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Dear Auntie Em, When spring arrives, along with an avalanche of graduation announcements and marriage invitations, my husband fumes. He is of the opinion that these are no more than invoices to which we are required to submit payment in order to stay in someone’s good graces. Are there some etiquette books out there that would give him some guidance about modern trends? Signed, Getting out the checkbook in Denver.
Dear Checkbook, Auntie Em is mostly in your husband’s corner when it comes to this issue. It seems odd to send a gift to a relative stranger - one whom you may have seen gamboling about in diapers but you would not know now if you were to trip over them at a garden party. Auntie Em suggests sending these children of distant friends and relations an extremely tasteful card inclusive of nothing. It might be of some advantage to include a particularly insipid or maudlin poem or quotation. This might forestall the seemingly inevitable onslaught of birth announcements which follow, sometimes right on the heels, of wedding announcements. Auntie Em has taken note that almost all etiquette books are written by women. It seems that this is an area that is remaining in the domain of female concern. So it is not particularly surprising that your husband is less than thrilled about engaging in any form of social decorum. Auntie Em would dare to venture that he is reluctant to attend the weddings and affairs to which you are invited. And probably what your husband would prefer is a tome that would support his view with wit and sarcasm. Alas, there is no book exclusively devoted to jeering at our etiquette customs. There are books like Talk to the Hand by Lynn Tuss which lament our lack of social graces and Auntie Em would still commend this book to your husband since I feel certain he would agree with much of what is written there. Books on modern etiquette might still be of value and here are two: 21st-Century Etiquette: Charlotte Ford's Guide to Manners for the Modern Age, by Charlotte Ford. Ford addresses modern issues from the internet to alternative lifestyles and brings old etiquette rules up to date. She clarifies rules and offers reliable advice on how to behave and skillfully solve every social conundrum. The Everything Etiquette Book: A Modern-Day Guide to Good Manners, by Leah Ingram. This is a comprehensive guide but offers particular advice on holidays and gift-giving that your husband might find helpful. All in all Auntie Em feels that bestowing a gift is an expression of optimism and goodwill and even without knowing someone well we can still wish them the best. Yours amid the drift of invitations, Auntie Em
Dear Auntie Em, I recently moved closer to my daughters and their collection of grandchildren. Now I find that I am frequently called upon to entertain one or more of these kids and my store of ideas is running low. What books of ideas would you suggest to help me keep these grandkids occupied? A Good Granny,
Dear Granny, Auntie Em thinks you are extraordinarily kind to allow yourself to be taken advantage of by your daughters. As delightful as grandchildren are there is a certain limit to their charm. And being run ragged by them will certainly damage this vital relationship. Auntie Em adheres to the adage that absence makes the heart grow fonder and encourages you to judiciously monitor the amount of time you spend caring for these little darlings. Auntie Em is quick to warn against board games in which your participation is required. There are two games in particular, Candyland and Chutes and Ladders, which should not be purchased by kindly Grannies. These games are based on pure chance. There is no skill or strategy involved whatsoever. There is less here to keep an adult interested than watching fishing on the fishing network. (Auntie Em apologizes to television watchers who are fisherpeople but frankly it makes no sense to watch people do something that is a quiet and contemplative sort of thing with just a few moments of excitement thrown in – rather like baseball it seems. One really ought to do the fishing and not watch it.) The most disturbing part of these games is their purely random nature. It is statistically possible to end up playing these game until the end of the universe and, take it from Auntie Em, when you are playing for the 100th time and it is lasting nigh on to an hour you would welcome the end of the universe. Auntie Em recommends these following books for you to have on hand. Fun on the Run!: 324 Instant Family Activities by Cynthia Copeland. Copeland has collected lots of simple and quick activities that can be done with out a lot of preparation. These are good activities for time spent waiting - for the bus, at the doctor’s office, at the soccer game. A Lithgow Palooza!: 101 Ways to Entertain and Inspire Your Kids by John Lithgow. This is a completely unique collection of original activities to keep kids from getting bored. And The Official Kid Pix Activity Book: 350 Easy, Educational & Entertaining Projects for You and Your Child by Steven and Ruth Bennett. Written by two leading experts on creative play, the book features quick and easy instructions for 225 great activities that can be done with little or no preparation. Auntie Em also encourages you to carefully choose the toys that are allowed in your home. Some toys have an annoyance level that, though positively delightful for the child, are purely torture for adults. In a store recently, Auntie Em witnessed a grandpa-type play with a space gun that produced a variety of nerve jangling noises. He then suggested to his female counterpart that they buy it for “Ruthie’s little boy.” Grandma looked at him like he had lost his mind and dismissed the very idea by snapping, “Certainly not! She would never speak to us again.” Clearly Grandma had some grasp of the impact of such a toy. Auntie Em would dare say that she has even played Candyland with Ruthie’s little boy.
