Parent resources - Bibliography - Stronger Families Learning Exchange - Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS)

Bibliography - Resources for parents

compiled by Joan Kelleher, September 2003

Table of contents

Note: See also the specially compiled list of Online resources, Information and help for parents

Aboriginal families

Australian Broadcasting Corporation; Australia. Department of Health and Family Services Home truths: my place, my people. Canberra, ACT: Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Department of Health and Family Services, 1997, 30 min. video (Home truths: family life from the inside; no.9)

Charting the journeys of two individuals seeking to establish their cultural identity, this episode from the video series Home Truths features a man who feels compelled to travel to the land from which his Aboriginal mother was forcibly taken as a child, and a Greek-Australian woman who, having grown up in Australia, has a strong desire to settle in Greece. Issues addressed include: caring for older people; cultural identity; death; family; racism; and stolen children.

Godfrey, A, ed. Passages through parenthood: real-life stories from Australian parents. Port Melbourne, Vic: Thomas Lothian, 2000, 245p

Consisting of a collection of stories told by parents about the compromises and learning experiences involved in bringing up children, this book addresses the nature of society's attitudes to parents and children and reveals how parents cope and what they think about their role in society. Issues raised include: multiple births; single fathers and single mothers; adoption; househusbands; full time working parents; parenting children with chronic illness; father role; parenting teenagers; stepfamilies; teenage mothers; work and family relationship; returning to the workforce after full time parenting; single father of an adopted child; voluntary work; division of labour; sudden infant death syndrome; disabled children; refugees; cultural differences; lesbian mothers; relinquishing mothers; foster parents; and an urban Aboriginal family.

Behaviour management

Cann, W Preventing sleep problems in young children. Victorian Parenting Centre News v.2 no.2 Nov 1999: 4-5

Nearly one third of parents of children in the birth to 3 years age group report that their children have experienced sleeping problems such as frequent night waking. This article discusses the impact of sleeping difficulties, treating sleep disturbance, and preventing sleep disturbance.

Grose, M One step ahead: raising 3-12 year olds. Milsons Point, NSW: Random House Australia, 2000, 381p

Offering practical advice on child raising, this book first outlines the author's approach to parenting and then provides strategies for dealing with particular behaviours. Chapters one to ten cover the principles of democratic parenting. They are followed by: A-Z: strategies for promoting independence and dealing with problem behaviour. Finally there is a short section on older children, puberty and beyond.

Irvine, J A handbook for happy families: a practical and fun-filled guide to managing children's behaviour. 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.

Matthews, J Bedwetting: a manual for parents. Melbourne, Vic: Ramsey Coote Instruments, 1994, 28p, illus.

This manual offers information about enuresis and provides practical systematic advice about the management of children's bedwetting. It describes different treatment methods, and especially focuses on the bell and pad technique. A consumer's guide covers equipment, where to seek help, quality of supervision, questions to ask.

Boys

Biddulph, S Raising boys: why boys are different and how to help them become happy and well-balanced men. Sydney, NSW: Finch, 1997, 184p, illus.

In this book the author examines the most important issues in boys' development from birth to manhood, and discusses the parenting and guidance that boys need. He divides the growth from boyhood to manhood into three stages: from birth to six, when the boy primarily belongs to his mother; from six to fourteen, when the boy looks more and more to his father for interest and activity; and from fourteen to adult, when the boy needs input from male mentors if he is to complete the journey into being fully grown up. The author looks at how the brains of boys and girls differ, the role of fathers, the relationship between mothers and sons, developing a healthy sexuality and male sex hormones, education for boys, the role of sport in boys' development and community participation.

Howard, J Bringing up boys: a parenting manual for sole mothers raising sons. Camberwell, Vic: Australian Council for Educational Research, 1998, 120p, illus

Aimed at social workers, counsellors and psychologists who are interested in doing group work with sole mothers, this book describes the Bringing Up Boys program which was developed by the Family Violence Prevention Project at Glen Iris Community Centre, Victoria and which has been conducted in inner urban, suburban, and regional areas of Victoria. The focus is on sole mothers raising sons independently of their fathers' involvement and the following issues are addressed: theoretical foundations of the program; group leadership approach; gender stereotypes; communication; feelings and emotions; discipline; dealing with anger; separation, grief and loss; sexuality; parenting after violence; and lesbian mothers parenting sons.

