www.macaronikid.com–The website is dual. The national version features parenting, fitness, nutrition and safety information and tidbits. There are also local versions depending on where you live, and you can search the national site to see if one exists in your area. If not, you can become a “publisher mom (or dad)” and set one up…providing the parents/guardians in your area with a weekly community calendar of kid-friendly events and much more.
Bossypants, by Tina Fey (Publisher Harper Design International, copyright 2011)–The comedienne writes a autobiographical account of her rise to fame that includes her parallel adventures in motherhood. If you only read the chapters on the latter (her experiences with attempts to nurse her firstborn in “There’s a Drunk Midget in my House” are hysterical and relatable.) you will not be disappointed. However, if you are a fan of TF, you will find the entire book a great escape from your daily routine.
Bad Mother: a Chronicle of Maternal Crimes, Minor Calamities, and Occasional Moments of Grace, by Ayelet Waldman (Publisher Anchor, copyright 2009)–Hang onto your hats, this is not a book for the faint-of-heart, or at least not for those of a conservative leaning. The author, wife of Wonderboys author Michael Chabon, stirred controversy when she penned an essay stating she “loved her husband more than her children.” She defends her point of view in this book and reveals much more regarding her mothering path. To say the least, I kept turning pages to see what Ms. Waldman would say next.
Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth, MD (publisher Ballantine Books, revised edition 1999)–I wish only two things about this book: 1) that I had purchased and read it before we welcomed our twins, and 2) that I hadn’t stupidly gotten rid of it. The advice Dr. Weissbluth gives on sleep for children of all ages (he is the founder of the Sleep Disorders Center at the Chicago Children’s Memorial Hospital) and helped my husband and I navigate our infants sleep habits…and solve some ingrained bad parental habits on the matter. I read several infant sleep books and this is the one to have on your shelf. Dr. W has also written Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child/Your Fussy Baby (2004) and Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Twins: a Step by Step Program for Sleep Training Your Multiples (2009).
Looledo: Extraordinary Projects from Ordinary Objects Jumbo Book Volume #1 by project designer Mark Icanberry and writer David Icanberry (publisher Looledo LLC, copyright 2010)–This oversized book is full of great creative projects using recyclable household materials and other “throwaways.” The full-color photographs make this a most attractive book to kids. A “trashbot,” terrarium, marble slide and bathtub-sized ocean liner are among the fun projects.
Queen Bees and Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends, and the New Realities of Girl World by Rosalind Wiseman (publisher Three Rivers Press, second edition 2009)–This book is a must read for the parents of girls…mothers and fathers alike. Read it, if you can, while your daughters are in elementary school. I’m so glad I did so I can approach some of the “girl drama” in the way Ms. Wiseman recommends in her book. Consider it good practice for the more challenging tween and teen years.
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