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NEED2KNOW Book Reviews

Down's Syndrome - The Essential Guide
ISBN Number 978-1-86144-083-9   £8.99

Finding out that your baby has Down’s syndrome can be a time filled with worry and confusion. What does Down's syndrome mean for other members of the family? What adjustments will have to be made? What support is available for Down's syndrome?

This guide explains in straightforward language exactly what Down’s syndrome is, how to accept a diagnosis of Down's syndrome and move forward, and what support is available should you need it.

Parents can use the book to find out what educational provisions are available, how to cope with new family dynamics and what can be done in the future to help a child with Down’s syndrome live happily and achieve their potential.

Providing expert information along with sources of support, this book is essential reading for all parents and carers of a child with Down’s syndrome.

Totz2teens Review:  Finding out your baby is going to have or has Down's Syndrome is obviously devastating news.  I found the emotional rollercoaster diagram within the book an excellent explanation of emotions that you go through.  This book gives the facts good and bad and possibilities of the years ahead.  It also talks about the decisions you may decide upon whilst pregnant. 

I actually felt this book would be a fantastic book for grandparents as The Essential Guide is written as an understandable lay persona offering the reader a greater understanding in small sections.  I felt that a grandparent would be able to get all the information they would need and be able to offer support and understanding to the actual parents.  The book is factual and friendly making sure the reader is informed.  The directory then will refer the reader for more information to let them know they are not alone.

Totz2teens Rating:  4/5

Secondary School - A Parent's Guide
ISBN number: 978-1-86144-093-8   Price: £9.99

We all want our children to do well, enjoy themselves and create the foundations for a successful adult life while they’re at secondary school. The choices and decisions made by teenagers regarding the subjects they study at secondary school are of such importance, it can sometimes be overwhelming, daunting and frustrating as a parent to provide support and help your child to make the best choices.

This book will guide parents through secondary school, from year 7 to 11, including information on secondary school league tables, secondary school cirriculum, Ofsted reports, SATs, GCSEs, homework, secondary school teachers and parents’ evenings. Problems with under-age drinking, smoking, relationships, bullying and friendships are typically part of growing up today, and this book will also contain practical guidance on how to cope with issues such as these so they have a minimal effect on your child’s schoolwork.

With a glossary to explain educational jargon, information on special educational needs plus practical advice about your child’s opportunities and choices post-secondary education, this book will be a great investment to see your child through some of the most important years of their life.

Totz2teens Review: 
This is an information book on what to expect for a transition to Secondary school. It covers chosing a school, appeals and the curriculum from GCSE to A Level and then more social aspects such as friendships, motivation and common problems.

The book is well set out with a Summing up element at the end of each subject which breaks down to easy instructions and a check list of things that can help. Written in a user friendly way and even covering how to deal with Tricky Teachers! (could have used this one myself!)

There is also a handy section at the back detailing every website you can think of that would help you deal with the transition of Secondary School.

The only down side to this is that you are pretty much given all this information free when your son/daughter changes to Secondary School. There are aspects that are common sense, but if you found yourself with little or no information then it would definately guide you through.

Priced at £9.99 I feel that it is very overpriced.

Totz2teens rating:  3/5
 

Primary School - A Parent's Guide
ISBN Number 978-1-86144-088-4 £9.99

Primary School – A Parent’s Guide answers all of your questions – and more. Whether your child is at primary school already, or you’re choosing a primary school for the first time, this guide will provide you with all the relevant information you need to understand the system – from subjects covered in the primary national curriculum, to Ofsted reports and parents’ evenings.


Totz2teens Review:  A fabulous guide for parents of young pre school children.  It discusses the best ways to chose your primary school.  I liked the way it helped explain ofsted reports and league tables as these are the guides that parents use whilst choosing a school.  This is valuable information which would help prevent a parent making an error when reading the reports of the local schools.

The book is clearly laid out which helps make the reader feel calmer about the obviously anxious time ahead.  After choosing the school the guide then goes on to what to expect from a school day, what your child will be learning and how it is structured.  Explaining the different Key stages and what is the expected levels of achievement.   You are taken through to Year 6 so even if you were perhaps a parent of a year 2 child I think this could be a beneficial read.

