The terrific family music performer, Debbie Cavalier (http://www.familymanonline.com/recommends.php?id=45), has published an article that explains how parents can help their children (particularly the youngest ones) truly understand and enjoy the many facets of live music (http://parentschoice.org/article.cfm?art_id=332&the_page=event_feature). Debbie, who is also the dean of continuing education at the Berklee College of Music, makes suggestions such as discussing the kinds of instruments that will be used by the performers before going to see the show to understanding the protocols of attending a concert.

A twenty-year veteran of early childhood education and consulting, Brett Berk writes in the intro to his new book that, “it was seeing firsthand — as a preschool teacher — just how difficult parenting is that convinced me that I was not cut out for it. But blind unconditional love [as shown by parents to their kids], by definition, must contain blind spots. My job in this book is to shine a light on these.”

Indeed, Berk’s “outsider” perspective in The Gay Uncle’s Guide to Parenting (http://brettberk.com/the-gay-uncles-guide-to-parenting/) offers analysis and solutions that cut through many assumptions  — or what Berk calls “parenting bubbles” — about what’s supposed to work in parenting. And the fact that he presents such clearheaded ideas with witty commentary and personal anecdotes about his family and friends makes this a snappy read.

As a former teacher and preschool director, the author has insightful tips about handling school difficulties. As a consultant to media companies who aim toward kids, he has advice about managing your child’s media diet. And as a compassionate human being who believes parents can feel more in control and more balanced in their lives, he peppers this guide with checklists and sidebars that are easy to refer to again and again. One of the best charts in the book is the “How to Talk to Your Kids About: Everything.” This tool grabs the subject of communicating with children by the roots and branches out with vital strategies, assessments of the wrong way to talk to kids, and suggestions on what he’s seen work in the field. With its fresh viewpoint, The Gay Uncle’s Guide to Parenting is the standout family advice book of this young year.