and free child-led activities to deepen that connection, from wild art to simple fires, potions, foraging and make-believe. Wherever you live, The Nature Seed offers a radical vision of a new kinship with nature, one that will help all of us expand, nurture and deepen our wild life.

365 activities for play and adventure without screens: having fun with your family and without technology is possible! Children spend a lot of time with their screens, and while it's true that there are many alternatives to screen-time, many modern parents don't know where to look for these opportunities. In the absence of inspiration, this book proposes 365 activities to play without screens for the whole family. Activities are designed to be enjoyed in different spaces such as at home, in the city or town, and in nature. Completing them as a family will create positive emotional bonds, reduce stress, and teach children empathy, love, and respect. Montessori-inspired Ideas range from crafts and hobbies to everyday activities (singing in the rain, jumping on the bed, taking bubble baths) to outdoor activities like treasure hunts and gardening. Each project has a photo or illustration; an appropriate age range listed; a season; and a time for how long to play. Each activity is a different idea with the same objective: to strengthen bonds and help pass the time in a way that helps you grow as a family. At Home: Mystery Box, Bubble Beards and Hairdos, Painting on the Windows, Art on Continuous Paper, Camping at Home Around Town: Observe an Anthill, Feed the Pigeons, Crosswalks, Visit a Museum, Reusing Napkins, Playing "I Spy" In Nature: Pick Flowers, Count Rings in a Tree Trunk, Build Mandalas with Rocks, Get Muddy, and Make a Nature Candle

Infertility Saved My Life: Healing PCOS From The Inside Out exposes the raw teaching moments of Sarah Willoughby's journey to self-love through Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and secondary infertility. Within Infertility Saved My Life, Sarah Willoughby addresses the challenges and heartbreak she experienced while becoming a mum to three amazing children. She writes about her multiple miscarriages, as well as the trauma she endured, so that anyone still on their journey to parenthood can feel less alone in their loss and grief. Sarah's story peaks in 2009, when she ended up in intensive care after a disastrous IVF cycle. Lying in her hospital bed, she promised herself that if she survived, she would embrace her fears and empower others to do the same. Seven months later, Sarah Willoughby left the corporate world, emigrated to Australia and fell pregnant naturally twice with her daughters. Infertility Saved My Life shares the wisdom and insight that enabled Sarah to complete her family and begin a heart-centered life and business. She includes practical exercises and tools to help balance the reader's mind, body and spirit and improve their chances of having a baby.

Discover Minimalism for Moms and Simplify Parenting#1 New Release in Parenting & Family Reference, Teenagers, and Time Management In A Simpler Motherhood, Emily's on a mission to remove stress from the lives of moms and busy families seeking less stuff and more joy in their daily life. Filled with tips for moms for easy yet powerful lifestyle changes. Emily's approach makes minimalism for moms stress-free and achievable, and helps to simplify parenting. Learn to declutter your mind and home on this fun journey to living and parenting with more purpose and joy, and less stress! Intentional living made simple and stress-free. A Simpler Motherhood reveals tangible ways for mothers everywhere to simplify parenting. Slow down the pace in your home, your schedule, and your heart and head. Discover simple tips for moms, actionable suggestions, and tailored solutions to declutter each aspect of motherhood. Accessible minimalism for moms. When people think of motherhood, they think of a perfectly tidy home, a curated wardrobe, and gourmet meals cooked from scratch, but that isn't realistic. A Simpler Motherhood makes minimalism for moms attainable, affordable, and stress-free for even the busiest or messiest of moms. Inside: Discover how to simplify parenting in a more stress-free way, without guilt or "systems" Create a stronger marriage through communication, intentional planning, and a commitment to less Re-establish a connection with your faith and learn to relinquish control over everything If you liked Declutter Like a Mother, The Family Firm, Mindfulness Journal for Parents, or Simplicity Parenting, then you'll love A Simpler Motherhood.

Right after "Is it a boy or a girl?" and "What's his/her name?," the next question people invariably ask new parents is "Are you getting any sleep?" Unfortunately, the answer is usually "Not much." In fact, studies show that approximately 25% of young children experience some type of sleep problem and, as any bleary-eyed parent will attest, it is one of the most difficult challenges of parenting.

Drawing on her ten years of experience in the assessment and treatment of common sleep problems in children, Dr. Jodi A. Mindell now provides tips and techniques, the answers to commonly asked questions, and case studies and quotes from parents who have successfully solved their children's sleep problems.

Unlike other books on the subject, Dr. Mindell also offers practical tips on bedtime, rather than middle-of-the-night-sleep training, and shows how all members of the family can cope with the stresses associated with teaching a child to sleep.

Join the movement to say Yes to No. An unprecedented coalition of parents and educators across Minnesota have adopted "No" as a statewide read.

Although saying No to your child is obviously important, many parents still have a hard time following through -- even when they know they should -- especially when other parents and the culture around them are being permissive.

Now, successful psychologist, bestselling author, and nationally known parenting expert Dr. David Walsh provides you with an arsenal of tactics, explanations, and examples for using No the right way with your kids. His memorable, affecting, and sometimes humorous anecdotes help you regain confidence in your own judgment and ability to say No as they remind you that you're not alone in your parenting struggles. With Dr. Walsh's down-to-earth advice, you can immediately assess and improve your relationship with your kids, set and enforce limits that make sense for different ages (from toddlers to teens), and otherwise make No a positive influence on kids' behavior and in your overall family life.

The first look at the psychological importance of No in a child's development, "No" offers the lively voice, warm wisdom, science made simple, and breadth of knowledge that readers have come to expect from Dr. Walsh.

