Help is out there – look in your library

Published 3:31 pm Wednesday, March 12, 2008

By Staff
Well my major non-work related project of the year is finally finished.
For the past 10 years or so, I have been a judge for the annual Benjamin Franklin Awards, hosted by PMA, the Independent Book Publishers Association.
I don't receive any pay for this, but I am the recipient of many new books which I am allowed to give away, donate to the library or keep and enjoy. This year I had 50 to evaluate.
I try not to be picky and allow the organization to choose what category I will be judging each year. Sometimes I must decide the best cover designs, whereas other times I judge the writing.
This year I was a design judge of both the cover and inside, of type, spacing, use of photos, etc.
My category though came just a few years too late – as all the books were about parenting.
As my baby turns 28 this week and my eldest son, 37, on Saint Patrick's Day, I could have used some of these books when my four were growing up.
The topics varied from dealing with gifted children to autism.
Some of the concerns have become more important to parents in today's world, where kids bring guns to school and we need to know how to keep our children safe.
I remember when I was having some problems with one of my children which I began to believe were food related. I kept a food diary and watched to see if their behavior was related to what they had consumed.
I felt I was pretty much alone in determining a solution. A few of these books dealt with just that topic.
For parents whose children wouldn't eat anything but junk, there are some great books just out which offer simple ideas and even recipes.
When lifestyles change, such as another baby is on the way, or there is a death in the family, parents don't have to help their children with the transition alone.
There are some good books which can help. If you are thinking about adopting, your questions can be answered.
Having a hard time as your teenager moves into adulthood and independence? Worried he or she is into drugs? Go visit your local library. Answers and help are on every shelf.
Many of the books I judged the last few years have gone to the Cass County District Library and I expect to donate many of these parenting books there also.
I admit, I surely didn't agree with all the books. Though other people believe in sleeping with their baby, I treasured my sleep too much to do so.
At least that book and many others are attempting to educate parents on the proper way to do things.
Anyone can become a better parent by being interested in their children, really listening to their needs and concerns and taking advantage of the knowledge of those who have gone before, whether these authors or our own parents.
We don't get a second chance to be a parent, they grow too quickly. If we miss an opportunity, it probably won't come around again.