I felt a sense of calmness when reading this interesting and easy to reference book.

Totz2teens Rating:  4/5


How to pass Exams - A parent's guide by David Lambourne
ISBN:  978-1-86144-047-1  £8.99

Exams are a feature of everyone's lives and can often seem daunting.  David Lambourne's informative book guides both parents and students through the minefield of exams.  Coursework, essay writing, revision plans, the final weeks before the exam and even the exam day itself are all discussed.

Readers will learn what the qualities of an effective student are, how to study successfully, the key attributes of note-taking and how essays and  coursework should be structured.  This is accompanied by illustrations and templates for building study plans and revision programmes.  Issues such as confidence, discipline, motivation and health are tackled along the way.

Whether you are a parent or studying for an exam yourself from GCSE's to A Levels or workplace courses, How to pass exams is an essential introductory guide to achieving exam success.

Totz2teens Member Review: Finding exams hard myself and always jealous of other students that were able to read a book, digest it and spout out some fabulous essay did make me think this book could have been written for solely me.  Having read this book I can see it is going to be exceedingly useful for many many more parents as well.  I have a really positive buzz right now and I am all charged up to help encourage my children with their studies.  How to pass exams has some very obvious points in it but these are the ones that you can think ok I can do that right now and will do another tomorrow so gives comfort that perhaps I am not totally failing my child.  How to pass exams gives guidelines on how to sort out course planners so for myself and my son this is very useful as he is taking his options later this year.  I feel that once my husband has read this book too we will both be armed with some really useful structural guides for him and the organisation of his home studying, Thank you  - I am sure this is going to be well thumbed and refered to on many an occasion.  I also found the book easy to read and understand.  The font was of a good size and the chapters easily indexed so you can jump about the book as required.

Totz2teens member rating:  5/5
 

Working Mothers - The Essential Guide by Denise Taylor
ISBN:  978-1-86144-048-8  £8.99

Nobody would say being a working mother is a doddle, whether you choose to do it or not.  But there are ways and means to make it easier.  This practical book helps you find a bit more flexibility in your life, feel less guilty about working motherhood and ensures you know your legal rights.  The nitty gritty of finances, flexible working, finding childcare, staying positive, feeling guilty, getting organised and just getting through the day can be daunting and complicated.

Totz2teens Member Review: Being a working mother is a daunting and scary prospect that many women face on the birth of their child.  Personally I found the first months at home wonderful and didnt want to return to work but the mortgage had to be paid and we were a young family needing to survive.  Therefore I had to return to work.  At the time of my first born there were not books about the subject that I knew of and the internet wasn't a big thing either (Oh my that makes me sound ancient).  When I started to read this book I realised how fabulous it would have been if I had had this book back then.  I know hindsight is a wonderful thing but I think this book cracks alot of the issues that as a new working mother you (and your partner if you have one) struggles with.

Laws have changed recently regarding flexible working hours which is covered in this book.  I wasn't up to date with the maternity laws so this section was very interesting to me. 

One thing that amazes me about this book is that after I read this book I felt empowered.  Could I really manage all of this.  Well actually yes.  I have done it for quite a few years and actually we cope.  Sometimes brilliantly but other times not so but having read this book I know that many working mothers will be able to go though and ensure they are covering their backs and maybe their life wont be as stressful as some other working mums because they KNOW what they need to do and HOW to do it.  This book even covers the guilt aspect of returning to work.  I am sure every mother has this if they leave their child or have to work at home with them around.  Well ok no magic wand on this one but by covering the topic means you are able to self-analyse your life and your working life too.

May all working mothers be happy ones.

Totz2teens Member Rating:  5/5
 

Child Obesity - A Parent's Guide by Judith Manson
ISBN:  978-1-86144-049-5   £8.99

Child obesity has been described as a ticking time bomb, which is now as big a threat to society as global warming. Overweight children are never out of the news and obesity rates are soaring.
This comprehensive guide to obesity, its causes and effects, shows parents, carers and those concerned about children’s eating habits, how to defuse the time bomb and tackle obesity.

