When I received this book as a wedding present, I thought it ws a crazy wedding gift; actually, it has been one of the best wedding gifts we received. It contains solid, scientific, behavioral advice and principles you can apply in any situation. Understanding the principles is very easy, but practicing and applying them, for me at least, is quite a struggle. I am constantly pulling this book off the shelf. And, if you want a sneak peak, you can access the book in its entirety online here. I highly recommend reading chapters two and three as a starting point.
Some of my favorite toys come from a little company called Melissa & Doug. This is the pattern blocks and boards I've been eyeing for Katelin. If I could justify it, I would spoil my children rotten with Melissa & Doug's classic high quality toys.
Lately, I've become quite a fan of Shannon Hale's young adult novels (thanks to recommendations from Lonna and Jenette). I love when a book offers an imperfect, yet worthwhile heroine. In my former life, I would have definitely recommended these books to my eighth-graders. Today, I'll recommend it to my blogger-friends. They are quick fun books to read.