Review of The Practical Guide to Weekend Parenting

The Practical Guide to Weekend Parenting, by Doug Hewitt, is a down-to-earth, handy reference book of creative ideas for connecting with your kids. Whether you're a non-custodial parent looking for some new ideas to spruce up your parent-child visitations, or you're a custodial mom or dad looking for some alternatives for making the average weekend a little more exciting, this book is full of practical ideas.

The book begins with twelve parenting principles to guide you as you explore the ideas and activities found within the book. Included in these principles are some great reminders for all parents, such as:

• Be there for your kids
• Listen
• Remember that every child is unique
• Be honest, and
• Play with your kids

Through these principles, Hewitt reminds us that as parents, it's not just planning and executing great activities with our kids that facilitates the bond we long for. How we interact with them along the way matters, too.

In addition, the book is divided into thirteen chapters, such as: "In the Yard," "At the Park," "Overnight Activities," "Road Trips," and "Holiday Fun." There is even a chapter called "Quick - the Kids Are Here!" and another titled "Advanced Planning Required." These breakdowns allow the user to quickly and easily find the information they need. As a result, the reader can pick and choose which chapters to read and really use the book as a reference book of ideas, without necessarily reading it through cover-to-cover.

Each suggested activity includes a section called "Parent-to-Parent Aside," where Hewitt explains the rationale behind the idea or gives the reader the low-down on what to expect. Where appropriate, he also provides suggestions for what you can talk about with your children as you enjoy the activities together.

There is also a section called "While You're..." under each suggested activity. Here, Hewitt makes suggestions for how you can take the activity one step further to broaden your child's knowledge and make the event even more meaningful for both of you.

This is just one of the features that makes this book more than a simple list of ideas. In closing, I would recommend The Practical Guide to Weekend Parenting, by Doug Hewitt, to any mom or dad who is looking for a variety of fun, creative, and inexpensive ways to connect with their kids on a regular basis.