Yet the thing we call "parenting" is a surprisingly new invention. In the past thirty years, the concept of parenting and the multibillion dollar industry surrounding it have transformed child care into obsessive, controlling, and goal-oriented labor intended to create a particular kind of child and therefore a particular kind of adult. In The Gardener and the Carpenter, the pioneering developmental psychologist and philosopher Alison Gopnik argues that the familiar twenty-first-century picture of parents and children is profoundly wrong--it's not just based on bad science, it's bad for kids and parents, too.Drawing on the study of human evolution and her own cutting-edge scientific research into how children learn, Gopnik shows that although caring for children is profoundly important, it is not a matter of shaping them to turn out a particular way. Children are designed to be messy and unpredictable, playful and imaginative, and to be very different both from their parents and from each other. The variability and flexibility of childhood lets them innovate, create, and survive in an unpredictable world. “Parenting" won't make children learn—but caring parents let children learn by creating a secure, loving environment.

    Enter Slow Family Living, an inspiring guide for parents who want to rediscover the meaning, comfort, and contentment found in the day to day of family life.Offering 75 simple ideas for reconnecting, this upbeat and invaluable resource can help turn even the most bustling of times into an opportunity to create a moment of calm—and a connection that will last a lifetime.From holidays and other stressful occasions to bedtime, vacations, and everything in between, Slow Family Living will help even the most harried parents and kids pause, reflect, and find joy, satisfaction, and inspiration in each other.

    Unable to think clearly, or work, or even get out of bed, she became anxious and depressed, even suicidal—a common symptom for concussion sufferers. But rather than let herself sink further, she decided to get better by doing what she does best: she turned her recovery process into a game. What started as a simple motivational exercise became a set of rules she shared on her blog. These rules became a digital game, then an online portal and a major research study with the National Institutes of Health. Today more than 400,000 people have played SuperBetter to get happier and healthier.But the ideas behind SuperBetter are much bigger than just one game. In this book, McGonigal reveals a decade’s worth of scientific research into the ways all games change how we respond to stress, challenge, and pain. She explains how we can cultivate new powers of recovery and resilience in everyday life simply by adopting a gameful mind-set. Being gameful means bringing the same psychological strengths we naturally display when we play games—such as optimism, creativity, courage, and determination—to real-world situations.McGonigal explores the best ways to harness these gameful skills in the real world not only to experience “posttraumatic growth,” but also to tackle positive life goals, achieving what she calls “postecstatic growth.” To show how, she shares stories and data from players who have followed the SuperBetter rules to get stronger, happier, and braver in the face of depression, anxiety, illness, and injury, as well as to achieve major goals like losing weight, running a marathon, or finding a new job.The SuperBetter method contains seven rules for activating gameful strengths in everyday life, distilled from McGonigal’s own pioneering work and that of others. SuperBetter the book turns these rules into playful challenges anyone can undertake while reading in a series of quests that explain the science behind the benefits. Playing by the seven rules begins to yield life-changing benefits in a matter of days, and eventually they become an ingrained skill set.Read by the author.Description: 12 audio discs (14 1/2 hr.) : digital

    Not to mention the kind of stockbroker who Bluetooths his deals on the trail my dog and I like. Who does that?Turns out, the father of my new favorite student. And since drooling is discouraged at parent/teacher conferences, I try not to look him in his steel-gray eyes. Which is how I noticed how hard his chest is under that button-down. And the conspicuous absence of a ring on his finger.Basically, I have a crush on the one single dad who’s totally off-limits.I really should have said no to that date. A delicious pancake breakfast isn’t worth my job if anyone finds out. An even more delicious romp in the hay is a little more worth it. So maybe just one more to double-check. Famous last words.Because the only thing worse than banging a student’s dad is falling in love with him.

    In "Lighting Their Fires," Esquith translates the inspiring methods from "Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire" for parents. Using lessons framed by a class trip to a Dodgers game, he moves inning by inning through concepts that explain how to teach children to be thoughtful and honorable peopleas well as successful studentsand to have fun in the process.

    Just how I like it. Then I meet Lumen, a woman who challenges everything in such an irresistible way. For once in my life I can see myself in a relationship. There’s one problem though, she’s off limits.Lumen: Growing up in foster care wasn’t the nightmare for me as it was for some, but life hasn’t been easy. I work hard, focus on my goals, and I never let things distract me, specifically men and relationships. Until one rainy Seattle night when a gorgeous hunk walks into the spa where I work.When billionaire Alec McCrae mistakes Lumen Browne’s workplace for a “happy ending” massage parlor, things get more complicated than he prefers. Especially when their lives become entwined in ways never imagined.Don’t miss Off Limits, the first book in The Scottish Billionaire, M. S. Parker’s latest romance series.