Yours in the wilds of grandparenthood. Auntie Em
Dear Auntie Em, My partner proposed to me last weekend. It was the proposal of my dreams--- a cool summer evening at Arches National Park, my view of the Delicate Arch obstructed by a beautiful white gold ring with insets of diamonds and sapphires. I've just now begun to recover from the shock and am still walking around on a cloud, staring at my hand. Although we are not planning to be married for a couple of years, we have already started discussing some of the basics and are wondering if you have any recommendations for books which may be able to help us plan a socially responsible and economically feasible event as we celebrate the beginning of a life together.
Feeling Like a Fairy Tale Princess PS- Please tell the owner of The Book Haven that I am forever grateful to her for raising such a wonderful child, with whom I am ecstatic to spend the rest of my life.
Dear Princess, Auntie Em is delighted that you are delighted. You clearly appreciate the value of marriage and although Auntie Em tends toward the cynical with regard to this institution she nonetheless admires your romanticism and that of your partner. We live in times when marriage is assailed from all directions. (Most astonishing, of course, is the notion that marriage needs protection from people who admire the institution enough to want to participate in it. Usually something needs protection from people who want to destroy it, not engage in it.) And it is heartening when a couple takes such commitments seriously and deliberately. You lift Auntie Em’s spirit with your optimism. Here are some of Auntie Em’s suggestions as you begin to plan your wedding ceremony. 1000 Best Wedding Bargains by Sharon Naylor and Bridal Bargains: Secrets to Throwing a Fantastic Wedding on a Realistic Budget by Denise Fields are two books wherein readers will find current, comprehensive information on keeping this important event reasonably priced and fun. There are tips to personalize a wedding, and insider information about getting great deals. Another book is Intimate Weddings: Planning a Small Wedding That Fits Your Budget and Style by Christina Friedrichsen. This book is perfect for anyone planning a wedding with 75 guests or less. This book walks you through every step needed to make the wedding a success. And here is another title: Let's Elope: The Definitive Guide to Eloping, Destination Weddings, and Other Creative Wedding Options by Scott Shaw. This book talks about just what the title suggests. To help maintain a budget you might want to consider a wedding planner. A good one is Bridal Passport Wedding Planner: The Dollars and Sense Guide to Planning Your Wedding by Denise and Alan Fields. This organizer includes detailed worksheets, checklists, and calendars that let the prospective bride and groom write in all the details. Auntie Em also suggests that you explore books on rituals and ceremonies to cull the best parts of these and make them your own. Auntie Em presumes that you are planning on doing this particular ceremony only once in your life so you’ll want to make the day unique to you two. Auntie Em congratulates you on your engagement and will, of course pass on your sentiments to the owner of The Book Haven.
Engagingly Yours, Auntie Em
Dear Auntie Em, My parents think that I am too young to date and sometimes they will not even let me spend the night at my girlfriends’ houses. I can drive and there are times when I just want to get in the car and drive away. Is there a book that can help me get along with my parents? Signed, Almost a runaway
Dear Almost, Auntie Em is aware of the challenges parents present having once been a teenager under the supervision of parents who were remarkably backward until I reached my twenties. Unfortunately, this is a time of your life when patience is your most valuable resource and is simultaneously in its shortest supply. Auntie Em suggests that you first read a book entitled Can I Have the Keys to the Car?: How Teens and Parents Can Talk About Things that Really Matter by a father and son team, Sean D. Paulson and Terry Paulson. The Paulsons offer insights into what it is that makes the generations tick. It might help you at least understand your seemingly hopeless parents. Another good parent and teen book is Closing the Gap: A Strategy for Bringing Parents and Teens Together by Jay McGraw who is Dr. Phil’s son. This book helps you realize there is a bond between your parents and yourself and that you can communicate. Since you are an older teen you might also read Teens Write Through It: Essays from Teens Who’ve Triumphed Over Trouble from Fairview Press. This collection of award winning essays is bound to give you some perspective on what trouble really is. These teens write about overcoming many of the horrors of life from drug addiction to anorexia. Auntie Em gently reminds you that the least of your potential problems is your parents. On a lighter note, and to help you realize all the possibilities out there, a good book to consider is The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares. This book helps you understand the possibilities that are lurking in you at this very moment. Despite the fact that your parents love you enough to try to guide and protect you, there are moments, Auntie Em realizes, when you wish mightily that you were an orphan. Auntie Em has noted that young people who acquiesce to parental authority are often considered more mature and end up with fewer restrictions in the long run. It is an interesting example of non-resistance ultimately getting you what you want.