West, P What is the matter with boys? Showing boys the way towards manhood. Marrickville, NSW: Choice Books, Australian Consumers' Association, 2002, 181p

Why have boys become discussed so widely in so many countries? Why is it that boys are widely under performing in schools. In this publication the author provides parents with practical ideas for raising boys and pointers to schools about educating them. The author explores what it means to be a boy, looking at how boys grow up and some problems that they experience in families. He looks at their development at primary and secondary school, their behaviour and how to motivate them.

Bullying

Fuller, A; King, V Stop bullying! Heidelberg, Vic: Mental Health Foundation of Victoria, and Victorian Council for Civil Liberties, 1995?, 1 video, 29p. booklet, overhead masters

The 'Stop Bullying' video and book provide a stimulus for school and class discussion on the issues of bullying and harassment. Both developed by the Options Project, the video was produced in collaboration with Warrandyte High School. The Options Project is a joint project initiated and managed by the Mental Health Foundation of Victoria, and the Victorian Council for Civil Liberties. The project has, as its primary aim, the promotion of mental wellbeing and human rights within Victorian schools and the whole community, using schools as an agent for social change. It is funded by the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation. To be used in conjunction with the video, the book describes types of bullying, research and myths about bullying, what schools can do to stop bullying, levels of intervention, working with bullies, and working with victims. The book was written by Andrew Fuller and Victoria King.

Rigby, K Bullying in schools and what to do about it. Camberwell, Vic: Australian Council for Educational Research, 1996, 299p, tables, figures, illus.

Bullying is a widespread problem and an undesirable form of behaviour. The author believes that it can be greatly reduced, if not entirely eliminated, principally by actions taken by schools, and to a lesser degree by parents. The purpose of this book is to provide an understanding of the phenomenon of school bullying and to suggest how it can be countered effectively. The book starts by asking what is new about the way the problem of bullying is being approached and poses the question of why children bully others. The author describes the nature and incidence of bullying experienced by boys and girls in schools and examines in detail the consequences of bullying, not only for victims but also other members of the school community. He also focuses upon the school ethos, which is a crucial aspect of the school environment that can affect the practice of bullying. A major part of the book examines the practical question of what can be done about bullying and includes areas such as the development of a school policy on bullying, how students can be encouraged to support policies and practices directed against bullying, what to do with the bully and the role of parents and families in helping to reducing bullying.

Child development videos

The importance of being - , Kew, Vic., Toddler Kindy Gymbaroo, [various years], videocassettes.

This series of pre-school child development programmes are designed to help parents and teachers lay the foundations of learning from early childhood. Developmental stages are explained and appropriate, age-related ways to help / encourage children to achieve each stage are demonstrated. Both physical and learning activities are covered. Each video covers one age group. The titles are: The importance of being an infant (25 min.), The importance of being one (24 min.), The importance of being two (30 min.), The importance of being three (40 min.), The Importance of being four (43 min.).

Child rearing

Strength cards for kids, concept, development and text by R. Deal, artwork, design and production by J. Veeken, Bendigo, Vic., St. Luke's, c1996, 40 activity cards , 1 information booklet.

A set of cards aimed at reminding children of their strengths and increasing their self-esteem.

The I can monsters, concept development & text by R. Deal, artwork, design & production by J Veeken, Bendigo, Vic., St Luke's Innovative Resources, 2000, 24 activity cards , 1 poster.

Can be used for building conversations with all ages, especially younger children. They can help a child talk about important things in his/her world, about competancies, and introduce principles of personal safety.

Fuller, A Raising real people. Camberwell, Vic: Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) Press, 2000, 229p

This book explores the delights, frustrations and dilemmas facing parents of adolescents. The author offers practical solutions to common problems drawn from parents, their children and his own experience as a family therapist. He provides an overview of adolescence and the different ages and phases of parenting. He also describes the difference between parenting practices that work well and those that are not as effective.

Landy, J; Burridge, K Kids with zip: a practical resource for educators and parents to develop active children ages 3-12. Frenchs Forest, NSW: Prentice Hall, 2002, 161p, ill., figures

Good physical health and well developed motor skills are important for human movement. The authors have compiled over 600 ideas for children between three and twelve years to stimulate indoor and outdoor activities for individuals and groups. They believe that children who have positive movement experiences will continue to engage in activity on a regular basis as they grow. The book is designed for educators and parents, and includes ideas on fitness, nutrition, safety, motor coordination principles and ways of encouraging children. The book also includes the characteristics of children at each age between three and twelve.