Totz2teens Member Review:  On seeing this title in ran right through me.  As an overweight parent I am very keen not to pass on my bad habits to my child.  This book says "Obesity is nobody's fault but everyone's responsibility" - How true is that!  The book covers different aspects of childhood obesity which is all written in an easy to read manner.  This book is full of easy to manage family changes, recipes and charts such as the Food and activity Diary and much more.  I truly believe this is a hugely helpful book and it will be able to assist you and your child in seeking a happier life without naughty foods.  I am sure this will help any family bring about the necessary changes.

Totz2teens Member Rating: 5/5
 
A.D.H.D. The Essential Guide by Diane Paul
ISBN:  9781861440600   £8.99

Does your child have frequent temper tantrums? Are they always fidgeting, running around screaming or falling over? Perhaps you teach a child like that.

If so, the chances are they’re just being boisterous. But for five to ten per cent of children it isn’t that simple – these are the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). So, how can you tell the difference and what can you do about it?

This book guides you step-by-step through the action you need to take, giving you answers to all the essential questions.

Totz2teens Member Review: Wondering if your child has ADHD is quite a worrying time.  I have personally been through this experience and my child was diagnosed with this condition.  Its not an excuse for bad behaviour but a reason and one that this book helps explain.  I felt the book is written in an easy format so that any parent is not bedazzled by medicalness but clear ways of working through it all.  The book helps explain different ways of treating this condition such as drugs, food, behaviour management and more.  I feel this is more of a touch on each way but it is offering food for thought and the ability to extend this further with helpful links to websites and support groups.  I would recommend this book to parents and I also allowed my son to look through it too because I felt he could understand things without being scared.  I personally found the medication side effects list very useful as sometimes however much you search you get a mismatch of answers.  This seems quite clear. 

Totz2teens Member Rating 4/5

Totz2teens Member Review:  Knowing my child has a problem and wondering if it is ADHD I found this book really helpful.  I havent taken medical advice on this so reading this I found I was being told things I didnt know but am happy to read about.  I found each section easy to read and informative.  The back section with lots of places to contact was really helpful too. 

Totz2teens Member Rating:  5/5
 

Sexually Transmitted Infections:  The Essential Guide
ISBN:  978-1-86144-051-8   £8.99

Finding a partner in life today is fraught with difficulties to start with, but when you consider all the sexual risks too, then the stakes are raised.

This guide to sexually transmitted infections is one way forward to making the whole process easier. It clearly explains all the infections you can be at risk from, their symptoms and treatments, and what you can do to prevent infection.

Information is provided on alcohol abuse and STIs, what happens at a GU clinic and what you need to remember when meeting someone new.

Advice is included within each chapter on talking to teenagers about STIs, whether that teenager is your child or pupil.

If you want to protect yourself, learn more about a condition you have or just want to talk frankly about how these issues are dealt with, then this is the book for you.

Totz2teens Member Review: I have to confess to knowing exceedingly little about sexually transmitted diseases.  After reading this myself I left it lying around for my teenager to read too as I felt it was appropriate.  (just in case).  The book explains each disease , how it affects you, how you are tested - which is actually quite interesting and not something I had considered.  Treatment and how you can protect yourself.  The summing up section is also really good.  The book discusses what affects this could have if you are pregnant and what effects it can have on the baby.  I found the section on what happens at a GU clinic interesting as I imagined all sorts of things about it. All in all I found this a very interesting and informative book

Totz2teens Member Rating:  5/5
 

Alcoholism - The Family Guide by Samantha Harrington-Lowe
ISBN Number 978-1-86144-050-1  £8.99

Packed with practical advice and the latest information, this book finds solutions to alcoholism, binge drinking and other forms of alcohol abuse.

Its easy-to-read style takes you step by step through diagnosing the problem; understanding its physical effects; breaking behavioural patterns and getting treatment. Support for children with alcoholic parents and guidance for those living with an alcoholic is also included.

