Amazon.com
It's no news that being a single parent is not an easy row to hoe, especially not to the 13 million individuals in the United States who currently find themselves in that role. What is news is that there is now a book that offers real assistance on a variety of pertinent issues. There are chapters on communication and house rules, family dinners and quality time, job burnout and business trips, realistic budgets and how to have a social life while still providing responsible, loving parenting. With scads of quotes from single parents on their frustrations, solutions, and general experiences, it's a support group in text form. It's full of advice, which means there's lots that will be helpful and pertain to your specific predicaments, and plenty you'll pass right over as not applicable to you. And it's a resource book, addressing the concerns expressed by the over 500 single parents Noel surveyed, with hundreds of topics and tips, as well as references for further support.
--Stephanie Gold
Noel and Klein's handbook covers the most important concerns of single parents throughout the country, economically presenting the issues and lavishing tips, techniques, and strategies for gaining mastery over them. They present such key family issues as getting organized, managing the household, balancing family and work, creating a financial plan, dealing with difficult emotions, finding high-quality child care, and creating a support network; and although the perspective they emphasize is that of the single parent, any parent might benefit from adopting the practical solutions they advance. In addition to its relevant and substantive content, the guide is especially noteworthy because it is so readable: deftly written, upbeat but never patronizing, concise, and detailed when more information is essential for understanding or for taking action.
Kathryn Carpenter
