Department for Education and Skills
Tel: 0845 60 222 60
Fax: 0845 60 333 60
Minicom: 0845 60 555 60
E-mail: dfes@prolog.uk.com
Website: www.parentscentre.gov.uk/publications/
A wide range of booklets are available from the department and all are free. These include info and advice on education choices, helping your child to learn at home and understanding the national curriculum.

Helping your Child Succeed in School: A guide for parents of 4 to 14 year olds Michael Popkin, Bettie Youngs and Jane Healy (Active Parenting Publishers, 1998)
Children whose parents are involved in their education tend to do better in school. This guide offers supportive ways for parents to help their child learn.
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The Hurried Child by David Elkind (Da Capo Press, 2001)
Detailed look at the world of today's children and teens in terms of the internet, classroom culture, school violence, television and a growing societal incivility. This is a fully revised edition of a landmark book in which the author shows a new generation of parents where hurrying occurs and why, and what we can do about it.
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Set Free Childhood: Parents' survival guide for coping with computers and TV by Martin Large (Hawthorn Press, 2003)
Offers practical ways for parents to control TV and computer use with the under-sevens. The author explains how the electronic media affect you and your child, discussing research on the effects on the brain, senses, imagination, play, social skills and movement.
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Painting with Children by Brunhild Muller (Floris Books, 2002)
A vital factor in a child's development is the stimulation of active imagination and creativity. This guide for parents and teachers to painting with watercolours covers preparation, colour-stories and poems, painting moods of nature and the seasons of the year.
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Storytelling with Children by Nancy Mellon (Hawthorn Press, 2001)
Shows how to tell stories to children using a variety of methods and techniques. Includes tips and resources for creating a listening space; using the day's events and rhythms to make stories; transforming old stories and making up new ones; and bringing personal and family stories to life.
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How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish (Piccadilly Press, 2001)
This down-to-earth book is written to make relationships with children of all ages less stressful and more rewarding. The authors use innovative ways to solve problems and will teach you how to cope with your child's family conflicts peacefully.
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Kids Under Pressure: How to help your child cope with stress by Karen Sullivan (Piatkus Books, 2002)
Today's children are under increasing pressure and many are beginning to show signs of stress. Depression, anxiety, eating disorders and behavioural disorders are also on the increase. The author addresses the very real stresses that are affecting our children and gives practical advice on how to make their lives balanced, healthy and happy.
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Little Darlings: Good parenting through good communication by Patsy Westcott (Channel 4, 2004)
Booklet designed to help parents communicate better with their children.
Telephone orderline: 0870 400 22 40 (Mondays to Fridays 8am-6pm).

You Are Your Child's First Teacher by Rahima Baldwin (Celestial Arts, 2000)
A pioneer of natural parenting and an advocate of the Steiner approach, the author encourages parents to allow their children to enjoy their childhood and nourish their imagination rather than be overly influenced by the current culture of hurrying children's development into adulthood.
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