This book is the only one you’ll need if you are planning to adopt a child. It is filled with practical advice, stories of success (and a few failures), and loads of online resources divided by state. Priced at just $34.95, this book can help you get through the process, whether it’s a local, foreign or direct adoption. There are even useful tips for the birth mother.

Mardie Caldwell, the author, certainly knows what she’s talking about. It’s available in paperback through Amazon.com and most bookstores.

~Lois

I love it when I find websites with interesting information for women and girls. Here are three I found today:

Cool Careers for Girls

Feminist.com

The Women’s Network

~Lois

When the receptionist offers to send you into a person’s
voicemail, politely accept the offer–not with the
intention of leaving a message, mind you, but to learn
what you can. If this is a person you haven’t met, you
can find out how they pronounce their name. This is
gaining more importance as Asian, Eastern European
and Arabic immigrants move up the U.S. corporate
ladder to the role of decision-makers.

The message may tell you they are out of the office for a
while, so you’ll know when to call back. They may give a
cell phone number or refer you to another person in their
absence.

You’ll also learn whether they use their given name or a
nickname. (Your lead form may say Richard Conrad Reynolds
IV, but he may go by “Buddy” or “Junior” or Conrad.) When
you phone again, you’ll sound more professional when you use
his nickname.

~Lois

In this quick-to-read book by Doug Hewitt ($16.95 from Hatherleigh Press, the author discusses 101 creative, affordable and fun weekend activities to do with your children. Many of the ideas can be used with just about any age child.

My favorite—one that I used when Erin was little—is the “Make up a story” activity. Hewitt calls it “Round Robin Stories.” Erin loved it. I would generally start the story. Something like:

“Once upon a time there was a little brown bear named Delilah. She lived in the woods with her mom and they went blueberry picking every day. It was a fun and delicious adventure, but one day…”

And then Erin would have to continue the story. When we first started this game, she would say something like:

“Delilah met a rabbit in the blueberry patch and…”

And then she would give it back to me. But as time went on, she got better and better at telling stories. Sometimes she would go on and on with a very elaborate tale. We always had loads of fun.

I enjoyed my quick scan trhough Hewitt’s book, The Practical Guide to Weekend Parenting. It reminded me of several activities I plan to do with my granddaughter when she comes to visit.

Get more information and ideas from WeekendParenting.com

~Lois