    She was called the Wild Rose.Emma Frost is on a relaxing and romantic vacation in the small town of Enniskerry in Ireland with her boyfriend, Morten, when they find a dead woman in the river.The small town of Enniskerry is shocked by this murder, but also by the secrets it threatens to expose.When another woman is found dead in the river with a rose between her teeth - Emma is plunged into a frantic chase for this serial killer, while she and Morten attempt to solve the mysterious riddles of this town’s painful past.The Wild Rose is an old Irish tale of a man courting a woman and killing her while they are out together.No one ever found her body, and as the years passed, her real name could not be remembered, so she was called The Wild Rose. It is what inspired the song by Nick Cave and now also a serial killer in Enniskerry, Ireland.WALTZING MATHILDA:When a young boy's body is found drained of all its blood, Emma Frost will stop at nothing to keep her children from suffering the same fate. At the same time, a mysterious young girl seems to bring out powerful abilities in Emma's special needs son. As she combs her small Danish island for clues about both mysteries, she realizes the killer and the strange girl are somehow connected…Before the killer strikes again, Emma must risk it all to uncover the frightening truth about what lies beneath her isolated island home…DRIP DROP DEAD:Emma Frost is chasing a killer that seems to bend the laws of physics.Things are going well for Emma Frost for once. She has a sweet boyfriend and has just finished a new book. Her daughter, Maya, is doing well in high school and even her special needs son, Victor is thriving and playing with his new best friend, the strange girl who fell from the sky.But soon, a murder shocks the island of Fanoe, when a woman is found dead in her bed with no apparent signs of having been killed. But as they find out she died by drowning, and more deaths like it begin to occur around the peaceful island, Emma once again finds herself following signs that lead to her own front door while chasing a killer quite out of the ordinary. A killer who can gain access to all houses without leaving a trace.Emma has to ask herself the question: What exactly is going on in her island home and especially underneath it?As the investigation moves on, and terrifying answers begin to emerge, Willow Rose's compelling story evolves rapidly, resulting in a novel with almost agonizing suspense. If you like small-town mysteries, eerie tales, and a touch of humor, then you'll love Willow Rose's whodunnit. No one is more addictive than Willow Rose.If you like a story with nerve-wracking suspense, and twists you won’t see coming, then you’ll love the Queen of Plot Twists, Willow Rose’s, breathtaking novel.Buy this box set today to indulge in a mystery packed with suspense!

    The first three Alpha SEALs Coronado books in one set!SEAL'S DESIREHe’s her fiercest protector. She’s his only weakness. A Navy SEAL doesn’t expect to find a beautiful hostage when running his op…Navy SEAL Blake “Raptor” Reynolds is a legend in his own right. His ability to sneak into enemy territory, sight unseen, and eliminate the target has earned him the reputation of being cool, hard, and calculating. When his team infiltrates an enemy camp in Colombia to disarm a terror cell, the last thing he expects is a beautiful, injured blonde to bring him to his knees.Biologist Clarissa Rothschild has been conducting research in the Colombian rainforests. When she leaves her camp one day, she is captured by insurgents. The leader of a Navy SEAL team with penetrating dark eyes and brute force strength is just what she needs to get out alive—and exactly the type of man she’d never fall for.When they’re separated from the others, the sparks between them begin to ignite. Heated nights in the jungle shouldn’t lead to wanting anything more, but Blake realizes he’ll risk everything for Clarissa’s safety and the chance to make her his.SEAL'S EMBRACEHe’s rescued people all over the world…but she’s the only one he can’t forget.Department of Defense admin Hailey Fletcher never expects a suicide bomber at Bagram Airfield to cut her year-long assignment short. Nor does she expect a muscular Navy SEAL to come to her rescue. Her skin heats at his gentle touch, but it’s the smoldering way he looks at her that sends shivers racing down her spine.Navy SEAL Grayson “Ghost” Douglass has rescued his fair share of civilians over the years, but the auburn-haired woman with piercing green eyes is the only one he can’t get out of his head. Weeks pass, and he reconnects with her in San Diego, knowing he must see if the sparks and chemistry between them can turn into something real.Neither of them expects danger to have followed them home from Afghanistan—but the traitor from base behind the bombing knows Hailey can identify him, and he’ll stop at nothing to silence her forever.Grayson won’t rest until he finds the man after her and until he convinces Hailey to be his once and for all.SEAL'S HONORHe’ll fight all her battles and stop at nothing to make her his…Navy SEAL Jackson “K-Bar” Clinefield is strong, silent, and lethal. He’s not interested in the flirtatious women always hanging around his teammates, but when he meets his buddy’s beautiful yet reserved neighbor, he can’t deny their instant attraction—even if he suspects she’s hiding something from him.Taryn Miller is on the run. Her abusive ex-husband has tracked her across the United States, and she’s finally settled into a new life—and new name—in San Diego. When trouble catches up to her, leaving her bruised and badly shaken, Jackson is the one who rushes to her side. The massive and muscular Navy SEAL should terrify her, but he’s gentler than any man she’s ever known, and she feels nothing but safe and protected in his arms.Discovering someone laid a hand on the innocent Taryn makes Jackson see red. He’ll stop at nothing to track down her abusive ex and won’t rest until the gorgeous brunette is safe in his arms and sleeping in his bed—forever.