Disabled children

Green, C Toddler taming: children with disabilities - can we help? Double Bay, NSW: Australian Video Publishers, 1995, 50 minute video (v.6)

In this program, the author presents many of the problems and concerns that face the parents and relatives of the disabled child. In particular he talks to families who have found their own solutions. The video provides an insight into how parents and relatives feel, and offers them practical advice. It is also of use to those health care professionals working in the area of disability.

Schultz, C L; Schultz, N C Care for caring parents. Camberwell, Vic: Australian Council for Educational Research, 1997, 65p, figures

This book provides parents with ideas and suggestions which may be helpful as they raise and continue to care for a child with a disability. It aims to maximise the resources and support available to parents within their family and in the community. Three large areas of possible support are identified: from within themselves; from the encouragement and understanding provided by immediate family members, extended family, friends, doctors, teachers and therapists; and from the special community services provided by various levels of government and community organisations. The group program 'Care for Caring Parents' is outlined at the end of the book.

Divorce

Burrett, J Parenting after separation: making the most of family changes. 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.

Helpful Partners Pty Ltd; Family Court of Australia; Australia. Department of Family and Community Services; Child Support Agency (Australia) Me and my kids: parenting from a distance: tips and hints to help you build on you relationship with your children after separation. Canberra, ACT: Child Support Agency, 2002, 37p.

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.

Seddon, E Creative parenting after separation. Crows Nest, NSW: Allen and Unwin, 2003, 248p

The author discusses how to achieve a good separation for parents, and particularly for the best interests of the children. She discusses the current research and presents many case studies. She first explains the concept of creative parenting, and then discusses different parenting pathways that can follow separation, and the meanings of marriage, including cultural meanings. She discusses ill fitting or unbalanced relationships, gender roles and attitudes, and consequences for separation. She considers ideas about separation, family and children, including feelings of guilt and fault. She then provides models for building a creative parenting partnership throughout the many stages of separation and divorce, and provides tips for maintaining the creative parenting relationship.

Drug abuse

Blyth, A; Bamberg, J; Toumbourou, J W Behaviour Exchange Systems Training: a program for parents stressed by adolescent susbstance abuse. Camberwell, Vic: Australian Council for Educational Research, 2000, 119p, tables, figures

An intervention program for parents attempting to cope with adolescent drug use is described in this manual. Issues covered include: theoretical underpinnings of factors contributing to adolescent behaviour, of family factors and of family based approaches; the BEST (Behaviour Exchange Systems Training) family intervention process; case studies; program evaluation; and handouts for parents. The appendices include the assessment interview form and the questionnaire for parents.

NSW Users and Aids Association; Family Drug Support Tribe Family drug support: a guide to coping. Sydney, NSW: NSW Users and Aids Association, 1999, 20p plus 13 fact sheets

Drug use can cause complex problems that are influenced by individual circumstances, without right or wrong answers. This resource kit is focused on addressing questions, issues and practical problems faced by parents and families currently dealing with drug use that is beyond the experimental stage. It provides a definition for dependence, discusses the concept of harm minimisation, and offers strategies for communicating with people about drug use and abuse. A fact sheet is provided for contacts and services in New South Wales and key services in other States, and others giving details of the risks, adverse effects, and treatment for a range of drugs.

Palin, M; Beatty, S Drugs and your teenager: a practical guide for Australian parents. East Hawthorn, Vic: Rivoli, 2000, 122p, tables, illus

Aimed at parents who want to know about teenage drug use before their children become curious teenagers, who suspect drug use by their children, or who know their teenagers are using drugs and are wondering what to do, this book discusses the following issues: reasons why young people use drugs; common parental responses; raising the issue of drugs with teenagers; tips on counselling; and what to do if drug use persists. The appendices present a guide to common drugs and their use and contacts for further information and advice.

Family issues ... videos

Home truths: family life from the inside, Canberra, ACT: Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Department of Health and Family Services, 1997, 10 x 30 min. videos.

