Bibliographies
The following bibliography has been compiled from the Australian Family & Society Abstracts database and other resources held in the Institute's library. Where available a link to the document on the Web is provided. Most items can be borrowed from the Institute's library via the inter library loan system. Online publications in PDF format require Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Resources for parents
A handbook for happy families: a practical and fun-filled
guide to managing children's behaviour.
Irvine, J
Sydney, NSW: Finch Publishing, 2002, 214, figures, tables
The
author provides practical advice on parenting issues. He explains the
happy / sad face discipline system, which he developed. He discusses
parenting by stepparents, single parents, gay and lesbian parents,
parents of twins and grandparents. In the three main sections of the book
he discusses a range of approximately 40 common behaviours that children
exhibit, divided by the following age groups: baby and preschoolers aged
0-5 years; school aged children 6-11 years; and high school children aged
12-16 years.
Adolescence: a guide for parents.
Carr-Gregg,
M; Shale, E
Sydney, NSW: Finch Publishing, 2002, 232p
The authors wrote this book because they identified a need for a book to
help take some of the fear out of parenting. They outline practical and
achievable strategies to help parents build a more positive relationship
with their adolescent children. They examine the different stages of
adolescence, the ideal environment for raising an adolescent, the
importance of communication, questions of sexuality, and what to do in
case of an emergency. The authors conclude with a chapter on frequently
asked questions, covering issues such as alcohol, smoking, sibling
arguments, divorce and single parenting.
Boosting children's self-esteem through
encouragement.
Grose, Michael
Balnarring, Vic:
Michael Grose Presentations Pty Ltd, 2003, 32p and CD-ROM (DIY Parenting
Program)
Targeting parents of children of all ages, this
program is part of a series on parenting. It aims to assist parents in
boosting their children's self esteem through encouragement. The program
provides an overview of self esteem and discusses the development of self
esteem at different childhood stages. The author talks about the need
for parents to build their own self esteem before they can build their
child's self esteem, and the importance of differentiating when
encouragement rather than praise is appropriate. Part of the program is
aimed at helping children rise to new challenges in their lives and in
permitting them to make mistakes.
Beyond toddlerdom tips: quick fixes for keeping children five
to twelve on the rails.
Green, Christopher
Milsons
Point, NSW: Doubleday, 2004, 161p, illus.
Tips are offered
for parents of children aged five to twelve in the following chapters:
the secrets of successful parenting; how five to twelves think, feel and
behave; why children behave badly; positive discipline; punishment
without pain; help for behaviour problems; tips for starting school;
sibling squabbles; increasing self esteem; diet, weight and exercise; and
going solo. There is also a section titled troubleshooting: behaviours
A-Z.
Careers and motherhood, challenges and choices: how to
successfully manage your career through pregnancy, birth and
motherhood.
Mitchell, Karen
Sydney, NSW:
McGraw-Hill, 2004, 348p
Drawing on the experiences of a broad
range of women with professional backgrounds, this book is intended as a
practical guide for women managing the issues and choices associated with
balancing parenting and career. It covers topics such as planning for
pregnancy, managing a career through pregnancy, preparing for the birth,
adapting to motherhood, relationship and sex life, flexible work options,
resuming a career after childbirth, childcare options, travelling for
business with children, having a career without guilt, making the
parenting choice.
Creating resilient families.
Fuller, Andrew
Camberwell, Vic: Australian Council for Educational Research, 2004, 40
activity cards
This resource offers parents practical
solutions to common problems of parenting adolescents. It is comprised
of a pack of 40 topic sheets, based on the authors book, Raising Real
People, on the following subjects: parents over time; teenage bedrooms;
bullying; chores; communication; computer use; concentration; depression;
dieting; drugs and alcohol; fathers; fears, worries and anxieties;
arguments; friendships; getting your teenager out of bed; grief; guilt;
homework; chronic illness; jealousy; money; mothers; motivation; parties;
pocket money; resilience; running away; school; school refusal; school
transitions; self esteem; separation and divorce; sex and romance;
siblings; single parents; telephones; television; temper; blended
families.
Choosing positive paths: a resource and information kit for
parents concerned about their children.