Totz2teens Member Review:  A concise guide about alcoholism and how it affects everyone.  A terrible situation to be living with an alcoholic or someone abusing alcohol.  This book would be a useful guide to how to handle things and perhaps highlight that there really is a problem going on.  The statistics shown are frightening.  I found this book interesting and useful. 

Totz2teens Member Rating:  4/5
 

Divorcebook

Divorce and Separation - The Essential Guide by Linda Jones
ISBN:  978-1-86144-053-2   £8.99

Faced with the reality that you are going to split with your partner, the last thing you need is the added worry of what to say to your children, or how to answer their questions.

This book is here to help. Its easy-to-read style covers the practical, emotional and physical impact of a separation, from breaking the news and organising living arrangements to dating and stepfamilies. It pulls together a wealth of experiences and anecdotes from adults and children, as well as experts, counsellors and lawyers who can offer crucial advice.

Whether you are a parent, grandparent, carer or teacher, this book will help you reduce and manage the pain and stress for children when a relationship ends.

Totz2teens Member Review: A hard topic to read about.  I think this sensitively gives factual advice on the whole situation.  Tips on how to tell children and how to handle their questions and problems.  I would recommend this book to those thinking or going through separation/divorceVery thought provoking.

Totz2teens Member Rating:  4/5

Totz2teens Member Review:  super book, full of facts and useful tips on how to deal with children during the dreadful time of divorce.  Very useful and will definately be using the techniques described when I tell my children. 

Totz2teens member Rating:  5/5
 

 
Student Cookbook Healthy Eating: The Essential Guide by Ester Davies
ISBN Number 978-1-86144-061-7   £8.99

Late nights out, early morning lectures; the busy life of a student doesn't always lend itself to healthy eating. But eating takeaways and fast food doesn't have to be the only way to survive university. This cookbook will help you prepare and cook healthy meals and snacks, proving that quick and easy healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming, and can be done on a student budget. You will also discover how to set up a healthy store cupboard, how to select the right foods at exam time and the basics of food hygiene. Nutritional information and recipes are included throughout.

Discovering the basics of nutrition, coupled with practical advice, will help you to feel better, encouraging you to eat for a healthy life. This is an essential cookbook every student kitchen should have.

Totz2teens Member Review: Student cookbook covers managing food in a really in depth but not scary way.  I found it very interesting and learnt some things I didnt know about testing foods for freshness.  I found the different ways to cook a jacket potato really useful and will definately give this a go.  How to prepare vegetables.  I have to admit being scared to try new vegetables because I dont know how to handle them but this book shows what you need to do easily.  I will have to try it now!  The recipe ideas are really exciting I'm not sure what to try first to be honest.  Its very exciting.  I think it may well be something from the low fat section as there are lots of ideas. No - it will have to be the chocolate muffins !!!!!

Totz2teens Member Rating:  5/5
 

Adoption and Fostering: A Parents Guide by Holly Noseda

With 60,000 children in the care system and national child protection scandals hitting the headlines at an alarming rate, adoption and fostering are topical hot potatoes.

It can be hard for prospective adopters, foster carers and their support networks to cut through the hyperbole and opinion, and get comprehensive, no-nonsense advice and guidance.

Totz2teens Member Review:
A complicated minefield of adoption and fostering WOW.  Ive learnt so much from this book.  Anyone considering either will find this book so helpful and interesting.  I found the chapters on after the adoption very interesting as I have to say I hadnt really considered this.  A really helpful book.

Totz2teens Member Rating:  4/5
 

Single Parents: The Essential Guide by Sarah Edwards
ISBN: 978-1-86144-055-6  £8.99

This is a book for anyone bringing up children on their own. It does not attribute blame to the absent parent; its purpose is simply to provide information and support.

Covering the main challenges that face newly single parents, the book shows you how to deal with the reality that you are on your own and how to break the news to family and friends. Communicating with your children, managing the home, controlling the finances, careers, health and dating are just some of the issues discussed. Details of support networks are included.