Yours in the struggle, Auntie Em
Dear Auntie Em, My husband is a terrible driver. He speeds, cuts people off while yelling at them, and even runs stoplights and stop signs. He is normally a delightful, kind, thoughtful man but goes crazy behind the wheel. This has gotten worse and worse over the years and I am on the verge of refusing to ride in the car. He doesn’t want me to drive even though I have never had a ticket and he has had many. I know a book won’t solve all my problems but is there some reading that might help. White Knuckles in Buena Vista
Dear White Knuckles, Auntie Em extends her sympathies having more than once in her life been at the mercy of deranged drivers and politely inquires if your husband’s life insurance is up to date. It is simply astonishing how otherwise mild-mannered men lose their minds at the wheel. Auntie Em’s initial response was to suggest reading up on divorce law but since this behavior manifests itself only behind the wheel of a car, perhaps there is some other useful reading. Auntie Em would first suggest reading 110 Car and Driving Emergencies and How to Survive Them : The Complete Guide to Staying Safe on the Road by James Joseph. It seems wise to Auntie Em that you prepare yourself for what you might be headed for. Next consider this title: The Bad Driver's Handbook: Hundreds of Simple Maneuvers to Frustrate, Annoy, and Endanger Those Around You by Zack and Larry Arnstein. You can tell by the title that this book was meant for your husband. Although it may be too broad a hint, simply leaving this book on the coffee table may convey a much needed message. Another clear choice for you husband is Honku: The Zen Antidote to Road Rage by Aaron Naparstek. This approach is meant to sympathize with your husband as he must encounter the hordes of morons who are allowed to clog the roadways. As you stated, a book will not solve this problem. Auntie Em encourages you to investigate becoming a two-car family if you are not already.
Yours for safer roads, Auntie Em
Dear Auntie Em, My cat is cheating on me! Puffball has been giving me the cold shoulder for weeks and now I know why. Yesterday, I answered my doorbell to find a little old lady holding my happily purring cat. She explained that while I am busy at work, Puffball has been lounging around her house. He has his own bed and toys there, and this woman even admitted to giving him "snacks." Since she was nice enough to come over and ask if this was all okay with me, I just didn't have the heart to tell her no. But now I am heartbroken! And I'm sick and tired of being treated like a drive through restaurant! How could he do this to me? Doesn't he love me anymore? Should I sign us up for counseling? Signed, Two-Timed by a Tabby
Dear Two-Timed, Auntie Em is sorry for your pain. Counseling would be truly one-sided in this situation since cats are extremely reluctant to share intimate details or motivations. Perhaps it was simply high time that you learned the true nature of cats. Auntie Em is herself the owner of a bad cat and a good cat. And the good cat is not so much good as it is indifferent and old. To further enlighten you, Auntie Em suggests you pick up Bad Cat: 244 Not-So-Pretty Kitties and Cats Gone Bad by Jim Edgar. This book will at least give you some perspective on how bad cats can be when they choose. Another book of interest in Cat Behavior by Lowell Ackerman. It is a thorough examination of the hows and whys of cat conduct. This book may give you some insight into the perverse nature of your cat. And lastly, Auntie Em encourages you to peruse 365 Ways to Love Your Cat by D.H. Love. There is a lot to be said for killing with kindness and you just might reduce your cat to a loyal and loving companion by overwhelming him with affection. Ultimately one must remember that cats are not known for their high morals. It is futile to hope for more than is in their nature. Auntie Em suggests that you learn to live with this menage a trios and not take it personally. Yours for feline fidelity, Auntie Em Dear Auntie Em, My head is spinning. Two people I thought I knew are actually much different from what I thought. One told me he is gay and one has decided she wants to be a man. I have struggled with this for several months now and I just can’t understand these two young people. I can’t figure out why they are the way they are. Can you bring me any insight? Are there books out there about these subjects? Getting dizzy in Denver
