The ABCs of Being Mom: Advice and Support from the Mom Next Door, Birth Through Kindergarten

After giving birth, Bongiorno couldn’t stop shaking. When she asked her nurse when it would stop, the terse reply was “when they go to college.” Bongiorno wished she had someone to share with her what to watch out for and what was coming up next, and this motivated her writing. This work is planned as a three-book series with the second and third volumes covering grade school through high school. It is intended to be a guide to family organization with tips to make everyday life smoother. For the first three months the basics include sleeping, feeding the baby, eating yourself, repeat, but most of all she emphasizes being kind to yourself regarding expectations. The toddler years provide an opportunity for learning to get along with new siblings, connecting to and learning about their own heritage, and exploring the world around them. Part II gives practical hints for organizing your home and implementing routines, while part III contains suggestions for managing information and paperwork, including budgeting, insurance, and estate planning.