Special Eductional Needs: A Parents Guide by Antonia Chitty & Victoria Dawson
ISBN:  978-1-86144-057-0   £8.99

As many as one in five children may at some time need extra help with their education, but does this mean they have Special Educational Needs?

Using expert advice and the latest information, this book brings together the facts on Special Educational Needs, looking in detail at the different types of additional needs and how parents and carers can cope with it in daily life.

Find out which professionals can help, how to get through the ‘system’ and gain support, how to handle behavioural difficulties at home and school, and how to get the best education for your child’s needs.

Whether you are worried about your child’s development or work with children and want to know more about the subject, this book will guide you through helping a child with special educational needs.

Totz2teens Member Review: Wondering if your child has special educational needs is a complicated and difficult time for any parents.  Reading this book was very helpful.  It is clearly written and explains some of the different difficulties that children could be facing.  Even eyesight problems are covered within this book.  The way the book is written is so helpful as it is easy to understand and to pick it up as necessary.  Totally a useful book and happy to recommend it.

Totz2teens Member Rating:  5/5
 

Autism - a Parent's Guide by Hilary Hawke Autism: A Parents Guide by Hilary Hawkes
ISBN:  9781861440693   £8.99
Autism is a life-long developmental disorder affecting about half a million people in the UK. The autistic spectrum is very wide and each person can be affected differently. Discovering your child has autism can be a shocking and bewildering experience. You will want to know exactly what autism is, what causes it and what can be done to ease any difficulties. Answers to questions such as how will I cope, and will my child go to a mainstream school, are provided in this book along with latest research and advice. In a friendly, easy-to-read way, this book includes practical ideas and strategies for getting on with life and supportive information provided by other parents of autistic children. No avenue is left unexplored as "Autism - A Parent's Guide" provides you with all the information you need after receiving your child's diagnosis.

Totz2teens Review:  Great explanation about Autism and the different ways it can affect someone.  The chapter on the research into autism was interesting to find out what's happening to further guide people in the future.  Everything within this guide is constructed well and laid out simply so not to frighten the reader.  I found this book helpful because it covered
right from pre school up to adulthood which was really helpful and not actually as scary as I thought it would be.  There are many areas that are discussed from going to school to going shopping.  Really helpful.

Totz2teens Rating:  5/5
 
Asperger's Syndrome - the Essential Guide Asperger's Syndrome: The Essential Guide by Hilary Hawkes
ISBN:  9781861440655   £8.99
If you have Asperger's syndrome (AS) or your child or partner does, life can be challenging, difficult and emotionally draining. Help is at hand. From coming to terms with a diagnosis and receiving specialist counselling to pursuing careers and maintaining long term relationships, this essential guide takes a positive and practical approach to living with Asperger's. Using tried and tested strategies from those who have lived with the condition, you will discover how to develop communication, how to deal with obsessive behaviour and how to get further help and support. Information for those living with a partner suffering from Asperger's is also provided. Chapters are also included for parents whose child has recently been diagnosed with Asperger's, together with advice for teachers and carers. This book won't pretend that living with Asperger's is easy, but it will help you to understand and live positively with the condition.

Totz2teens Review:  Asperger's Syndrome seems to keep popping up in my mind about my child.  In this book I was delighted to find a clear explanation of different areas of coping with AS.  I was aware of a far bit but the way this is written helps clarify those nagging issues in your head.  I found the charts to help both the parent and child very useful and also how to deal with a partner that has AS.  I hadn't really thought about him being that way too but certainly will use some of the techniques which so far (ok only 2 days) have appeared to help.   The author is able to portray things constructively which is helpful yet you know that life isnt always rosey which I think is important to consider.

