Putting Family First is a grass-roots movement for building communities where family life is honored and celebrated. This organization helps parents work with each other, as well as with schools, churches, neighborhoods, and other community organizations, to develop policies that support family life.

WorkingMomMall.com was developed by working moms as a resource for busy, working moms to maintain balance in their lives. In addition to a comprehensive web site filled with relevant news, articles, tips, and related links, it offers a newsletter and an on-line discussion group.

Living Simply With Children: A Voluntary Simplicity Guide by Marie Sherlock (New York: Three Rivers Press, 2003). Comprehensive book about the challenges of living simply with children, including finding more time to be with your kids, dealing with your child's peer pressures to want more stuff, and teaching your children to care about the earth.

The Paradox of Natural Mothering by Chris Bobel (Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2001). Sociologist examines feminist and other paradoxes of natural mothering, which can be defined by its preferences for home birthing, extended breast feeding, home schooling, and natural health care. Voluntary simplicity and attachment parenting are frequently practiced by natural mothers.

Putting Family First: Successful Strategies for Reclaiming Family Life in a Hurry-Up World by William Doherty and Barbara Carlson (New York: Owl Books, 2002). Founders of family advocacy organization present guide to restore balance in family life. They offer tips for establishing family rituals, such as a shared family meal, to enhance communication and connection within the family.

Raising Kids with Just a Little Cash by Lisa Reid (Santa Fe, NM: Ferguson-Carol Publishers, 1996). Book packed with practical advice on how to save money when it comes to kids-on clothing, toys, entertainment, education, birthdays, food, health, travel, and holidays. It would be particularly appealing to people who enjoy creative hand-making activities.

Simple Loving: A Path to Deeper, More Sustainable Relationships by Janet Luhrs (New York: Penguin USA, 2000). Sourcebook to show readers how to apply the principles of simplicity to develop deeper, more passionate, and more loving relationships. Includes inspirational quotes, effective relationship practices, and recommended resources.

Simplify Your Life with Kids: 100 Ways to Make Family Life Easier and More Fun by Elaine St. James (Kansas City, MO: Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2000). A practical guide for working parents, this book offers tips and suggestions on the specific challenges of parenthood.

Unplug the Christmas Machine: A Complete Guide to Putting Love and Joy Back into the Season by Jo Robinson and Jean Coppock Staeheli (New York: Quill, Revised 1991). Explores how to create a more meaningful holiday, focusing on deeply satisfying spiritual and family experiences, rather than engaging in excessive materialism.

What Kids Really Want That Money Can't Buy by Betsy Taylor (New York: Warner Books, 2003). Co-founder of the Center for the New American Dream offers practical advice on how parents can give their kids what matters most: time, love, and attention. Includes first-person accounts from parents and children.

To order any of these books from The Simple Living Network, click here