When I lived in North Carolina, I read John Rosemond's column and had great respect for what he said. Then I found my parents (we had been separated by adoption), had my own child, and began to realize that some of his advice just does not cut it. For instance, our toddler son still sleeps with us and he is one of the most independent and well-balanced children I have met.

The thing that really bothers me about John Rosemond's views, however, is his stance on adoption. He gives no value to God and nature's choice of parents, relying instead on the "legal parents" that adoption (i.e., social workers and lawyers) creates. He makes the ridiculous comment that "real parents" are the "legal" ones and that we natural parents don't count unless we raise our children. He is also against open records. As an adoptee who was separated for over 34 years from my natural family, I cannot imagine bringing a child into the world without knowing my own family history. Family cannot be erased by mere severance of "parental rights." Even Moses returned to his natural family after being raised in opulent surroundings.

Having read Rosemond's stance on adoption and his disregard for natural families, I am beginning more and more to doubt his advice on child-rearing.

I believe every parent should read this book and keep it by their bedside while raising their children. Dr. Rosemond doesn't claim to know everything but his methods have been proven to work time and time again. Every suggestion I have followed with my son has worked. The parent should be in charge, not the child. You will not regret buying this book.

None of that complicated psycho-babble! Very straightforward comments and ideas based on old-fashioned values and common-sense. He can be a bit on the harsh side now and then, but if you filter that out this is a book full of good thoughts and ideas. Also recommended: Kid Cooperation (How to Stop Yelling, Nagging and Pleading) by Elizabeth Pantley

My husband and I found this very useful when our child was first diagnosed, I was always referring to the list of terms and the pictures.

My only regret is that of another review in that the statistical information is out of date.

Out of all the books in my collection on pediatric cardiac conditions I will have to say that this is the best one out there so far. It has more defects in it and describes them in simple terms then the others books I have seen. This is the first book a new parent should purchase when they find out that their child has a cardiac condition.

As parents of two children with congenital heart defects, we found this book to be a wonderful resource. It is a must buy for parents who find themselves faced with the prospect of raising a child with a heart condition. This book does a wonderful job of describing the types of heart defects in terms the average person can understand.

Operation Solo tells the story of Morris Childs, a spy for the American government for almost thirty years. He was a dedicated communist in the 1930's. He even visited to the Soviet Union and was taught revolutionary tactics to be used in the violent overthrow of the United States government. By the late 1940's he began to understand the monster he was serving in Stalin and feeling extremely guilty about his activities. While still in the hospital recovering from heart problems, he was visited by two FBI agents who asked straight out if would like to be a spy. He agreed. As luck was have it, he was still a member in good standing with the Communist Party USA (CPUSA) so he was able to resume his activities in the Party with no problems. He eventually rose to second in command of the CPUSA.

Mr. Childs knew and was completely trusted by all the Post-Stalin leadership. One story shows how much he was trusted. On one trip to the Soviet Union, he was injured and had to have a finger amputated. He refused anesthetics because he was afraid he would blurt out he was a spy while under. Khrushchev thought he did this so he would not tell Soviet states secrets while under. Khrushchev made a speech in the Politburo congratulating Childs for his courage and had his finger buried Kremlin wall. From this position of trust, he was able Childs was able to obtain top-secret information for almost 30 years. This is only one of numerous improbable but true stories from the book, many of them life-threatening. An unparalleled story of courage and devotion.

I have read dozens of books about espionage and its effects on modern history. Never have I read an account of such selfless heroism, or one so brilliantly written. I have given several copies of this book as gifts, and have recommended it to many others. The reaction of my friends and family was markedly similar to my own. I was so proud of the Childs and their wives. Would any of us have had the courage and moxie to do as they did? Moreover, in this era where government agents have taken more than a fair number of hits, it is gratifying to see such a well-drawn account of the dedication and hard work of the FBI agents in the field. This is an astounding book that should be required reading for the acquisition or retention of American citizenship.

John Barron does a remarkable job of weaving 40 years of a day-to-day spy operation into an exciting page turner. Morris, Eva and Jack Childs are the spies who dedicated their lives to penetrating the Iron Curtain and defeating communism. Reagan, Nixon and Kissinger credit them with providing the tools to ultimately defeat the Soviet Empire while simultaneously engaging China.

In addition, Barron does an excellent job of reminding the reader that the FBI is made up of real men and women with real lives who dedicate themselves to the safety of America.

Operation SOLO is a beautiful tribute to American exceptionalism. It is reminds us that the Cold War was real, that communism is evil and that individuals make a difference. I am grateful that Morris, Eva and Jack Childs dedicated themselves to this dangerous and complex task. Their patriotism and self-sacrifice has made this world a much safer place and liberated millions of people from the shackles of communism.