This series of videos show real events and issues that face Australian families. The titles are: Home truths: step by step (stepfamilies); flying solo (single parents); labour of love (new babies); while the children play (work & family issues); almost eighteen (teenagers); alive and kicking (ageing); personal best (achieving success); testing times (exams); my place, my people (seeking cultural identity); a world apart (raising a family in a remote location).

Fathers

Family Planning NSW Young fathers. Ashfield, NSW: Family Planning NSW, 1999, 58p booklet, plus 27 minute video

This video documents the feelings and attitudes of a group of young fathers who took part in a retreat in Kurrajong, NSW. They took part in activities designed to explore what being a young father means to them, and discussed their desire to be good fathers in the face of social stigma, the absence of good role models, and the lack of support services. The accompanying booklet describes how community and health workers might use the video. At the end of the booklet is a list of resources and organisations that can provide assistance.

King, A; Slocombe, L; Fletcher, R; Clugston, H; McKenzie, P; Chudleigh, A; Kerr, P Hey, Dad! for separated fathers: a parenting education program for men. Wahroonga, NSW: Centacare Broken Bay, 2002, 96p, ill., forms

The Hey Dad! For Separated Fathers program is based on the Hey Dad! parenting education program for men but is designed specifically for men parenting children but not living with them every day. The course aims to generate detailed discussion among participants so that experienced leaders can support men as they study their own role as a parent. This booklet includes resources, handouts, and session outlines for the use of course leaders. The ten session topics are: Fathering today; Experiences of separated fathers; The father and child link; Understanding our children; Understanding behaviour, feelings and needs; Communication: making it work; Protecting your child; Managing behaviour; What might lie ahead?; Where to now?

Ladbrook, D Being Dad to a child under two: exploring images and visions of fatherhood: evolving expectations in a changing society. Perth, WA: Ngala Family Resource Centre, 2003, 114p, figures, tables

This interagency report was commissioned in response to a lack of research about what fathers do in the first two years of their children - life. Twenty two Perth fathers were asked what they expected of parenthood, where these expectations came from, what they do as fathers, and what they envisioned for their future. Nineteen Perth mothers were asked what they expected of their children - father, what he does, and how they see his future as a father. The findings of partnered and sole parents are presented separately. Issues arising from the findings include: parenting structures; collaboration and conflict in relationships and separation; marriage; demographic and socio economic considerations; social support and kinship capital; father absence; further research possibilities and social policy strategies.

South Australia. Child and Youth Health; South Australia. Office for Families and Children Being a dad. Relatewell v.2 no.3 Oct 1998: 6-7

Produced by Parenting SA, an initiative of the government of South Australia, this information about what it means to be a father stresses the importance of love, and how to give and show it to children. Specific ideas are offered to dads in nuclear families, single dads, and dads in stepfamilies.

Finance

Rawlinson, C; Legg, J Financial security: the guide to managing your money. Adelaide, SA: Helpful Books, rev. ed., 2000, 34p, figures.

Produced for the Child Support Agency, the purpose of this booklet is to help people take control of their money which will in turn help them to take control of their life. The book has two main parts: taking control and staying in control. In 'taking control', the authors show how to prepare a budget in order to manage money. This includes total income and basic living costs, and also how much to set aside for savings. In 'staying in control', advice is given on how to organise bank, credit union or building society accounts and services, as well as tracking weekly progress against a budget and adjusting budgets when necessary. A list of other Child Support Agency information products and services produced to help separated parents manage their child support responsibilities is included.

Girls

Cohen-Sandler, R; Silver, M 'I'm not mad, I just hate you!': a new understanding of mother-daughter conflict: surviving and thriving during your daughter's teenage years. Sydney, NSW: Hodder, 1999, 280p

While there are books that discuss parenting topics such as adolescent girls' physical development, body image, peer relations, substance abuse, and sexuality, this book focuses specifically on the evolving mother - daughter relationship during the teen years. The book also aims to provide practical know-how, tools to improve and strengthen relationships between mothers and daughters, and enhance effective communication and conflict resolution skills.

Irwin, J; de Vries, S; Wilson, S S Raising girls: the pleasures, the perils, the pitfalls. Brisbane, Qld: Pandanus Press, 1998, 208p, illus.