This book is a guide for students writing their college admissions essays, primarily the 650-word Common App essay and supplementary essays that many schools require as part of their admission applications. With more students applying to college, and those students applying to more schools than ever before, college admission selection is far more competitive than in the past and the college essay is a key component. We offer suggestions on good topics to write about without getting too specific (and just as importantly what not to write about), vital tips on writing approach, grammar, and usage. This guide can be for anyone who wants to write better, more clearly and crisply. If used properly, this book will help you craft a readable, interesting essay that will attract the college admissions reader by giving you a creative voice and the means to express yourself. No guarantees, but it just might make a difference in the final admission process.

'This book should be required reading for anyone thinking of having a baby, or even anyone who knows someone who is thinking of having a baby' Scotland on Sunday 'Fascinating and honest' Mumsnet 'Like talking to a friend' Observer Winner of the Ted Hughes Award for New Work in Poetry There were many things that Hollie McNish didn't know before she was pregnant. How her family and friends would react; that Mr Whippy would be off the menu; how quickly ice can melt on a stomach. These were on top of the many other things she didn't know about babies: how to stand while holding one; how to do a poetry gig with your baby as a member of the audience; how drum'n'bass can make a great lullaby. And that's before you even start on toddlers. But Hollie learned. And she's still learning, slowly. Nobody Told Me is a collection of poems and stories; Hollie's thoughts on raising a child in modern Britain, of trying to become a parent in modern Britain, of sex, commercialism, feeding, gender and of finding secret places to scream once in a while.

Surviving Adolescence was written because the most trying times in a child's life are during pre-teen and teen years. Most parents and teachers may be ill equipped to deal effectively with adolescents. They are not prepared for the remarkable changes that occur. The remarkable physical changes are most noticeable, but the intellectual, social and emotional changes can confound us. The book follows the roller coaster ride all can experience: Ratcheting Up, the First Drop, Loop-de-Loop, Climbing, the Steep Drop, In the Tunnel, Into the Daylight, and Leveling Off. The ideas cover preparing for adolescence, the reality of confronting puberty, the family unit, and how to help teens confront a new social environment, including cyberspace. Additional areas are recognizing the need for productive activities, discussing burgeoning sexual issues, bullying and substance abuse. Suggestions for communicating effectively and taking care of yourself are included, too. While the book is designed for a broad audience, each chapter concludes with educational considerations.

Parent-directed aggression and violence by children is a complex issue and may not be explained by focusing upon a single factor. The affected parents tend to delay seeking help from professionals due to not knowing where to seek help or even an inability to identify their experiences as a problem. This book provides parents and professionals with the much-needed information to tackle this incidence. In this book, Hue San Kuay and Graham Towl draw upon the evidence from past studies and case examples to describe the occurrence of child to parent aggression and violence, and highlight the roles by individuals and communities in intervening and preventing agression and violence. The nature-versus-nurture debate is included and callous-unemotional traits are explained as a predictor of aggression. The effect of parent-directed aggression is discussed, and prevention and intervention methods are presented. Delaying help-seeking could lead to serious consequences and make it harder to effectively intervene. Child to Parent Aggression and Violence is an essential read for practitioners and researchers working with parents, and most importantly, for parents themselves. This book includes suggestions for interventions, self-assessment on parent-directed aggression by children, and points of contact as reference to ease the process for both parents and practitioners. The authors will donate their royalties in full to Family Lives, UK. This organisation was registered as a charity in 1999. Previously known as Parentline, they provide support for families through a helpline and also offer drop-in sessions. They give tailored parental support within the community and schools, and offer support on issues such as bullying, special educational needs, and support for specific groups.

Parent-directed aggression and violence by children is a complex issue and may not be explained by focusing upon a single factor. The affected parents tend to delay seeking help from professionals due to not knowing where to seek help or even an inability to identify their experiences as a problem. This book provides parents and professionals with the much-needed information to tackle this incidence. In this book, Hue San Kuay and Graham Towl draw upon the evidence from past studies and case examples to describe the occurrence of child to parent aggression and violence, and highlight the roles by individuals and communities in intervening and preventing agression and violence. The nature-versus-nurture debate is included and callous-unemotional traits are explained as a predictor of aggression. The effect of parent-directed aggression is discussed, and prevention and intervention methods are presented. Delaying help-seeking could lead to serious consequences and make it harder to effectively intervene. Child to Parent Aggression and Violence is an essential read for practitioners and researchers working with parents, and most importantly, for parents themselves. This book includes suggestions for interventions, self-assessment on parent-directed aggression by children, and points of contact as reference to ease the process for both parents and practitioners. The authors will donate their royalties in full to Family Lives, UK. This organisation was registered as a charity in 1999. Previously known as Parentline, they provide support for families through a helpline and also offer drop-in sessions. They give tailored parental support within the community and schools, and offer support on issues such as bullying, special educational needs, and support for specific groups.

When it was rumored that the communist partisans planned to destroy Sremska Mitrovica, Jugoslavia as the German Military retreated, the father persuaded the mother to leave the city for a short time, taking the five children and her mother to a safe place until the fighting was over. They boarded the over-crowded last train going west, away from the terror that was imminent. They had no idea where they were going nor how long they would have to be away from home. The father could not leave the city; he was drafted into a "home guard" and charged with protecting the city. The family never returned to Sremska Mitrovica. Separated during the war, miraculously all family members, except for one son, were reunited in the American Sector of Austria. The second oldest son had been living and working near Berlin, Germany as a foreign worker. "Liberated" by the Russians he was sent "home" to Jugoslavia, which was by then behind the iron curtain leaving him with no chance of joining his family in the west. They endured fear, discrimination and persecution during the post-war years in a country of which they did not even speak the language. The family lived in deplorable conditions in a makeshift "Displaced Person's camp," commonly known as a "D.P.camp." The family survived hunger, displacement and many other hardships with patience and courage while relying on their faith.