Womens's Health
West (Victoria); Berry Street Victoria
Melbourne, Vic: Women's
Health West and Berry Street Victoria, 2003, 10 brochures (4p each),
figures
This kit is comprised of the following brochures
containing information and suggestions for parents and workers:
parenting, violence and your safety; parenting a baby who has experienced
violence; parenting a toddler who has experienced violence; parenting a
preschooler who has experienced violence; parenting a five to 12 year old
who has experienced violence; parenting a teenager who has experienced
violence; parenting and talking about separation, moving house and
contact visits; parenting and talking about behaviour and the effects of
violence; parenting, violence and legal issues; parenting, violence and
who can help.
Every child is important: a
booklet for parents.
Australian Childhood
Foundation
Ringwood, Vic: Australian Childhood Foundation, 2004,
17p, and Online (PDF 983K)
Simple tips on parenting are
provided in this booklet. The booklet discusses the importance of seeing
things through a child's eyes, parenting myths, the early years, play,
communicating with children, shaping children's behaviour, misbehaviour,
brothers and sisters, accepting difference, helping children cope with
stressful events and keeping children safe from harm. The booklet
contains a list of organisations that can provide support and further
information.
How to raise fantastic kids that others will rave
about.
Grose, Michael
Balnarring, Vic: Michael Grose
Presentations Pty Ltd, 2003, 38p and CD-ROM (DIY Parenting Program)
This program is part of a series on parenting which aims to
build: children's confidence and self esteem; a sense of teamwork; and
self discipline. It is designed for parents of children of all ages. The
program is divided into the following sections: Why are children so
different? Developing confidence and self esteem in children; Developing
teamwork; Managing children's behaviour; and Putting it all together -
developing a parenting plan.
Intuitive mothering: trusting your own child-rearing
instincts.
McPherson, Lyn
Frenchs Forest, NSW: New
Holland, 2006, 189p
Human mothers have the same instincts
about how to help their offspring survive and thrive as animals do. This
book counsels mothers to rid themselves of the expectations and pressure
associated with expert advice. The chapters are: Rediscovering your
instinct and intuition; Liberating yourself from convention; Fending off
unwanted influences and pressure; Modern trends in child rearing versus
mother's intuition; Facing challenges and adversity; Awakening the joy
within; Nurturing an enlightened child; Teaching your child social
skills; Teaching techniques for the in tune mother; Parents working as
partners; and Letting go to keep connected.
Just like us: parenting children with intellectual
disabilities.
Martin, Carol
South Melbourne, Vic:
Lothian Books, 2003, 224p, ill
In part one of this book, the
author documents her experience of raising twin girls who had an
intellectual disability and cerebral palsy. The second part contains
strategies and support advice for parents of children with intellectual
disabilities and covers a definition of intellectual disability,
emotions, early intervention, education, post school options, employment,
leisure and peer support groups, sexuality and disabilities, and support
for parents and carers. The author also presents a directory of services
for children with disabilities in Australia and New Zealand.
Kid-wrangling: the real guide to caring for babies, toddlers
and preschoolers.
Cooke, Kaz
Camberwell, Vic:
Penguin Books, 2003, 771p, ill, tables
The author provides
information and advice about raising young children. Part one concerns
babies and includes the following topics: newborn babies; parents'
support teams; worries about newborns; post birth mother health;
breastfeeding; bottle feeding; nappies; vomiting; sleeping; crying;
possible routines for babies; washing the baby; bonding; feeling
overwhelmed or depressed; learning to eat; baby development from birth to
one year; toys and games for babies. Parts two and three concern toddlers
and preschoolers and discuss many of the above topics. Part four is about
parenting and discusses: parenting philosophy; unpaid and paid work;
fathers; coping strategies for parents; families; behaviour and
discipline; helping kids understand adult concepts; child care,
kindergarten and preschool. Part five discusses other topics including:
names and paperwork; equipment; home safety; clothes; dummies and thumbs;
teeth; food; health; being active; immunisation; twins and triplets;
reading; television, videos and films; art and music; travel; parties and
activities.
Listening to children.
New South Wales. Commission for
Children and Young People
Sydney, NSW: NSW Commission for Children
and Young People, 2001, 2p (Information sheet no.2), Online (PDF 76K)
This information sheet offers advice to parents about how to
show children that they are loved; building your child's self esteem;
child abuse and listening to children; being positive; making
conversation; what to do if you think your child has a problem; and where
to get more information and help.
Parenting in a new culture: the preschool years: a parenting
education guide for Chinese parents in Australia.