Intended for the general reader, this book was written by eight contributors whose aim is to help others raise well-balanced, optimistic and successful young women. The book records the early years of little girls in text and pictures, and describes their passage from total dependence, through adolescence, to adult responsibility. Issues addressed include: illegal drug use; underage drinking; domestic violence; sexually transmitted diseases; the risks from bulimia and anorexia; depression; suicide; body piercing and tattoos; coping with divorce and death; single parenthood; blended families; adopted children and pregnancy by donor sperm; lesbianism; and schoolgirl pregnancy.

Health and development videos

Health and human development series, produced & edited by M. Alberti, Williamstown (Vic.), Appleseed Productions, c1993

This series of parent education videos cover a wide range of health and development issues. Titles are: The age of two (25 min.), The family( 28 min.), The first months (24 min.), Infant development (20 min.) Nutrition (25 min.), Preparing for birth (25 min.), Self esteem (28 min.), Socialisation (26 min.), Teenage boys (23 min.), Teenage girls (24 min.).

Homosexuality

McDougall, B, ed. My child is gay: how parents react when they hear the news. Crows Nest, NSW: Allen and Unwin, 1998, 191p

This compilation of letters from Australian and New Zealand parents of gay children tell of their feelings, reactions and attitudes when they discovered that their child was gay. In these letters parents talk about their emotions, describe the impact on family relationships, and share resources to help other parents to cope with the news when a child comes out.

New parents

Parents' first steps. Melbourne, Vic: Mercy Hospital for Women and Johnson and Johnson Professional and Educational Services, 1999, 19p booklet, plus video

How do you soothe a crying baby? How do you know if your baby is getting enough milk? How do you get your baby to sleep? What do you do when things feel out of control? This educational video aims to help mothers and fathers survive the first few weeks after the birth of their baby. The video deals with the issues faced by parents when they first arrive home from hospital with their new born baby and provides advice and helpful hints from some of Australia's leading parenting experts and midwives. The video follows a real couple's journey through this time, while the accompanying booklet provides detailed information on areas such as baby massage, safety tips, back care, and dealing with fatigue and stress.

Fettling, L Postnatal depression: a practical guide for Australian families. Melbourne, Vic: IP Communications, 2002, 137p

This book outlines some of what is known about postnatal depression (PND), how women and their families are affected by it, and how they might best be helped. It has been written for new mothers who have been diagnosed with PND, new mothers who suspect they might have PND, and pregnant women and new mothers who are at greater than average risk of developing it.

Fallows, C Having a baby: the essential Australian guide to pregnancy and birth. Sydney, NSW: Doubleday, 1997, 304p, figures, illus.

This book has been written for women contemplating becoming pregnant or for those who are already pregnant. The author focuses on the social, psychological and medical aspects of pregnancy. She provides a practical week by week guide to what happens during pregnancy, and discusses issues such as choosing a doctor and a birth place, parental leave, diet during pregnancy, emotional changes during pregnancy, antenatal care, labour and birth, and case studies.

Parenting skills

No magic answers: approaches to effective parenting. Concord West, NSW: Family Support Services Association of NSW, 1999, 26 minute video, plus 22p booklet

In this video a diverse group of parents discuss ideas that help them in their parenting role. The main ideas discussed include: the importance of trying to understand how children feel and how they view things; the way that childhood experiences affect how adults act with their own children; the importance of noticing the good things that children do; and ways of changing patterns of behaviour. A users' guide accompanies the video and sets out six sessions using this video, suitable for both groups and one-to-one sessions with family members.

How to raise happy kids. Melbourne, Vic: Video in Education Worldwide (distributor) and Seeandem Productions, 1993, 30 minute video

Noni Hazlehurst presents this video on 'How to raise happy kids and keep smiling yourself'. She examines some problems that all parents face and offers, with help from experts, simple effective solutions that can apply from ages 5-17 years. Communication with children is focused on, as are developing their self-esteem, and dealing with tantrums and fighting.

Birch, K Positive parenting. Milsons Point, NSW: Random House, 1999, 126p, tables, illus

Intended as a guide for parents of young children and adolescents, this book is based on the P5 program (A Participatory Program Promoting Pleasurable Parenting) and is set out in the form of a work manual, presenting a series of exercises covering the following topics: why children misbehave; communication; encouraging responsibility; personal contracts; conflict resolution; teaching new skills; teenagers; and sorting out problems between parents.

