Excerpt from The Mom Book by Stacy M. DeBroff, plus links to reviews, author biography & more

Becoming a Full-Time Mom
Deciding to Stay at Home • Financial Planning • Leaving Your Job • Culture Shock & Self-Esteem • Finding Other Stay-at-Home Moms • Returning to the Work Force

Managing Volunteer & Outside Commitments


8 CHILD CARE

10 Defining Principles

Hiring a Nanny or Au Pair
Finding a Nanny • The Hiring Process • Arriving at a Written Agreement

Family Day Care & Day-Care Center
Family Day Care • Day-Care Center • Selecting a Provider

A Relative or Friend as Your Child-Care Provider
Factors to Evaluate in Making a Decision

Managing the Ongoing Relationship
Orienting Your Nanny or Au Pair • Dealing with Separation Anxiety • Communication & Showing Appreciation • Assessing How Well a Situation Is Working • Ending a Relationship • Arranging Backup Child-Care Coverage

Part-time, Evening, & Weekend Baby-sitting
Finding a Baby-sitter • Orienting Your Baby-sitter • Forming Baby-sitting Co-operatives or Swapping with Friends


9 SCHOOL & EDUCATION

10 Defining Principles

Choosing a Preschool
Investigating Schools • Paying a Visit • References

School Preparations
Beginning in a New School • Before School Starts • Getting to School • The First Day of School

Getting Your Child to Talk About His Day

Being Involved in Your Child's School

Homework
Set a Regular Time • Designate a Homework Place & Eliminate Distractions • Help Your Child Structure Work Habits • Your Involvement • Dealing with Struggling or Mistakes

Communicating with Your Child's School
Parent-Teacher Conferences • Advocating for Your Special Needs Child

Showing Appreciation to Teachers

Home Schooling

Celebrating the End of the School Year


10 OUTINGS & ACTIVITIES

10 Defining Principles

Outings, Day Trips, & Excursions
Advance Planning • Things You Need • Diaper Bag: Newborn to Five Months • Six Months & Older, Add to the Bag • Keeping Your Baby Happy in the Car • Outdoor Excursions • Indoor Excursions • Museum or Historical Sites • The Theatre • Athletic Events

Dining Out as a Family
Choosing a Restaurant • Seating • Ordering Food • Entertainment While Waiting

Indoor Activities
Arts & Crafts • Creative Games • Reading • Growing Seeds & Indoor Plants

Outdoor Activities
Beating the Rainy or Snowy Day Blues • Backyard & Sidewalk Activities • Outdoor Gardening • Evening Activities

Classes, Sports, & Structured Activities
Choosing Classes or Activities • Picking a Sport • Summer Camp

TV, Computers, & Electronic Games
TV Management • Computer & Electronic Games


11 MEMORIES & CELEBRATIONS

10 Defining Principles

Birthdays
Ways to Make the Day Special • Your Birthday Party Budget • Timing of the Party • Invitations • Party at Home • Having the Party Outside of Your Home • Cake Ideas & Alternatives • Photography Tips • Siblings • Gifts • Party Manners • Party Favors • Celebrations at Day Care or School • Attending Birthday Parties

Holidays
Start Your Own Holiday Traditions • Hosting a Holiday Meal • Advanced Preparation for the Holidays • Gifts & Holiday Cards • Involve Your Child in the Spirit of Giving • Chanukah • Christmas • Storing Holiday Decorations • New Year's Eve • Valentine's Day • Halloween

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