Dear Dizzy, Grab something and hold on because your dizzying trip into the world of the unknown has only just begun. You were faced with quite a surprise but take heart - these are just a few of many things in your life you will fail to understand. Auntie Em does not understand Republicans, nudists or her own dear children just to mention a few. Many people say their significant others are deep mystery and, perhaps most important of all, many people are unsure of their own motivations. The writers of the Bible admonish one to “know thyself” clearly realizing, several millennia before the advent of psychology, that we ourselves are the biggest enigmas. Ambiguity is a particularly uncomfortable state for most humans. Humans prefer to be able to classify and clarify. Despite this desire, Auntie Em suggests that having everything clear and understandable is not only unlikely but for the most part unimportant. Auntie Em loves her family despite the fact that they are all contrary and difficult people who are riddles wrapped in mystery. Auntie Em treats both nudists and Republicans with equal parts of kindness and compassion. Auntie Em’s lack of insight regarding these people does not prohibit her from both valuing them as humans and treating them with consideration. (Granted, Auntie Em would be stretched to her limits by a nudist Republican!) The very idea of trying to understand all the odd people in the world makes Auntie Em wish to retire to her chaise lounge with a pot of tea. So you are urged to cease trying to fathom the unfathomable and concentrate instead on what you know. Are these good people? Do they make good conversation? Are they presentable to company? Are they kind? If you knew nothing about what they have revealed to you, would you still be friends? Beyond this, is it really important to know all their motivations? Enjoy them. Indeed, Auntie Em can suggest a few books for you to peruse. Loving Someone Gay by Don Clark was originally published in 1977 and has had several updates over the years. It offers courageous support and compassionate guidance for gays, lesbians and the friends and families who love them. Transgender Warriors: Making History From Joan of Arc to Dennis Rodman is written by Leslie Feinberg. Feinberg is a transgendered person who was born female and chooses not to identify as either gender. This accessible but rather scholarly historical view will surely rattle the bars of your particular cage. Auntie Em also suggests that you read Eccentric Lives, Peculiar Notions by John Michell. This book will help you put everything in perspective. Your friends will not seem so far off the charts after you read about folks from Venus, those who still believe the earth is flat, and people who drill holes in their heads. (Alas, natural selection seems to be on vacation.) If worse comes to worse Auntie Em suggests Dramamine which is very good for dizziness.
Peculiarly yours, Auntie Em
Dear Auntie Em, My husband and I are expecting twins this summer. We cannot agree on one name, no matter two (except, no boy of ours will be Phineas!), so we need lists of possibilities. Can you suggest books about names? Sincerely, Nameless
Dear Nameless, Auntie Em offers congratulations on your impending family expansion. Auntie Em would gently remind that you are not naming a baby so much as you are naming a person. One who must live with the name for, one hopes, a very long time. In light of this fact it behooves parents to attempt to foresee the impact certain names may have upon the future adult. Names which seem so cute for a child are perfectly dreadful for the adult. There is also a tendency to be trendy in naming which results in whole herds of Tiffanies, Joshuas and Brittanys (or Britneys, or Britaneys, or Britanees) congregated in classrooms driving kindergarten teachers to distraction. It is everso entertaining to attend high school graduations and be able to identify popular personalities from 18 years before by the names so frequently called out from the platform. So the naming of a child is a delicate balance between the sublime and the ridiculous. The parent should strive for the unique while maintaining a solidly realistic view. Auntie Em also suggests that parents not be overly concerned with the potential nicknames a particular name might invoke. Children are endlessly creative and will find a rude and punishing nickname to torture your child with regardless of what his or her name actually is. There are many great books available regarding baby names. Perhaps you should start with What Not to Name Your Baby by Joe Borgenict. This humorous but relevant guide to the pitfalls of baby names will help you rule out some names immediately. And up the same alley but from the opposite direction is Baby Names Your Child Can Live With by Lisa Shaw.