Godfrey, A, ed. Passages through parenthood: real-life stories from Australian parents. Port Melbourne, Vic: Thomas Lothian, 2000, 245p

Grose, M. Raising happy kids: a guide to happy parenting. Sydney, NSW: Harper Collins, 1999, 146p

Aimed at parents, teachers and professionals, this book on child rearing discusses the following issues: what positive family leadership is about and how it differs from management; discipline; the competencies, skills and values that can be provided for children and young people; the work of Martin Seligman; the ideas of Bonnie Benard and resiliency promotion; the work of John Gottman and emotional literacy; and the role of schools and communities in supporting families and children.

Mellor, K; Mellor, E The happy family. Sydney, NSW: Finch Publishing, 2001, 120p, tables, figures (Busy parents series)

Families are the primary training grounds for teaching children the skills needed for adulthood, the authors say. They stress that it is important to take the time to manage families well, as families will have difficulty coping if this is not done. They provide practical tips for achieving a well managed family and making it enjoyable. They discuss the job of being a parent, successful parenting, family patterns and dynamics, balancing work and family life, working as a team, handling parental conflict, grounding, relaxation, family meetings, and couple time.

Peace and parenting

Campbell, S; Coady, M; MacNaughton, G; Smith, K; Castelino, T; Lawrence, H; Rolfe, S; Totta, J Our part in peace. Watson, ACT: Australian Early Childhood Association, 2002, 18p (Research in practice series v.9 no.1 2002)

Believing that peace is about tranquillity, justice and respect for others, the authors of this guide consider the ways in which children, teachers and parents understand peace, and suggest how children can be taught about peace. Their hope for a peaceful world lies in educating children to a tranquil and respectful way of life.

Silard, K; Penley, K Peace or pieces? A handbook of non-violent parenting. Adelaide, SA: SPARK Resource Centre, 2nd ed., 1992, 115p

This handbook is aimed to help parents (particularly single parents) practice non-violent parenting. The book explores logical consequences which teach children self control and independence. Issues addressed include: the importance of crying, dealing with difficult behaviour, listening skills, sorting out acceptable and unacceptable behaviours, encouragement and star charts, resolving conflicts, and discipline.

Self therapy

Self repair tool kit, by R. Snyder, Falcon, WA, WISDOM in Your Life, 2002, 4 booklets, 1 sound CD.

This self-repair toolkit aims to allow people to have therapy in their own home at their own pace. As well as a guided meditation CD, poster paints and brush, and a customised journal, the kit has book that provides 'an understanding of where you are in your life', and one that provides 'an understanding of who you are'. There is also a workbook that presents over 150 activities.

Single parents

Adams, S Survival guide for single parents: a practical guide for managing all aspects of your life and children. Castlemaine, Vic: Samantha Adams, 2003, 221p

This guidebook aims to enable single parents in Australia to navigate through their experiences and effectively manage all significant aspects of their life and children. The following topics are covered: parenting; separation and divorce; child support; painful emotions; domestic violence; pregnant and single; health and well being; accommodation; dealing with Centrelink; finances; employment and education; child care; your own business; entertainment; celebrations; and creating a support group. A resource guide covering each of the above topics is provided.

Howard, J Bringing up boys: a parenting manual for sole mothers raising sons. Camberwell, Vic: Australian Council for Educational Research, 1998, 120p, illus

Stepfamilies

Gerrard, I; Howden, M Making stepfamilies work: a course for couples: leaders manual. Clifton Hill, Vic: Stepfamily Association of Victoria, 1998, 142p, tables, figures, illus.

This publication encompasses a program for stepfamilies and is aimed at couples who are in the process of forming a stepfamily or for those already living in a stepfamily. The following is an outline of the six sessions in the course and their goals: Know your stepfamily, where the purpose is to gain an awareness of the structure and complexity, and to develop realistic expectations of the stepfamily; The past and new beginnings, which aims to help participants acknowledge the impact of past relationships on current relationships; Parenting role, with the purpose of increasing participants' awareness of challenges facing step and biological parents; Children in the stepfamily, which aims to increase adults' awareness of changes and feelings children experience and ways to provide children with emotional support; Couples in the stepfamily, where the aim is to facilitate the couple's awareness of the need to nurture stepfamily sub systems; and the Stepfamily journey, with the purpose of increasing awareness of positive aspects of stepfamily life. Other issues central to this course deal with conflict resolution and increasing communication skills.

