Article on the value of a home maker

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Book review: Supernanny How to get the best from your children

AUTHOR: JO FROST (yes, the Supernanny herself)

If you have ever seen the show "supernanny" then this book is like the companion piece to go along with it.

It is short and sweet and doesn't go into much detail but it's concise and has some great advice. This is a very basic and "short-version" type book. (Her next book "ask Supernanny" has a lot more detail).

Some of the information isn't quite in line with some of the experts but the behaviour stuff is really good and quite easy to follow. (for instance her take on sleep training and controlled crying is a little different than Ferber or the no-cry sleep solution or even the baby whisperer). some of the information on feeding doesn't quite follow what we typically do in Canada either but overall, it's good information.

Now here is the magic with this book--it's short and easy to read and colourful and pretty... and I don't know... maybe it's because she is a recognizable face---but my husband actually picked it up and read some of it!!!

This is a basic book on some key parenting issues. It's a quick read and an easy reference. I thought it was pretty good, especially used along with watching some clips from the show. A great one to pick up from the library when you are in need for a quick solution to common parenting issues.

Book Review: Boys Adrift by Leonard Sax

In my experienced mom parenting group I was referred to this book as I am the mother of two boys. My boys are still young so some of the information in the book seems far off from where I am at right now but great information to have with me for the upcoming years.

The book is broken down into chapters where the author explains reasons why boys and young men are underachieving and are not motivated.

I found most of the book to be very constructive and an excellent resource. Different warning signs to look for in your children if they are not engaged in school and what it could mean as well as different ways to keep them interested in learning were of particular interest to me. As a mother of a toddler and a baby I was a little bit less interested in the video game sections--although I know one day I will be craving information about video games!

The author writes in a very convincing (science, anecdotes and situations back up all of his claims) and engaging manner. The book is a good and quick read.

Probably the most interesting thing to parents of young boys is the manner in which boys learn and how the school system is not always set up for the way in which their minds work or develop. One thought is that if boys school later they may enjoy it more and also achieve better results. What I really took from this is that we have to ensure that we are giving our boys the opportunity to learn in ways that don't just involve sitting at a desk and reading and writing.

Overall, I would recommend to moms of boys to pick this book up at your library and read it as it does present some very interesting ideas. Although you might not agree with everything that he writes, he presents some really great thinking points.

Here is an excerpt:
http://www.boysadrift.com/excerpt.php