I was eventually defined as a "type". This was not the type that I had originally thought that I was but when I read the description of my type I was amazed. It was like reading about myself!! Each chapter had some "true stories" and they really hit home. I then found the "tips for your type" really useful.

Later some friends came round for a chat and we ended up typing each other. This led to some animated conversation as none of us saw each other as we were, for example my "type" is very self critical and feel responsible for our children's mistakes but to the others I seem very self assured and they were astonished I felt like that.

Overall I feel that if you can wade through the initial slog and find your type, it is very useful and had some good advice. The author does recommend that you readabout all the other types so that you can relate to other peoples parenting - I haven't done that but I will be refering to my own types chapter again soon!!"

Debbie

www.amazon.co.uk

"I found 'KIDS & Co' easy to read with simple business concepts and clear examples that I could quickly relate to both in my role as parent and manager.

I am delighted with the ease in which these business skills can be effectively transferred between work and home. I have already managed to broker a number of key agreements with my 6 year old son where we have reached a win/win deal with incentives rather than bribes.

Whether we are dealing with the manipulations of demanding little adults at home or the tantrums of petulant big children at work this guide will assist you in getting through most tricky situations.

My only dilemma now is to decide whether I pass my copy of Kids & Co to a fellow parent looking for guidance with a challenging child or a colleague at work who struggles with his staff - both would certainly benefit."

Peter, dad to Adam aged 6

For more information about the book visit www.whiteladderpress.com.

Please note that all orders placed through their web site are delivered free of charge.

"My husband and I were great fans of Dr Green's other book - 'Babies: How to Survive the First Year'. We appreciated his light-hearted, down-to-earth approach which validated both the baby’s view of the world (Me! Me! Me!) but also that of the parents - which is often frustrated, miserable and confused. It was nice to know we were not alone with what seemed like unique and impossible problems. His soothing words and tips helped us.

As baby grew into a toddler we bought his next on toddlers. I’d read the baby book from cover to cover whilst pregnant but had no time to do the same with the toddler book - strange how personal time vanishes with a baby! I dipped in when I had time (and my little poppet was cutting his real and metaphorical teeth!) - reading the summaries and conclusions. Now Dr Green has done the job for us - the compact edition draws out his instant and practical suggestions and advice. The book is a handy size too.

It advises on the most common problems parents (and toddlers) face:

• Sleep (lack of, timing of etc);
• Potty training (when, how);
• Eating (lack of, food battles etc);
• Discipline and tantrums;
• Working parents;
• Nasty habits (starting with biting).

For example, if your little one won’t go to bed at night. There is the gentle approach, the tough option and Green’s patent rope trick (you’ll just have to buy the book!).

In conclusion - a star amongst parenting books. Recommended!"

www.amazon.co.uk

Anne

"Taken from the book jacket: "Jill Curtis is a psychoanalytic psychotherapist, working in a private practice in London. She is a frequent broadcaster on family matters and has her own help site dedicated to parents and grandparents: www.familyonwards,com".

I was unsure of what to expect from this book initially, the above did make me a little wary as I always am with the so called professionals approach to parents and our children. I suppose it was all the "psych" that put me off. I found it surprisingly easy to read however and was glad that my first impressions were unfounded.

The book covers a wide range of disabilities: ADHD, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, ADD, Auditory Attention Problem, PDA, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, SEN, Depression, ME, TS. Each has its own fairly brief section and for easy navigation there's a very useful index.

The book begins with what are causes for concern, continues on to how to decide to look for help, the pros and cons of diagnosis, how to get the best out of a professional consultation, and what to tell your child. Diet and medication are also covered, (although not in a prescriptive way), along with many other issues included along the way and discussed in an unbiased and open way.

The author constantly reminds us that she does not mean the book to be used for "self diagnosis", it works more as a helping hand for the worried parent. She warns against "seeing disability where there is none", says that "all children are different", but also stresses that concerns should be taken seriously. I feel that the book would be of real use to parents who have reached the point where they feel that their child may have a disability and are ready to take a further step.

I myself, with an Aspergers child, would have found it very useful pre-diagnosis, and even now, post diagnosis it was able to provide a range of resources: websites / helplines that I knew nothing about.

Overall I found the book "comforting". That may sound strange, but having to constantly fight the system for any kind of acknowledgement it was refreshing to find a book that said there was nothing wrong with being "pushy" and in fact, encourages us to be so. Having a child with a disability can be isolating and all too often the professionals can have the attitude that the parent is just over anxious or fussy.

When trying to get help for your child you need to be educated to get the best service: to ask the right questions, to know who and when to push; this book can help that education. I would certainly recommend it and once you've read it pass it to friends and family to provide them with an insight into your life and your child."

Kerry, mum to two boys, 6 and 2.

www.amazon.co.uk