Imagine finding out that you're going to be a parent to twins or triplets– where could you turn for simplifying strategies and practical advice? This is the book I wish we had when we learned we'd be the lucky parents of twins– the 2nd edition of Raising Twins (with updated info and new chapters) is now on Amazon and available wherever books are sold. Click HERE for more information!

I am proud to have served as co-editor of The Big Book of Symptoms, just published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is now available at Amazon.com (find the link here) and bookstores everywhere. The Big Book of Symptoms is an A-to-Z directory of more than 100 of the most common childhood symptoms from infancy to adolescence. It is designed to help parents evaluate their child’s symptoms and distinguish minor everyday concerns from more serious conditions. The guide includes an illustrated first aid manual, a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) chart, and age-specific safety and injury prevention tips.

I had the opportunity to discuss this new book with the great team at Fox Chicago; here's the YouTube video clip:

Is your crew hitting the road this week for some Thanksgiving adventures? Read this article for tips to ease travel with children.

Sleep: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Proper sleep is a key component of good health, sharp minds, happy spirits, and a harmonious family. I am pleased to have served as a contributor/technical reviewer for the section on twins/multiples for Sleep: What Every Parent Needs to Know, the latest book by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This terrific resource will be available everywhere September 2013. 

Stay Connected

Parenting 4 month-old twins does not leave one with much free time. Add in other kids, work, maintaining a household, and finding time to eat/sleep/exercise properly, and not much time remains to maintain friendships let alone seek new ones. Yet maintaining those social lifelines, as well as making new connections with other parents of infant multiples, can be rejuvenating. When our twins were younger, the last thing I thought I had time for was attending my local parents of multiples club's monthly meetings- yet somehow when able to swing it, was so grateful I did. There is something instantly comforting about sitting in a room full of people who GET IT. Sharing tricks, tips and ideas, and just plain venting about the twin parenting experience can be downright soothing for your soul. If others' multiples are yours' ages, you can live through the experience together. If their kids are older, they can share some wisdom with you; if younger, you can share your experiences and what you have learned (helping you realize how quickly time is really passing, and how far you have come; ie. this too shall pass).

Speaking of social networking, I strongly suggest connecting online with your local multiples group. There are several public groups (watch for the "globe" icon which indicates anyone can read the comment), but many groups have a private forum to post questions and suggestions, making it even easier to stay connected even if unable to leave the house for a meeting. I'll be posting more content on our Facebook page at facebook.com/raisingtwins as the format easily lends itself to quick links and updates, so be sure to look for Raising Twins online. To find a local multiples group in your geographic area, check out http://www.nomotc.org/. There is a search bar to look specifically by city or zip code.

A parenting resource for media-related questions

Wondering if Spielberg's Lincoln movie is appropriate for your child? Bookmark this link- commonsensemedia.org is an excellent resource for these sorts of questions. Action movie-themed toys are often marketed to younger children, however the movie itself may not actually be appropriate for the same-aged kids; this website can help parents make informed choices.

Snooze news

I was recently interviewed by the Daily Herald for this article about kids' sleep and bedtime routines. For more quality information about your children's sleep needs, and much more, check out HealthyChildren.org, the parenting website of the American Academy of Pediatrics.