The Pocket Parent

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Summary: EVER WISHED YOUR CHILD CAME WITH OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS?
Review: I have twin 2-year-olds and a new baby. Needless to say, I find my patience, parenting skills and sanity being tested daily! Sibling rivalry (including occasional hitting and biting), anger towards the new baby, not listening, whining, separation anxiety, bad words, tantrums in public...what's a mother (or father) to do when you've simply had it? "The Pocket Parent" has become a part of the essential "stuff" that I carry around with me. Because of it's size and A-Z arrangement of topics, I can look up some ideas to try on the spot. The humor and empathy throughout the book help comfort me in the thought that I am not alone and that I am a good mother in the midst of a very important and sometimes very challenging job. I have noticed that since I have been using this book that I often try to take a few moments to think before I speak. I am proud of that, because I find my communication with my children to be more respectful as well as more effective in gaining their cooperation. "The Pocket Parent" lifts my spirits-especially on one of those days when everything that can go wrong,does. I also appreciate the fact that there are many "Daddy" anecdotes included in the book. My husband and I found it very helpful to read suggestions together, followed by discussion for a few minutes before we go to sleep when we have a specific problem. I highly recommend "The Pocket Parent" for every parent that has questions about their preschooler.

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Summary: Single Parent Help
Review: I would simply like to share that this book has been helpful to me as a young, widowed father. Its like having a spouse in my pocket! Bravo!

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Summary: A quick resource for the glove compartment
Review: I've sent a copy of this book as gifts to several first time moms with toddlers because it's such a quicky, handy resource when you're on the go, which seems to be the whole point. As the mother of 3 kids, the oldest being almost 10, I've seen what's out there, but I haven't come across anything that encompasses the "headlines" about parenting in a nutshell. The book is upbeat with a warm tone and offers invaluable tips for most stuations that 2-5 year old's get into. Is it the last word on raising toddlers? If it were, it would be the size of Webster's Dictionary, but as a handy little guru-in-the-pocket I do find myself confirming many of the decisions I make when it comes to dealing with my willful 2-year old.

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Summary: A lifesaver!
Review: If you're a parent of a toddler this book is your lifeline to sanity! You can easily tuck it in your purse or diaper bag. Don't leave home without it.
Debbie Farmer, author of 'Don't Put Lipstick on the Cat!'

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Summary: Wise, Witty Workable Suggestions... NO Preaching!,
Review: In December, the Chicago-based author of this book spoke to parents and teachers in our school district in San Jose, CA where she received a standing ovation. She totally WOWed us with her enlightening, encouraging and very entertaining style. Those same three words describe her easy reference very popular guidebook (with almost 100,000 copies in print).

"Pocket Parent" is quite unique and very well-priced--considering the wealth of information and friendly support offered between its 400 hundred pages...all targeted to moms AND dads with children in a most challenging 4-year age span...2's, 3's, 4's and 5's.

This book offers clearly organized, very specific information on a variety of behaviors with compassion, experience, and humor.

THE POCKET PARENT is designed for busy parents to refer to as needed--each chapter stands alone. It is written in quick bullets of information rather than paragraphs so you do not have to read the entire book cover to cover to get a couple of ideas to try immediately (or later as things calm down).

The practical information is combined with insight and long term understanding towards successfully changing behavior...both the child's and the parent's.

"Pocket Parent" is literally a pocket-sized (4" X 8") A-Z guide, addressing every challenging situation you can think of such as...Anger, Bad Words, Bedtime, Biting, "Gimmes", Hitting, Interrupting, Listening, Lying, Mealtime, Morning "Crazies", Potty Training, Power Struggles, Tantrums, Time-Outs that aren't working...and much more.

I keep this book handy on my bedside table--ready to give me some strategies to try for the next day... along with a much needed "verbal hug" when I'm feeling guilty that I've been a frazzled, failure of a mother earlier that day. "Pocket Parent" is definitely NOT preachy nor condescending from "holier than thou" experts. The authors include many humorous anecdotes (some personal regarding their own children) that truly hit home from beginning to end. Those are my favorite parts of this book.

I highly recommend this comprehensive, parent-friendly reference book that offers sanity saving advice and support from beginning to end.


Rating:
Summary: great witty ideas
Review: It has great and witty ideas for toddlers and preschoolers. I wished it was bigger but wow, it's packed with tips. Big and important tips in a very small package. It's a winner in my house. ...

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Summary: Ok - but not practical for any common cause
Review: It is a good book but is not practical for any blended family needs nor even for single family issues. These type of children are totally different than what a preschool teacher, Gail Reichlin, has pitched in her book. Even so, it would make a good gift for regular families for everyday craziness. I prefer other books when dealing with blended family issues...


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Summary: for parents of smaller children
Review: It's a book that covers topics on children who are age 4 and under. Much of the book does not address more advanced parenting problems. It's an ok book and a good buy for first time parents with young children. It's all been said and done before and there are plenty of books that go beyond. We have enjoyed The Successful Child, by William Sears and The Mom Book, by Stacy DeBroff covers everything a parent could possibly want or need in their 4,278 tips. One more is Mommy-CEO (Constantly Evaluating Others) 5 Golden Rules, by Jodie Lynn; she covers more on "how to" skills: how to motivate your children to want to be a responsibile family member, still have fun and gain respect from others. Our family has found this to be a big deal with our kids as they complain we do not listen to them. Her book goes through some of the teen years. The Mom Book has how to get things organized and what to feed children. The author, Stacy DeBroff, is een on safety and health issues.

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Summary: Pocket Size Is Too Small
Review: It's a great idea but the pocket size is too small especially for grandparents. There is also nothing new in the entire book and the humor is lacking.

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Summary: Most Supportive Book on the Market Regarding 2-5 year olds
Review: Pocket Parent is our favorite toddler/preschool troubleshooting handbook for all those challenging behaviors that test your sanity... like power struggles, desrespectful attitude, quibbling siblings, bad words, potty training, lying, biting, the gimmmes, not listening, tantrums, whining and many others.

I love the easy to use A-Z format of this pocket guide written in hundreds of concise bullets of helpful suggestions and short anecdotes illustrating the point.

Written exclusively for the parents of 2-5 year olds, Pocket Parent is the very best book on the market today for practical tips, compassion and humor for both moms AND dads at a very reasonable price. My husband appreciated the oh-so-true dad stories (as many books are geared more to the moms).

Pocket Parent has lessened the yelling and punsihing in our house and we strongly recommend it to every family to consult as they need it. This book does not have to be read cover to cover. Each chapter stands alone and you can pick up some ideas to try in less than one minute. Also available in Spanish called "Manual para Padres."

PS...I noticed that many of the same communication techniques work very well on my 40 year old husband, too!