Resources for Parenting

I regard (parenting) as the hardest, most complicated, anxiety-ridden, sweat-and-blood-producing job in the world. Succeeding requires the ultimate in patience, common sense, commitment, humor, tact, love, wisdom, awareness, and knowledge. At the same time, it holds the possibility for the most rewarding, joyous experience of a lifetime, namely, that of being successful guides to a new and unique human being.

—Virginia Satir, The New Peoplemaking, 1988

Many writers have likened the creative process to parenting, and I can certainly understand the parallel. Sometimes my characters feel like willful children who won’t cooperate! Of course, a parent’s frustration and worry is exponentially greater than what a writer encounters.

My work with parents and children is very important to me. I find it challenging and rewarding to help families to learn new and healthy ways to cope with their problems. Parenting is one of the most important responsibilities a person can take on—a responsibility with which we can all use a little extra help from time to time.

Many excellent resources exist to provide parents support and information. The sites below are a few that I think are particularly good ones. They offer answers to some common parenting and child development questions. I hope you find them useful.

PARENTING EDUCATION & RESEARCH