Webber, R Living in a stepfamily. Camberwell, Vic: Australian Council for Educational Research, 2nd. ed., 1994, 110p, illus.

This book was written as a guide for parents in a stepfamily or thinking of entering one. The aim of the book is to present a positive approach to stepfamilies. It seeks to show what works rather than what has gone wrong. The difficulties of living in a stepfamily are outlined and suggestions are provided on how families may tackle these problems. The book provides insights into the ways other stepparents have worked through issues that confront most stepfamilies.

Webber, R Split ends: teenage stepchildren Camberwell, Vic: Australian Council for Educational Research, 1996, 82p, illus.

This book is written for teenagers who live in stepfamilies and aims to provide them with an understanding of the issues and dynamics of their home life. It encourages adolescents to take positive steps to improve relationships with their step parents and step siblings and offers strategies to attains these goals. The author believes that there are no simple solutions, but that there are a range of options. She looks at issues such as divided loyalty between parents, positive as well as negative aspects of access and the changing nature of teenagers' relationships with their natural parents when living in a stepfamily.

Technology and the media

McDonnell, K Kid culture: children and adults and popular culture. Annandale, NSW: Pluto Press Australia Ltd, 2^nd ed., 2000, 179p

This book looks at the effect of the media on children. The author explains why popular culture is an irresistible lure to children. She explores the hidden moral universe that children construct for themselves out of movies, television and toys, and offers a critique of the gender gap that still plagues kid culture. Criticisms of aspects of popular entertainment for children are offered, along with a guide to understanding popular culture and getting the best out of it for children.

NetAlert Ltd NetAlert: internet advice. Hobart, Tas: NetAlert, 2000, kit (fact sheets, poster, magnet)

NetAlert is a toll-free helpline and website created by an independent body, NetAlert Limited, established in late 1999 by the Federal Government to advise families and the community on safe use of the Internet. This information kit includes guides on how to use credit cards online, good sites for pre schoolers, what the internet jargon means, approved filters, complaints hotline, shopping on the internet as well as information about the NetAlert organisation and its board members.

Royal Australasian College of Physicians Getting in the picture: a parent - and carer - guide for the better use of television for children Sydney, NSW: Royal Australasian College of Physicians, 2^nd ed., 1999, 25p

This booklet gives parents and carers a set of strategies to maximise the positive effects and minimise the potential harm of television viewing on children.

Teenagers

Carr, M; Wilgress, J Parenting difficult teenagers: a program for parents of teenagers, including those who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Concord West, NSW: Family Support Services Association of NSW, 46p, figures, illus. (Groupwork collection no.7)

The target group for the Parenting Difficult Teenagers program described in this booklet includes parents of children who have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but it is also relevant for all parents who are finding their teenager difficult to manage. The aim of the program is for parents to accept their teenager, deal with their own frustration and anger, build up their confidence, and learn parenting strategies that will work for their family. Program outlines of six sessions are provided, issues of communication skills, self esteem, conflict, exploring personalities, and relaxation are addressed, and posters, handouts, worksheets and relaxation exercises are included.

Carr-Gregg, M; Shale, E Adolescence: a guide for parents. 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.

Fuller, A Raising real people. Camberwell, Vic: Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) Press, 2000, 229p

Scouts Australia Issues in adolescent health: a parent - guide. Canberra, ACT: Scout Association of Australia, 1999, 24p

This publication is one of a series of parents guides produced by Scouts Australia. It provides an introduction to adolescence, and discusses the following issues in relationship to young people: smoking, marijuana, alcohol, sun exposure, drugs, and teenage sexuality.

Toddlers

Green, C Toddler taming: children with disabilities – can we help? Double Bay, NSW: Australian Video Publishers, 1995, 50 minute video (v.6)

Miller, Y; Vicary, D; Robson, J; Halsey, C Living with toddlers. Perth, WA: Department for Family and Children's Services, 2nd ed., 1999, 32p.

This booklet is for parents of children between one and three years of age. It has information on how to get the most out of being a parent and strengthen relationships with toddlers. As well as providing parenting advice and developmental stages of toddlers, it contains a list of useful books and helpful services.