One Woman’s choice by Karen Whitaker

One Woman's ChoiceOne Woman’s Choice by Karen Whitaker This book had a place in my 2013 April A to Z Challenge. Karen then invited me to read and review her work, which I have the pleasure of providing for you below.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Karen Whitaker’s book reveals her life from its start in the 1960’s in America, it was a challenging life at times, filled with struggles including; prejudice, single parenting, step children, half-brother and sisters. We feel Karen’s pain as she grows up in an extended family where love was often needed more than it was given. Karen’s family, peers and religion shape some of her later choices involving abortion, adoption and her own single parenting. Karen hopes that her book will help others who find themselves with similar choices to make in their own lives.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Womans-Choice-Karen-Whitaker/dp/1475952155/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367170677&sr=8-1&keywords=One+Woman%27s+choice+by+karen+whitaker

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“T” Talk of the Playground by Rosie Amber

Letter “T” is ALL MINE! I can’t let the opportunity go by without a small plug for my own book now can I?

Even though I’m telling you about my own writing I’ll still really appreciate your help promoting this post via your social networks because I’m on my own with this one today! Also a comment or 5! below would be really terrific,  thanking you in advance…..

When the police have been seen at school on the second day of term, fighting breaks out amongst parents and gossip about individuals threatens to spiral out of control, can Mrs Hardy, the Headmistress at Moortulk Primary keep control for another school year? Sophie Grey lands a self-made job where she is in a prime position to hunt out the inside story. Is this an idyllic English school?
Talk of the Playground - purple 1563

Here is  a lovely 5* review for my book;

Rosie Ambers first novel is a dry, humorous look into the world of the english school yard – the workings of a school, the children’s antics and also the parents which are considerably funnier – a real life glimpse of the minefield that parents need to cross whilst steering their offspring through their school years punctuated by the english festivals, fetes and fundraisers that make up a school year. Sometimes true life is stranger than fiction! A must read for any mums who navigate the daily trials of junior school life.
If you have enjoyed reading and taking part in my AtoZ Challenge through-out April, My book as a new purchase in your collection would be greatly appreciated! Thank You for your kindness. If you already own a copy then please consider buying a copy of the soon to be released sequel “Talk of the Village school”.
Rosie
Here are 5 randomly selected links to more AtoZ Bloggers;

Love Bombing

There’s a great article in You magazine today about dealing with grumpy, threatening, depressed,shy, underachieving or hyperactive children. In fact the method sounded good for any number of relationship issues with your child.

“Love Bombing – Reset Your Child’s Emotional Thermostat” is a book written by Oliver James and published by Kamac Books. It describes a technique, quite the opposite to strict punishment, where by you give your child intense love for a set time. The child is told that are going to have a period where they can do whatever they like within reason, whilst having the exclusive attention of a parent. The child is in charge of where they go, what they do, when they eat, when they go to bed along with getting lots of cuddles and being told that they are loved as often as possible. The time frame could be a weekend, a day or short bursts. Afterwards the experience needs to be rekindled daily for a half hour for it to have lasting effects.

Surprisingly the child is willing to accept boundaries afterwards. Often with stricter discipline the child is playing up because they are feeling needy and deprived, loveless and powerless. Love bombing dissolves the anger and neediness leaving calmer more biddable children. It’s more than just “Quality time” it’s about going the extra mile and reaping the benefits. Sounds good to me.

Love Bombing- Reset Your Child’s Emotional Thermostat by Oliver James

Get Ahead

Parents in touch have their latest newsletter out full of tips to help your child get started in the new school year. It’s a great site with lots of downloads, exam papers and information for parents.

The Water BabiesThe Water Babies by Charles Kingsley

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book is a classic. It is a fairy tale with a moral. A bit like eating cardboard at times. Full of remarks related to the political and social scene of the times, so was sometimes hard to follow.

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Have now moved on to the very funny “Thrift” By Phil Church. Will let you know when I’ve finished it.
ThriftThrift by Phil Church

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Very funny romp through a term at an English Secondary school. All the horrors of a group of unruly kids lead by a team of failing teachers, whose own lives are failing at the same time.

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A Parent’s Guide to Primary School by Elizabeth Grahamslaw

In the interests of research I have just read the following book; A Parents’ Guide to Primary School by Elizabeth Grahamslaw. Published by Virgin Books ltd ISBN 9780753511077 It is full of very useful tips an information in readable blocks. With examples and quotes from teachers and parents. It would be good to read if you were choosing a primary school, plus it is good for a recap during any time that you child is in primary education. There is even a piece at the end about the transition to secondary. Some of the tips and advice would cover any number of years that your child is in school. First published in 2004, it has been revised, and as education policies constantly change it may be a little out of date for some, but it has some very sensible material.

Under Parenting

The Underparent
Playgroundparent: Parenting has once again come full circle, with an article in the Daily Telegraph by Glenda Cooper: “Tiger mums, it’s best to underparent”. Cath Prisk, the director of the charity Play England, now challenges parenting styles that produce “Cotton wool kids”. “Helicopter parenting, lawnmower parents and Tiger mums” should now be looking at “Underparenting”. Led by Dr Madeline Levine, Prisk supports the ideas which teach our children independence, communication and flexibility. I’m sure there will be a lot more discussion on the matter to come.
Rosie