Books
Blessing of a Skinned Knee: Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Self-Reliant Children
by Wendy Mogel
Every parent hopes their child will be self-reliant, optimistic, and well mannered, a challenge in our current culture. Clinical psychologist and Jewish educator Wendy Mogel distills the ancient teachings of the Torah, the Talmud, important Jewish thinkers, and contemporary psychological insights into nine blessings that address key parenting issues such as:
* determining realistic expectations for each child
* respect for adults
* chores
* mealtime battles
* coping with frustration
* developing independence and self-control
* resisting over-scheduling and over-indulgence
Summer Camp Handbook: Everything You Need to Find, Choose and Get Ready for Overnight Camp and Skip the Homesickness
by Christopher A. Thurber & Jon C. Malinowski
The Summer Camp Handbook is a lively, comprehensive paperback written for parents and kids interested in overnight camp. Psychologist Christopher Thurber, PhD, and behavioral geographer Jon Malinowski, PhD, both long-time campers, then cabin leaders and senior staff, guide families in their search for the best possible camp and an unforgettable camp experience.
Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls (Ballantine Reader's Circle)
by Mary Pipher
At adolescence, says Mary Pipher, "girls become 'female impersonators' who fit their whole selves into small, crowded spaces." Many lose spark, interest, and even IQ points as a "girl-poisoning" society forces a choice between being shunned for staying true to oneself and struggling to stay within a narrow definition of female. Pipher's alarming tales of a generation swamped by pain may be partly informed by her role as a therapist who sees troubled children and teens, but her sketch of a tougher, more menacing world for girls often hits the mark. She offers some prescriptions for changing society and helping girls resist.
Queen Bees and Wannabees by Rosalind Wiseman
The 'Gentler Sex'? Not so, according to Rosalind Wiseman. Girls can be cruel. In her compelling book Queen Bees and Wannabes Wiseman cracks the 'girl code' and explains how girls' friendships are the key to enduring adolescence - as well as the biggest threat to their happiness and well-being. Rosalind Wiseman has spent a decade listening to girls talk about the powerful impact that girl cliques have on what they wear, how they respond to boys and how they feel about themselves. Here, quoting dozens of adolescent and teenage girls, she reveals her findings and teaches parents how to: Understand the secret world of cliques; Identify the various roles teenage girls play - including Queen Bees, Wannabes, Messengers, Bankers and Targets; Infiltrate 'Girl World' to analyse teasing and gossip; boys and sex; alcohol and drugs and more; Help your daughter to take control of her situation - using the book's sample scripts, bulleted lists and easy to use advice. Written in a down-to-earth style and packed with examples and tips, Queen Bees and Wannabes is an invaluable guide for parents to empower their daughters and themselves.
Websites
ACA Media Center
American Camp Association Resource for Families
Do you have a resource we should know about? We would love to hear from you! Please contact Kate Lemay at klemay@ymcaboston.org