     Whatever I want, I buy. I need a sexy escort for the evening - the best money can buy. When the annoying girl I –met on the plane is on the list, I can’t refrain from hiring her. She was stunningly beautiful, though she seemed a little stupid, and since I didn’t like her, the evening should be “clean”, just the way I wanted. No strings attached. No sex. No commitments. But I was wrong, and I hate being wrong. JACIE: I’m a “clean escort”, the summer job I took hoping to make some extra cash. A clean escort means no ties…or sex. Just dates with lonely men who take me to fancy places. All is going well until the jerk from the plane hires me for the evening. I’m furious and want to refuse, but I have bills to pay. A few hours won’t hurt. Plus, he’s incredibly sexy. I expect to have a horrible night, but I go home with him and give him my virginity. So much for being a “clean” escort. NO STRINGS ATTACHED is a full-length Sexy Romance with an HEA, no cheating, and no cliffhanger! This copy contains another full-length romance story.

    When I hear parents say 'I want my children to enjoy their childhood; there'll be time when they're older to learn about those things', I hear the voices of those who are scared of the vastness of the universe. These adults have a view of childhood as some kind of discrete interval, rather than just a few years from the continuum of life. How fortunate that the spirit, courage and curiosity of many young people remain largely undefeated by such adults.John Marsden has spent his adult life engaging with young minds - through both his award-winning, internationally bestselling young adult fiction and his work as one of Australia's most esteemed and experienced educators. As the founder and principal of two schools, John is at the coalface of education and a daily witness to the inevitable and yet still mysterious process of growing up.Now, in this astonishing, insightful and hugely ambitious manifesto, John pulls together all he has learned from over thirty years' experience working with and writing for young people. He shares his insights into everything - from the role of schools and the importance of education, to problem parents and problem children, and the conundrum of what it means to grow up and be 'happy' in the 21st century.

    Looking up at the stars or witnessing a beautiful sunrise leaves us feeling like there has to be more to our existence. Is there more out there than this? Who am I? What is my purpose? The answers to these questions are hidden in the Natural Laws of the Universe. These Cosmic Laws govern ALL things and shape our inner and outer worlds. They do not leave uncertainty or doubt. They are the key to ALL things in existence and they can help you to achieve anything you desire out of life. Unlock the secrets of the universe to help open your mind to a more fulfilling life. What you will gain from this book: Learn that there is more to life than what there seems How to gain knowledge and anything you want in life Why we are not told about the laws and why they are hidden from us How the laws are the key to ALL existence How to stop struggling and start living a meaningful life The Law of Attraction is one of the best known universal laws. It can help manifest anything you desire, but combined with other valuable laws it will reshape your thinking and bring more meaning to your existence. Not only can you have anything you desire, you can increase your quality of life and make more sense of the world around you. This book could be the most life changing book you've ever read. You can be in complete control of your life and the world around you by understanding the laws that govern all things. Take advantage of the hidden secrets of the universe and start living the life you deserve. Scroll up and grab a copy now!

    Seems like fun right? Yeah, not so much...When my boss asked me to write an article about online dating and more specifically the do’s and don’ts of first dates, I expected it to be a mess. I hadn’t expected it to be a complete and utter disaster, though. How was I to know that I’d be paired up with arrogant, cocky, and too ‘handsome for his own good’, Nolan Montgomery? Nolan had always treated me as his little sister’s annoying best friend and I couldn’t stand his bossy ways. The last thing I needed was him following me around with a video-camera and lecturing me on all the things I was doing wrong. I certainly didn’t need him showing me how I could improve; even if his lips and hands were recurring images in my dreams. He may have been my first kiss, but there was no way I was going to let him get his hands on me again.

    This junior novel retells the whole hilarious story and features eight pages of full-color scenes from the movie! It’s perfect for boys and girls ages 8 to 12.

    Brazelton's wisdom. But all "Brazelton babies" grow up. Now at last, the internationally famous pediatrician, in collaboration with an eminent child psychiatrist, has brought his unique insights to the "magic" preschool and first-grade years.Through delightful profiles of four very different children, the authors apply the touchpoints theory (following the pattern of growth-new challenge-reegression-recharging-and renewed growth) to each of the great cognitive, behavioral, and emotional leaps that occur from age three to six. In the second, alphabetical, half of the book they offer precious guidance to parents facing contemporary pressures and stresses, such as how to keep a child safe without instilling fear, countering the electronic barrage of violent games and marketing aimed at children, coping successfully with varied family configurations, over-scheduling, competition, and many other vital issues today. A Merloyd Lawrence Book

    The only thing she has left is her job as a high school teacher, but even that isn't safe. Eliot, her abusive brother-in-law, stalks her every waking moment waiting to pounce.But then she meets him. Jacob, the new math teacher. He's quick witted, sensitive, and smart. But he's also built like an MMA fighter, drives a car worth ten times his salary, and is covered in scars. Something doesn't add up.Jacob Kane skipped town when the bridge collapse claimed his family too. Everyone said it was an accident, but he isn't so sure.Now he's back in Paradise Falls. Not to teach math, but to get revenge. Everything was going according to plan. At least until he saw her. Jennifer.Jacob never thought he would see Jennifer again, but he discovers someone trying kidnap her--Elliot. One of the men he came here to kill. Falling in love was never part of the plan, but there's a new plan now: Fix it. Save her.