With so many parenting resources out there these days, do you really need another one? In the case of Attachment Parenting, the answer is yes. The term attachment parenting was coined by pediatrician William Sears, and refers to a method of child-rearing that focuses on intuitive care of infants and children. In the introduction by Dr. Sears, the features of attachment parenting are described as the Ôbaby b’s’: birth bonding, breastfeeding, bedsharing (sleeping with your baby), babywearing (carrying your baby in a sling), and belief in the signal value of an infant’s cry. Granju and Kennedy explain in the first paragraphs that their book is fundamentally different from typical parenting books, particularly because this philosophy trusts that the parents in partnership with the child are the parenting experts. No one author, doctor, or other person can or should tell a parent exactly when their infant should sleep, eat, or even cry. In addition, many of the philosophical principles, such as responding quickly to an infant’s cries, run counter to those that permeate American parenting in the 20th century.

After defining attachment parenting in depth, Granju and Kennedy offer advice about how to prepare for the baby on the way and an attachment-style birth. Much of the rest of the book is devoted to the two most controversial aspects of attachment parenting: extended breastfeeding and sharing sleep. For those concerned that this style conflicts with working outside the home, Attachment Parenting spends a chapter addressing the issue, and even goes so far as to provide a template letter requesting the creation of a baby-friendly workplace.

Through the use of cross-cultural comparisons, anecdotal evidence, and excerpts by researchers, the authors present evidence that attachment parenting works in all types of families. It’s reassuring to read about the successful experiences of other parents and to learn how this parenting style has affected their lives and relationships with their children.

For both those familiar with attachment parenting and neophytes, some of the strongest aspects of the book are the comprehensive lists of like-minded publications and electronic media. News-groups, websites, magazines, and even other parenting books are referenced. Attachment Parenting is a must for those who plan to attachment parent.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has just gotten an updated treatise from Dr. Larry Silver. Silver is clinical professor of psychiatry and director of training in child and adolescent psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine. He is also the author of The Misunder-stood Child: Understand-ing and Coping with Your Child’s Learning Disabilities. In this second edition of Dr. Larry Silver’s Advice to Parents on ADHD, he clarifies terminologies, explains criteria of diagnosis, and separates myth from research findings. It also details the syndrome’s companions, learning disabilities and social and emotional disorders.

ADHD is related to a specific neurotransmitter deficiency in the brain. There is no one definitive measure, but a comprehensive, multidisciplinary battery of tests along with anecdotal records can provide a diagnosis. Best numbers indicate that 3 to 6 percent of the school-age population has ADHD. It is more common among boys, perhaps because boys are more apt to act out their frustration than girls.

The growing number of ADHD cases has to do with an enlightened public, a willingness for adults to be evaluated, and increased availability of research findings. Symptoms include hyperactivity and/or inattention and/or impulsivity. Fifty percent of all cases can be attributed to heredity; the rest result from a wide variety of undetermined causes. Half of diagnosed ADHD cases will see their symptoms diminish after puberty.

In 30Ð40 percent of ADHD cases, learning disabilities co-exist. Furthermore, stress can result in secondary social and emotional problems. All require specialized treatment, starting in the home. Dr. Silver proposes a behavior program with enough details about rewards and consequences to restore order in most households.

There is no topic that confuses parents more than medication. Just because stimulants can be 80 percent effective, does that mean that my child should take stimulants and other drugs? What about side effects, such as stunting growth, and benefits of megavitamins and biofeedback to teach new brain wave patterns? ADHD families are nearing burnout and deserve as much accurate information, support, and direction as this book and others like it can offer.