A new edition for the changing landscape of new parenting. As society changes, so do the ways in which we define family. As fewer and fewer families live communally and traditional means of support become less viable, many parents are left feeling isolated and unsupported. As families evolve, their needs and the responsibilities of those who support them have to be reimagined. Jacqueline Kelleher's second edition of Nurturing the Family is designed to identify the needs of growing families and provide tangible solutions and strategies for the people who serve them. The needs of families and the profession of doula support have evolved in the years since the first edition. This book reflects those changes and is for doulas, supporting professionals, and everyone else committed to supporting a diversity of families with sensitivity and compassion.

What's the most common family form today? In what ways can we define "family" that ensure it is inclusive of all family forms? Despite the current diverse nature of family forms, which functions are fulfilled by the family regardless of its makeup> In what ways do family members function to nurture and control each other through their changing roles and rules to maintain their family identity? Family Communication examines the role communication plays in family development and maintenance--from a consideration of what constitutes a "family" (according to various governmental, religious, and social science orientations), to the initiation of dating relationships and romantic commitment, to adding and raising socio-emotionally competent children. Also explored are the roles that communication plays in maintaining intimacy and closeness in the family and in managing family conflicts and tensions. In addition, unique emphasis is given to how cognitions and emotions influence communication outcomes in the family. Despite the diversity of family forms today, families all share one thing in common--they all include some form of nurturing and control: support and development and behavior control and limitations; nurturing communication to encourage intimacy development and maintenance and controlling communication to resolve conflict and change undesirable behavior. By organizing the study of family communication around the concepts of nurturing and control, author Beth Le Poire emphasizes the central role that communication plays in both families if origin and newly formed families.

What would it feel like to experience more ease, harmony, and flow in the midst of navigating homework squabbles, mealtimes, commutes, and the other challenges of everyday life? 'Nurturing the Soul of Your Family' is a guidebook for personal and spiritual renewal from the award-winning author of 'The Mother's Guide to Self-Renewal'. It offers nurturing support and practical ideas to guide you toward a new way of being. Enjoyable, down-to-earth, and empowering, Renee Peterson Trudeau'sten paths to peace will help you learn how to:* find your center and move through chaos and uncertainty with renewed strength and ease* live every day aligned with your values and what matters most* slow down, tap the wisdom of your wise self, and know what's best for you and your family* release old habits, fears, and anxieties as you explore a new way of being* access more joy by living in the present moment (the best antidote to stress!)* experience more freedom and unscheduled time

In this guide to mother- and baby-centered postnatal care, Naomi Kemeny explains in detail how to 'mother the mother' - by listening to what she needs and supporting her as she adapts to her new role. This insightful book is both a useful guide to the work of a postnatal doula, and a must-read for anyone wanting to help a new family cope with those intense yet magical early days with a newborn.

Bring more fun, unity, and love to your household through creative activities the whole family will enjoy—featuring ideas for imaginative play, arts and crafts, nature explorations, and more Embrace family life with creativity at its heart. The Creative Family Manifesto is a guide to using the simple tools around you—your imagination, basic art supplies, household objects, and natural materials—to relax, play, and grow together as a family. When you learn to awaken your family’s creativity, wonderful things will happen: you’ll make meaningful connections with your children, your children’s imaginations will flourish, and you’ll learn to express love and gratitude for each other. This book is just what you need to get started. Amanda Soule has charmed many with her tales of creativity and parenting on her blog, SouleMama. Here she shares ideas and projects with the same warm tone and down-to-earth voice. Perfect for all families, the wide range of projects presented here offers ideas for imaginative play, art and crafts, nature explorations, and family celebrations. Released on its ten-year anniversary, this revised and updated edition of The Creative Family, carries on Amanda Soule’s thoughtful perspectives on parenting.

Here is a major new volume for practitioners, researchers, and those concerned with future policies to promote the welfare of children and families. The patterns of support and the ability of family members to care for each other have changed along with the problems for the health and functioning of families. In Families as Nurturing Systems, respected scholars examine the new and emerging directions in the design and implementation of family resources and support programs. They describe and analyze a wide range of program models in the areas of prevention, social support, family resource, and empowerment that have been implemented in schools, the Afro-American church, early intervention programs, the workplace, and the public policy arena, reflecting the needs of families at different stages in the family life cycle.