Other-Wise and School-Wise: A Parent Guidebook

Carol A. Josel
Scarecrow Education (2005)
ISBN 1578860377
Reviewed by Beverly Pechin for Reader Views (2/07)

This definitive and unique aspect of child rearing brings a touch of reality in with a combination of knowledge of the system and past experiences. With topics such as Manners, Motivation, Test Taking & Cheating, and Homework as just a few of the main categories discussed, Carol Josel uses her past experience and expertise in the field to help you give your child direction and definition in life.

A concise, thorough listing in her Bibliography assures the reader that continued education is out there to help you be the best parent ever and hopefully create a child that has direction and purpose. This listing gives you a seemingly endless list of resources that can be referred to at any time, so you're never at a loss for where to turn when you need some parenting help.

While no book is ever the "say all" of child rearing, Ms. Josel covers so many aspects that you will face or have faced as a parent that she almost seems to compile the complete book in one solid sitting! Divided into 28 Categories, the author takes a candid look and approach at how to get the best bang for your buck so to speak. Emphasizing the importance of such things as family dinners, homework time, scheduled times for computer, television and other fun activities she creates a feeling of "I can do this" from a parent's perspective and the child's. With creative ways and techniques to help you obtain a harmonious family atmosphere, Ms. Josel has exercises and practices that help not only the kids, but the parents too. Designed to be done both together and separately, these exercises emphasize different areas from promoting discussions about everything from homework to general life issues to improving your skills as a student when test day comes.

Packed full of great resources, ideas, techniques and thought-provoking discussion starters, this author combines her own knowledge with the knowledge of others to create a concise and accurate book that will have you walking away feeling as though you can make a difference in your child's life.

“Other-Wise and School-Wise” would make a wonderful gift for a new parent, teacher or anyone feeling a bit overwhelmed with their parenting skills. Truly one of the first books I've seen that creates a slew of answers between two covers.

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