Schmidt,
Carol Cheung
Melbourne, Vic: Migrant Resource Centre North East,
2003, 47p
The Parenting in a New Culture project aims to
strengthen and support parents' roles and enhance parents' skills to
raise their children confidently in the Australian context. Targeting
Chinese parents in Australia, this education guide comprises eight
sessions: how cultural conflicts affect Chinese parenting; understanding
mental stages and needs of children; self esteem and self confidence;
enhancing children's language development; how to communicate with your
children effectively; resolving conflicts with your children effectively;
how to discipline your children; and stress management for Chinese
parents. A listing of support networks is also included.
Parenting Information Project: final report.
Royal
Children's Hospital (Melbourne, Vic). Centre for Community Child
Health
Canberra, ACT: Department of Family and Community Services,
2004, 5 v., various pagings, and Online
Phase One of the
government's Parenting Information Project, undertaken between January
and May 2004 and documented here, has been to develop the evidence base
around early childhood and parenting by finding out what information
parents want and need to assist them in their parenting role, at what
transition points, and how they would prefer to receive this information.
This report on Phase 1 is in five volumes: 1) Main report; 2) Literature
review; 3) Research into the information needs of Australian parents; 4)
Consultation with professionals; and 5) Compilation of information and
program materials. A separate project with an Indigenous focus has also
been undertaken.
Parenting
through family transitions.
Amato,
P. R.
Social Policy Journal of New Zealand, 23, 31–44.
2004
Children with divorced parents tend to score lower on a variety of measures of adjustment and wellbeing than children with two continuously-married parents. The most important factor is a deterioration in the quality of parent–child relationships. Following divorce, many single custodial mothers experience stress that interferes with the quality of parenting. The amount of time that non-custodial fathers have to spend with children is often inadequate to develop anything other than superficial relationships. Weak emotional bonds with parents, in turn, predict a variety of negative long-term outcomes among children. This paper reviews several policies in the United States that attempt to strengthen parent–child bonds following divorce, including parent education courses and the shift toward joint custody. The paper also looks at recent policies that adopt a preventive approach, that is, programs that aim to strengthen marital quality and decrease the rate of divorce. (Journal abstract, edited)
Resources
for separating parents.
Murphy,
Paul
In: Smyth, B., Richardson, N. and Soriano, G. eds.
Proceedings of the International Forum on Family
Relationships in Transition: legislative, practical
and policy responses: 1-2 December 2005. Melbourne,
Vic: Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2006,
p168-171, and Online
The use of early intervention methods with
separating parents is discussed. The paper shares
some observations of separating parents who have
attended the Contact Orders Program, and looks at
how to formulate successful parenting plans and other
services that can assist separating parents.
Seasons for Growth: resiliencing children and families
post divorce or separation.
Dowling,
Lyn.
In:
Families Matter: 9th Australian Institute of
Family Studies Conference, Melbourne, February
2005 - proceedings. Melbourne, Vic: Australian
Institute of Family Studies, 2005, 6p, Online only
This paper describes the Seasons for Growth Program, a short-term peer support program that focuses on building individual and group resilience. The program forms part of an innovative and responsive continuum of support that is available for children and adults who have experienced significant life events such as relationship difficulties, separation or divorce. It fosters life-skills to deal with future change.
What to do when your children turn into
teenagers.
Bennett, D; Rowe, L
Sydney, NSW:
Doubleday, 2003, 387p
The authors state that this is more
than a self-help book for parents. They see it as a clarion call to
action, noting that about 20 per cent of young people are at risk or in
crisis, and that this has implications for our whole society. Drawing
upon the voices of young people, and upon contemporary adolescent health
research and their own combined experience across several decades (both
as clinicians and parents), the book provides practical advice and
guidance on topics ranging from lifestyle to limit setting, acne to
anxiety, sexuality, mental health and drugs. It covers what every parent
needs to know about each stage of adolescence.
Why first borns rule the world and last borns want to change
it.
Grose, M
Milsons Point, NSW: Random House
Australia, 2003, 200p
A child's position in his or her family
impacts on the child's personality, behaviour, learning and even earning
capacity. The author argues that birth order theory adds a defined and
identifiable dimension to children's personality development. Birth
order theory is about understanding a child's place in the family and its
impact on their life. As well as providing an explanation concerning
birth order, this book also provides marital advice, sibling management
skills and parenting advice.
Why won't my child do as I say? Practical strategies to make
discipline simple.