The description of Mrs. Mary McCray as an adult in Montclair, New Jersey and her struggles for "full freedom" are truly inspiring. I felt as if I was sitting in that kitchen listening to the anecdotes as they were told. I found the early part of the book, however, to read like a research paper with the footnotes included.

It seems to me that this book, along with Edward Ball's Slaves in the Family, offers a new and important look at the history of race relations in America. Both of them deal with situations that were not unique, but carefully swept under the rug. I applaud both authors for their work, and since Mrs. McCray has said she's writing another book, there is at least one reader, here in the nation's oldest city, who is anxiously awaiting it.

Ms McCray's ability to put us back in time is timeless, a true depiction of how life was and is for so many African Americans...Her ability to convey the innocence of childhood and reality through the eyes of her mother and through her own experience is something extrodinary. A warm and compassionate story of love, triumph, and struggle through one of the darkest times in American history. Written very tenderly so you can smell the warm pies and cakes baked in the Allen home, the flowers that she nurtured. Her legacy? Her children who were reared with self respect and taught to be proud of who they are as a people. Freedoms Child is a must read for all, black or white, it will grip you leaving you laughing, crying and ulitmately wishing we could have been there. A story of a mother and the love she gave her children. A story of a woman in the "Red Hat" who would not lie down. A story of coming of age. A story that every American should read. When you finish this book you will just sit back and smile! I know because Carrie Allen McCray is my Grandmother!! Lane McCray

As a cosleeping, attachment parenting mom I thought I had it all figured out until my first child turned 2. Suddenly, everything fell apart and I didn't know where to turn. The AP advice just didn't work anymore - then I found this book! Though I didn't agree on every point, the basic philosophy makes sense - and works! It's a breath of fresh air not to be at the mercy of my 30 month old any more. Rosemond gives moms permission to take charge, to teach and discipline their children. I'm finally proud of my daughter's behaviour again! I highly recommend this book. It would be a good idea to read it back to back with "The Continuum Concept" by Jean Leidloff to get a different perspective on cosleeping etc. while reinforcing the authoritative/non child-centered parenting style.

I've waited a long time to find a book like this. While I probably don't agree with all the author's political views or all of his opinions, the majority of his thoughts on child-raising are clear, direct, and right on. For me, his three basic premises seem to be: 1) How do you have a happy well-adjusted child? Answer: Focus on your marriage; 2) It is human nature to modify your behavior only when it is inconveniencing YOU, not because it is inconveniencing others; and 3) Discipline is a very different thing than punishment. His many humorous anecdotes about what did (or didn't) work with his own kids are entertaining and helpful (particularly the one regarding his daughter's procrastinated science project). I would definitely recommend this book to new parents and/or parents who have hit a brick wall with the many other ineffective child discipline methods out there.

After reading so much of the same stuff that advocates child-centered parenting, I was so excited and relieved to read something that teaches us how to go back to the values and parenting styles of the past--the ones that worked! Rosemond recommends several "tactics" that in my heart I knew were right, but didn't really know how to put into action. This a wonderful book--informative and entertaining. I laughed out loud a few times! Now, I just need to get my husband on board....

Everyone deals with grief at some point. "When Children Grieve" by John James and Russell Friedman is an amazingly helpful book. After the recent death of a dear friend, I needed help in understanding grief from a child's perspective. This easy to read book explains that it's healthy to grieve, and that adults need to allow children time to heal. "Children need to feel bad when their hearts are broken. Adults should never try to fix a child's loss."
Also, the book explains that grief doesn't just come from death, but instead can be motivated by divorce, pet loss, moving and even a parent's job loss. Grief stems from sudden change in ritualistic behavior. As adults, it is our role to facilitate the child's emotions by helping them discover "undelivered communications." This book teaches adults how to reach out to children and guide them through difficult times. It's a must read for all parents who want to encourage emotional growth and mental wellbeing in their children.

I am a conservative, grumpy, old, Lutheran pastor, vehemently opposed to all things "New Age." I despise the fads of pop-psychology. "Touchy-Feely" advice from so-called experts, who demand exorbitant fees, often makes me want to wretch. So, I approached this book filled with trepidation.

There was no need for my concerned.

Writing with extraordinary gentleness and common sense Mr. James, Mr. Friedman and Dr. Matthews have provided adults with an invaluable outline on how to shepherd the children in their lives through loss, grief and recovery. Every parent, grandparent, teacher, pastor, priest, rabbi, nurse or physician who expects the children in their lives to suffer the death of a pet, suffer the death of a relative, move or endure a divorce will benefit from reading this book.

Do yourself a favor. Read this book for the sake of the children whom you love. It is well worth the investment of your time.

Then, do yourself a second favor, and place a copy of this book in your church, synagogue or public library for the others who will grow by reading it.