Totz2teens Rating:  5/5
 
Allergies - a Parent's Guide Allergies: A Parents Guide by Victoria Goldman
ISBN:  9781861440648   £8.99
Allergy symptoms can affect all aspects of a child's day-to-day life, including their health and wellbeing, education and social activities. But this doesn't have to be the case. This easy-to-read book will help you learn more about childhood allergies so that you can keep your child safe and well. It's packed full of practical advice on preventing allergies and managing the symptoms, and will help to ensure that your child grows up to be confident and independent. Whether you are a parent of a child with an allergy or teach or care for one who has, this book will arm you with everything you need to know: from spotting symptoms and getting a diagnosis to managing the allergy and coping with everyday life.
Totz2teens Review - In this guide the different kinds of allergies are discussed.  To be honest if your child is already allergic and perhaps you are too - you may know most of the contents of this book already.  However the idea is that it can reiterate things that perhaps you had forgotten or have got lax with.  For the newly discovered allergy the book is brilliant.  It will help make things clearer and guide you through the people you need to inform and what you should expect.  Everything so you can get on with life infact.

Totz2teens Rating:  4/5
 

Gap Years - the Essential Guide

Gap Years: The Essential Guide by Emma Jayne Jones
ISBN:  9781861440792  £8.99
Gap years are almost a rite of passage these days but they do need careful thought and planning. With so much to sort out, how do you know where to start? This step-by-step guide takes you through the whole process - from planning your trip and funding your travel to organising volunteering programmes and sightseeing. No stone is left unturned as there are even sections highlighting what you should pack and how you can settle back down at home when you return. It is likely that parents and family members will worry about you when you are away. There are chapters dedicated to your health and safety so you can look after your wellbeing when you're off travelling - useful for you and reassuring for those you leave behind. Small enough to fit in your backpack but big on information, this guide will arm you with the essential information needed to enjoy a fun-packed adventure safely and on a budget!

Totz2teens Review:  I read Gap Years because my daughter has been talking about the possibility of entertaining a year out from studying next year.  I can see that this book is useful to appease the parents worries slightly and also to help the intrepid traveller  sort themselves out.  From choosing where to go, looking after yourself, how to earn money and much more. And even what about when you come home.  I found the way it was written concise and interesting.  Particularly interesting were the chapters on the different places -each offering interesting places to visit, things to avoid and even suggestions of things to do before you go such as languages.

Totz2teens Rating: 4/5
 
Acne - the Essential Guide Acne: The Essential Guide by Antonia Mariconda
ISBN:  9781861440754  £8.99
Acne is a problem that has no age barriers. For the majority of sufferers, the symptoms of acne will disappear when they reach their 20s, but many people can still be seeking an acne cure well into their adult life. Using expert advice and the latest research, this book brings together the essential facts on acne and provides information on symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of this misunderstood skin condition. Whether you are seeking answers to your own acne problem or are a parent or partner of someone suffering with the condition, all the information you need to understand the causes and treatment of acne are provided in this guide.
Totz2teens Review:  Starting with how the skin is layered, function of skin and going into causes of acne.  Strangely by reading this book I have discovered what the bumps on my arms have been since my teens and that up to 80% of teens and 40% of adults have it.  I am astonished.  A very clear guide to the different types of acne and how to approach it.  From dealing with your doctor to discussing adult onset acne.  Its very interesting and great support.

Totz2teens Rating:  4/5

 
University - a Survival Guide University: A Survival Guide by Anne Coates
ISBN:  9781861440723   £8.99
Leaving home and going to university is one of the most exciting challenges you can face. But there are bound to be questions, fears and worries in the back of your mind, and this book sets out to address all of these issues. Packed with practical advice from real students, this step-by-step guide will take you through the entire process: from deciding what to pack and choosing accommodation to making the most of freshers' week and settling into your course. Sex, relationships, living with flat mates, keeping healthy, registering with the health clinic, reading lists, exams and money matters are just some of the many topics discussed. Current students and new graduates share their experiences, reveal where they went wrong and what would have helped at the time. Whatever your age, this guide will help you prepare for university, equipping you with all the knowledge and information needed to survive the experience of a lifetime.

Totz2teens Review: 
I found this book to be well organised and easy to read. The chapters run through all the different sections of life when considering university and how to survive it.  Its a good read for both parents and the young person about to venture off.  I would very much recommend reading this guide, there are many clever tips to help along the way.

Totz2teens Rating:  5/5

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