Grose, Michael
Balnarring, Vic:
Michael Grose Presentations Pty Ltd, 2003, 35p and CD-ROM (DIY Parenting
Program)
This program is part of a series on parenting which
aims to assist people in becoming better parents. The goal is for
parents to develop their own set of values and philosophies and show how
to create a flexible parenting plan. The program begins by discussing
what discipline is about, achieving discipline balanced between control
and freedom, understanding children's behaviour, changing children's
behaviour, and developing a discipline plan.
Post separation parenting
Because it's for the kids: building a secure parenting base
after separation.
McIntosh, Jennifer
Bundoora, Vic:
Children in Focus, Australian Institute for Primary Care, La Trobe
University, 2005, 20p, ill
Separation does not have to be
harmful for the kids if it is managed well by the adults. This booklet,
written for parents, discusses the effects on children and adolescents of
separation and divorce, with a focus on how to minimise parental conflict
and create a secure emotional environment for the children.
Creative parenting after separation.
Seddon, E
Crows Nest, NSW: Allen and Unwin, 2003, 248p
The focus of this book is on how to achieve a good
separation for parents, and to particularly consider
the best interests of the children involved. Current
research and case studies are used to explore the
concept of creative parenting, and the different
parenting pathways that can follow separation. Chapters
include discussion of: ill fitting or unbalanced
relationships; gender roles and attitudes, and consequences
for separation; and, ideas about separation, including
feelings of guilt and fault. Models for building
a creative parenting partnership throughout the many
stages of separation and divorce are proposed and
tips for maintaining the creative parenting relationship
included.
Me
and my kids and my ex: forming a workable relationship
for the benefit of your children. Tips and hints
on surviving separation.
Child Support Agency (Australia)
Belconnen, ACT: Child Support Agency, 2005, 46p,
and Online (PDF 1.06MB)
A booklet containing hints and tips on surviving
separation, with information to help separated parents
deal with emotions and develop a relationship, for
the benefit of their children, about making shared
parenting decisions, such as providing education,
looking after their health and providing a home.
Contacts and resources are suggested.
Me and
my kids: parenting from a distance: tips and hints to help you build on
you relationship with your children after separation.
Helpful Partners Pty Ltd; Family Court of Australia; Australia.
Department of Family and Community Services; Child Support Agency
(Australia)
Canberra, ACT: Child Support Agency, 2002, 37p and
Online (PDF 612K)
Written as a practical guide for parents
who have separated or who spend time away from their children, this book
offers advice on different situations parents may face. It includes
topics such as keeping the contact with your children alive, dealing with
the other parent and possibly their partner, and planning the time you
spend together with your children. The advice in the book is designed to
achieve the best possible outcome for everyone, but particularly the
child. The book includes a list of useful resources and contacts.
Parenting after separation: making the most of family
changes.
Burrett, J
Sydney, NSW: Finch Publishing,
2002, 198p
The author gives practical advice on how to parent
well after separation or divorce. She includes anecdotes from both
parents and children illustrating how they have coped with the
separation. The author emphasises how to remain positive, focussing on
the child's well being as well as considering the ex partner and their
relationship with the children. She also discusses step parenting, single
parent families and generally how children cope with separation and
divorce.
Surviving separation: how to protect your children, your
finances, and your sanity.
Conlan, Celia
Carlton
North, Vic: Scribe Publications Pty Ltd, 2006, 270p
This book
is aimed at those people in relationships with children who may be
considering separation, or who have separated, and who now face the task
of living apart satisfactorily. The author notes that separating from a
relationship, particularly one with children, is not a contained or
finite event, but rather a process. The focus remains principally on the
conduct of individuals and how their behaviour impacts upon their success
in surviving separation. The author aims to assist couples in making
informed decisions about when and how to end their relationship; how to
negotiate post separation arrangements both in and out of court; and how
to avoid the fallout created by misunderstandings and resentment. The
book is interspersed with anecdotes and case studies.
What
about me? Taking care of yourself: practical ideas on looking after
yourself after separation.
Child Support Agency
(Australia)
Canberra, ACT: Child Support Agency, 2004, 44p, and
Online (PDF 1.79MB)
Aimed at separated parents, this booklet
contains practical advice to help parents recognise and deal with the
emotional upheaval of separation so that they can move forward. It
contains the following sections: Separation and feelings; What are
stress, anxiety and depression?; Building your self confidence; Conflict;
What is my child going through?; Useful contacts.