After reading this book my eyes have been open to the conversations I have had with the children I teach and those that I come in contact with. I felt that this book is one that anyone in any profession could relate to. The book's focus is on how to help our child deal with grief or loss but I feel that it even teachs us, as adults, how to communicate with children in an every day conversation.

During the first 7 chapters the authors focus on the myths that we as adults communicate to our children, and inturn see the myths that were communicated to us as children. Everyone at some point in their life will deal with loss/grief of some sort and also helping someone they love deal with loss/grief. We all must be equipted with the knowledge of how to do this effectivly. This book is an easy reading book that at anytime can be pulled off your home library shelf and put to good use.

I was a little disappointed in this book. After reading the previous reviews, I expected something a little different. It was good for pointing out different situations that require setting boundaries (which adult children definitely need,) but it's very situation/response oriented which I found somewhat limiting in its usefulness. It does offer some tools that can give you strength in dealing with difficult situations. Some of their examples are pretty lame. For example, "You know, Susan, that felt sort of shaming. Are you trying to say that my choice of clothes isn't classy enough for you?" It was also somewhat cute-sie. Overall it was helpful but had it's limitations.

Whoever said it was too cookbook hasn't appreciated the the value of having a thorough one at hand. I loved the Friel's approach. It is a bit harder on the ego than the Woititz ACOA book but this one includes ALL dysfunctions, and I know even after years in recovery I will still find valuable resources in this book to guide me along my bumpy journey. As one who has NO idea what is normal, yet somehow manages to function at the basic level in society, I definitely appreciated the simple yet thorough approach used here.

This book isn't another "blame the parents--give you an excuse" soother. It requires that we take responsibility for our adult lives, recovery, happiness, misery, relationships, dysfunctional patterns & our future. This book shows me exactly what healthy (they don't believe in the statistical normal, to them normal means emotionally healthy, which is a far more useful definition of the ambiguous term "normal" anyway) living means, looks-smells-tastes-feels like! I can use this book as a check-up to see if I'm on the right track and if not, follow the suggestions or get further help.

Most of all this book helped me to recognize that recovery isn't an overnight process, can't be done alone in isolation, that I'm human and mistakes are actually a GOOD and WELCOME experience and do NOT have anything whatsoever to do with my self-worth. This book even includes several chapters on how to respond to con artists, abusers & generally rude, mean or unhealthy people. How to deal with zingers, how to set healthy boundaries & protect ourselves & our healthy boundaries, I could go on for pages praising this book.

I've bought numerous other self-help books & this one was the best. The authors do suggest waiting until one has 2+ years of recovery before tackling this book. To hell with that. Read it now, and every step of the way on your journey. Start feeling better about YOU & your life right NOW, today. Good luck on your journey, happy discoveries to you.

This book has been a Godsend! I've read it several times and am now using it in a bookstudy group for an e-mail group I run for people recovering from codependent relationships to sexual addicts. You might not think there was anything "wrong" with your family of origin, but this will help you pinpoint some of the reasons why you may make the bad choices you do in your life, what's healthy and "normal," and steps you can take to learn how to make healthy choices for yourself. Highly recommended! Very good, solid advice delivered in an easy-to-read format, not boring, not "clinical," but written for a wide audience yet not preachy or insulting. Great book!

Actually, I have not read this book yet. I thought it was a joke when I was browsing the KSCS website and saw that Hawkeye was plugging a book of his own doing. Knowing what I do about Hawkeye, I feel that I must see what THIS is going to be like!

Having grown up with two brothers I thought I understood boys, and being a modern woman I have tried to understand men, and then I read this book. Paschal and Louis have woven together extremely witty tales that, wink-wink-nudge-nudge, try to explain boys, men and schmos (their term, ladies). Every woman should read this book to gain a better understanding of what men think, when they think it, and why they think it. If these two guys are still single, then females must be as dire as they portray us, because their intelligence and wit should have won them a heart a long time ago. This book is perspicuous, a quick read, and well worth passing along to all your girlfriends. I'm not sure why there wasn't a larger distribution of this book, because it definitely deserves a wide audience.

I heard Dorsey and Hawkeye talk about this book one morning and decided to read a few pages on line. An hour later I was hooked. My brother and I had an argument over who this book was written for. He says that it's a guy's book but I say that Hawkeye intended it to be for women.

This book is really great. Jessica Wakefield moves in with her boyfriend, Michael McAllery. She spends lots of time with him, but soem time with the Thetas. But he wants her to spend all ehr time with him. Elizabeth Wakefield is working with Tom Watts on a hazing story. She has now gotten over her ex-boyfriend Todd Wilkins, and has romantic feeligns for Tom. Winston is getting hazed by the Sigmas, but is his hazing all fun and games, or dangerous? Celine Boudreaux knows that William White has an obsession with Elizabeth. Celine wants William all to herself, and despises Elizabeth. But William want ELizabeth desperately. This book is great!