If you are
looking for the less mundane, more esoteric approach to child naming
these are some titles that might appeal to you. The
Baby Name Wizard: A Magical Method for Finding the Perfect Name for Your
Baby by Laura Wattenberg, Astrological
Names for Your Baby by Anne Mathews, and Cool Names for Babies
by Pamela Redmond Satran and Linda Rosenkrantz. And going a bit farther
afield is Baby Names Around the World by Bruce Lansky. And if it
is truly just a huge list that you are after Lansky has also compiled The
Mother of All Baby Name Books: Over 94,000 Baby Names Complete with
Origins and Meanings. All the best, Auntie Em
Dear Auntie Em, My family is considering buying a pet. We have thought about some different ones but just can’t agree. One child wants a chinchilla another wants a snake. My husband is a dog person and I like birds. Any book suggestions before we open our zoo! Sign me, Animal Lover
Dear Animal Lover, Auntie Em wishes to heartily applaud you for deciding to research your pet choice prior to acquiring one. You may have saved yourselves years of regret. Auntie Em has had many different pets living in her home over the years. She is pleased to see that rabbits are not on your desired list. Although cute and soft, in her experience Auntie Em finds that rabbits do not live up to their cuddly potential. Rabbits kick, struggle and Auntie Em is convinced they would viciously bite if it crossed their minds (which are exceedingly small). But perhaps the most disconcerting thing about rabbits is the alarming rate at which they produce rabbit poop. There is something shockingly unnatural about the ability of a rabbit to eat one cup of food and produce 1½ cups of rabbit pellets. Auntie Em recommends you look at these books. Are You the Pet for Me? Choosing the Right Pet for You Family by Mary Jane Checci. This is a book that not only reviews ways of making this decision but helps families decide what pet fits best with their lifestyle. Another book to consider is The Complete Idiot's Guide to Choosing a Pet by Betsy Sikor Siino. This typical Idiot’s Guide book does cover a wide range of pets including some that you probably have not even thought of. The book is geared toward children so it engages them in this process. A very comprehensive volume is The International Encyclopedia of Pet Care: A Practical Guide to Choosing and Caring for Your Pets by David Alderton. This book goes into detail regarding the care of a wide variety of pets so you can understand what you are getting into. Auntie Em wishes you well in this endeavor and encourages you to seriously reconsider even the thought of a snake. Yours in pet ownership, Auntie Em
Dear Auntie Em, My wife and I are embarking on some home improvements. I hate to admit it but I am not a very handy man. Our house really needs some help and we can’t afford to hire someone for all the work. What books would you suggest that might help us out? Sincerely, Unhandy
Dear Unhandy, You and your wife are in for some exciting adventures. Auntie Em wishes you well and gently reminds that marriage counseling should probably be a budgeted item. Having done some remodeling herself, Auntie Em will offer some do-it-yourself tips. First, when the label on the paint stripper or the polyurethane says to use in a well-ventilated area you really should do that. Auntie Em would rather skip the very good example of why that is important just now and establish the fact that people go to a lot of trouble to create labels with warnings and they translate them the best they can from Japanese and other difficult languages and we really should read them and probably do what they ask as long as the translation seems to make some sense. And, in light of this, Auntie Em would recommend reading the label before opening the paint stripper in a less than well-ventilated area because if you don’t the warning will not make any sense no matter how well translated. Second, Auntie Em firmly believes that applying polyurethane, varnish and other very sticky substances should be done in a cat-free zone. This is not so much for the sake of the cats who seem to find varnish just as delightful to roll in as anything, and are oddly appealing when shaved, but more for the do-it-yourselfer who can become upset when cat hairs are stuck all over the carefully prepared and painstakingly finished surface, varnish fumes notwithstanding (see above). So armed with these useful tips you could begin by reading The Complete Idiot's Guide to Simple Home Improvements by David Tenenbaum. Although Auntie Em is discouraged by the proliferation of titles of this type and believes that there really are no complete idiots in the world, despite those in government who aspire to this designation, this particular volume is an excellent starting place for the neophyte and has numerous illustrations to guide you. Another similar book for beginners is Do-It-Yourself: A Complete Beginner's Home Improvement Manual (Home Decorating, Repairs and Maintenance) by Collins, Holloway and Carr. This highly illustrated book gives you insight into the construction of floors, walls, ceilings, windows, and doors so you can better understand jobs you are tackling. On a slightly different note, and to remind you to be grateful you are not building an entire house, you might want to read House by Tracy Kidder. This book examines the processes involved in the building of a family's first house. There are clashes of wills and personalities, budgeting dramas, and decorating crises. All in all it is an interesting romp through the day-to-day frustrations, tensions, challenges, and triumphs of building a house. Auntie Em wishes you well in your endeavor and hopes that there is no wallpaper involved in this project. Yours in home decorating, Auntie Em Dear Auntie Em, I have terrible headaches which I am told are migraines. I am reluctant to take all the medication that my doctor has prescribed. I want to understand more about headaches to see if I can help myself. What books do you suggest? Hurting in Salida