In this book, Jessica Wakefield moves in with Michael McAllery. Mike loves her, but he wants her to make a little more sacrifices for him. Todd and Elizabeth made such a cute couple, but now Todd's dating Lauren, and Tom likes Elizabeth, but I still think Todd and Elizabeth make the best couple. I wish Todd and Elizabeth were together. Todd and Elizabeth forever! They make such a cute couple. Tom has a crush on Elizabeth, but I still think Elizabeth should be with Todd. Elizabeth and Todd are my favorite character, and they are always so cute together in Elementary School and Middle School and High School they were so cute together. I wish Elizabeth and Todd get back together. Todd is made for her. Winston Egbert is a fraternity pledge going through hazing. He does the crazy things, and soon realizes that they are all for nothing. Celine Boudreaux is annoyed. Her love, William White, has an obsession with Elizabeth Wakefield. She has never liked Elizabeth, now she's really out to get her! But William is unfazed. This book is really exciting and great!

This, among the other first 11 books, is one of the best in the series. Jessica decides to move in with her boyfriend, older badboy Mike. But living together doesn't really go over so well with her sorority/school life OR her nosy brother Steven. Jessica makes some decisions about the sorority in this book, and has to get a job to make ends meet. It is nice to see a character concerned with money in these series...it adds a dose of reality to the book! Meanwhile, Winston is putting his life on the line over and over again to join the fraternity, who has decided separately that Winston is a joke. Elizabeth is involved with a campus-athletics scandal, and is getting closer to Tom all the time...but William White is always in the wings, pursuing Elizabeth steadily. It's not as good as the first book, but it's definitely humorous!

I know this book is about child's laws, but, I find it hopelessly flawed when it comes to parental rights and how to protect your rights. If a parent loses their rights, it affects the children. I think there should be a chapter on how to protect yourself during a CPS investigation. The author doesn't really acknowledge that CPS is sometimes wrong and sometimes show a blatant disregard to the rights of the parents and the child. Those issued should be addressed. However, it does seem to cover the judicial process pretty well. Has some good information in all other areas. I think for the price there should be more. I would NOT make this the only book in your library.

I found Ramona John's book informative and invaluable. It is a handy reference for anyone contemplating divorce or concerned about custody, abuse, or parental rights since it covers all aspects of problems likely to be encountered. Concisely and clearly, she explains, among other things, parental rights and duties, getting an attorney for your child, what to expect in a courtroom, how to make a favorable impression on a judge or jury, how paternity is established, adoption is decided, when parental rights can be terminated, and when abuse can be suspected. Disabled children and their special needs are also considered. Although it is written for Texans, I believe this information is probably applicable nationwide. Adults can gain insights and find understanding about themselves in the section covering the effects of abandonment and neglect. I highly recommend this book to anyone faced with the predicament of divorce or concerned with abuse of a child.

Lucky is the parent who can raise a child in today's world without at least one brush with the law. Even if your child never commits a crime, with two out of three marriages ending in divorce, there are issues of custody and child support that must be legally resolved. What if your child runs away from home or is caught dealing drugs? What if you are deemed an abusive or negligent parent and the law steps in to remove your child from the home? When your child is in trouble, wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to talk to a personal friend who just happens to be a retired juvenile court judge? Not many of us have a friend like that, but the next best thing is Ramona John's book "Children and the Law in Texas -- What Parents Should Know." In a non-threatening, conversational tone, John helps the reader understand the nuances of the juvenile justice system. "Get comfortable, this will take a while," she advises before answering a particularly knotty question on paternity. Personal observations and anecdotes are a helpful reminder that even judges are human. Some, like John, are warm and human. The question-and-answer format makes it easy for parents to concentrate on the subject matter even when they may be under stress because of their child's circumstances. The chapter "Keeping Your Child out of Trouble" is worth the price of the book even if you don't live in Texas. Reading it could prevent that dreaded brush with the law that is every parent's nightmare. The best parents may know the guidelines of parental behavior intuitively, but for the rest of us, John's list is a succinct reminder and a starting point for discussion. While good parents teach their children they are responsible for their own acts, that, unfortunately, is not the case where illegal acts by minors are concerned. The question of whether and to what extent parents can be held responsible for their children's acts was thrust into the national conscience by the Columbine school shootings. By giving you an idea of what the law says about parent/child relationships and responsibilities, the book could save you time and money when you need to consult a lawyer. The book will be an eye-opener if you don't know the answers to questions like these: Can a child have more than one presumed biological father? If you face a situation where you must hire an attorney for your child, do you have the right to be present every time your child speaks to the attorney? Do you know the difference between Teen Court and juvenile court? After reading John's book, one can only wish that she could be the designated "explainer" in charge of re-writing the juvenile justice and family codes all over America so they can be understood by ordinary people. After that, she could tackle the federal tax code.