Dear Hurting, Auntie Em extends her sympathies to a fellow sufferer. Auntie Em has noticed that there are two kinds of people in the world - those who have migraines and those who do not. Or, put another way, there are those who fake sympathy and pat you on the shoulder and say, "Oh, have you got a bad headache?" and those who hear this through searing pain and a host of other symptoms and believe that if we could locate the speaker and strangle him it might somehow elevate our suffering. A migraine is to a garden-variety headache rather like an anaconda is to an earthworm. Not even the same species one might note. Auntie Em also had a struggle with the health professionals. She found that it took a number of years to find a medication that would help with her particular brand of migraine. One of the reasons for this is that migraine is an ailment usually associated with women and, as every good doctor knows, women are prone to exaggeration and hypochondria. So it wasn’t until a few men with migraine became doctors and said, in their guy sort of way, "Hey, this really hurts and seriously messes with you" that any earnest consideration was given to it. Along the way toward finding an effective medication Auntie Em was subjected to a gang of seemingly random if not outright experimental medicines. One of these was called ergotomine. Now it seems that ergotomine is derived from a family of medications related to LSD. If you search LSD sites on the Internet (although Auntie Em is sure you will be put on an FBI list if you do) you will find that ergot is frequently discussed as an hallucinogenic fungus. This little fact was not disclosed to Auntie Em prior to her use of this medication. Auntie Em leaves to your vivid imagination the experience of a migraine compounded by the extra added attraction of hallucinations and experiencing what Auntie Em's friends from the 60s would have called a very bad trip. By all means, Auntie Em encourages you to understand your ailment. A first suggestion is Headache Help: A Complete Guide to Understanding Headaches and the Medications That Relieve Them - Fully Revised and Updated by Susan Lang and Lawrence Robbins. Dr. Robbins is a migraine sufferer himself but in this comprehensive volume all types of headaches are explained. Although coming from an allopathic perspective as a medical doctor, Dr. Robbins includes a discussion of alternative treatments, herbal and diet remedies and self-help treatments such as relaxation and bio-feedback. Another book to consider is No More Headaches No More Migraines by Zuzana Bic and Lubomir Bic. Dr. Zuzana Bic and her husband take a more holistic approach to the problem by suggesting lifestyle changes that may help the headache sufferer diminish or avoid the use of medications. They explain the different types of headaches and their underlying causes. Lastly, Auntie Em suggests you consider I Think, Therefore I Have a Headache: A Laugh-Out-Loud Look at Life, by Martha Bolton because laughter is still considered the best medicine.
Yours in agony and martyrdom, Auntie Em
Dear Auntie Em, I am hoping that there is a book you could recommend that will help me understand why my children seem like alien beings. I know I gave birth to them but there are many days when I shake my head in disbelief and think that they must have some how been switched at birth with demons from the farthest reaches of hell. Please give me some guidance. Signed, Bewildered Mother.
Dear Bewildered Mother, Auntie Em agrees that children can, on occasion, resemble the denizens of the lower reaches and that this impression can last until they are well into their twenties. There is hope however and I suggest that you first read a children's book called Mrs. Piggle Wiggle by Betty MacDonald. In this book a kindly elderly woman (not unlike Auntie Em in many respects) designs specific cures for children who are driving their parents insane. The cures suggested in this book are completely impractical, however I suggest that you read it for two reasons. First, since this book was originally published in 1954, it will remind you that children have always displayed confoundingly perverse behavior. Second, it will make you laugh and parents absolutely must laugh several times a day or their jaws will eventually seal shut from being constantly clenched. After you have read Mrs. Piggle Wiggle, and are able to look at life in a less desperate and gloomy light, Auntie Em suggests another book of more practical value entitled A Good Enough Parent: A Book on Child Rearing by Bruno Bettelheim published in 1988. This is rather a classic regarding how to understand child development and establish your own parenting style. Bruno Bettelheim was a controversial scholar in his own right but this should not discount a solid piece of valuable writing. (Auntie Em always avoids throwing the baby out with the bath water.) Then you could move to a more recent book on child rearing called How to Behave So Your Children Will, Too! by Sal Severe. This is an easy-to-read book with lots of examples regarding practical issues from shopping with children to homework. Auntie Em hopes that her suggestions will bring some relief to your parenting dilemmas and she gently reminds that it is not so much in the reading but in the application of what is read that the true difference will arise.
Yours in the wilds of parenthood, Auntie Em
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