“Working Families, Thriving Parents: 10 Strategies That Make a Difference,” a parenting book written by Marywood’s own Dr. David Palmiter from the psychology and counseling department was recently awarded both the Mom’s Choice Award and was named a finalist in the 2011 USA Best Books Award.

Palmiter said that after working on the book for about a year he was thrilled to hear it had received recognition.

“Especially for the Moms Choice Award because I had heard about that award for years,” he said.

Palmiter also explained that he was excited to be named a finalist in USA Books because it would be a good way to get the word out about his book. According to the Mom’s Choice Awards website, a panel of judges evaluates each entry on its own merit.

“The evaluation process uses a propriety methodology in which entries are scored on a number of elements including production quality, design, educational value, entertainment value, originality, appeal and cost. Judges are especially interested in products that help families grow emotionally, physically and spiritually; are morally sound and promote good will; are inspirational and uplifting,” explained the website.

While Palmiter’s book covers all of these specifications one of his goals was to make the book both entertaining to read as well as educational. When looking for books to recommend to his students and clients, he said that he “kept seeing the same material in a variety of places.”

He also explained that when he wanted to recommend a book he could not find one that accomplished everything he wanted such as being entertaining, research based, and was geared toward working, busy families.

“I found the ones that were entertaining, but weren’t research based and some that were the equivalent of watching C-Span,” he said.

Palmiter said that with the exception of one chapter, his book is “educaining,” meaning it is entertaining as well as educational. “Every chapter begins with humor. I try to keep case studies interesting and engaging,” he explained.

While Palmiter’s book is entertaining, he certainly met his goal to make the book well researched also. Although Palmiter has a background in teaching, doing clinical work and raising three children of his own, he also did a lot of research throughout the country.

“I tested those ideas with continued education workshops I’d do around the country. [By] stating problems, listing my list, and asking ‘what you would prioritize differently?’ ‘is there a strategy you wouldn’t include on list, or a strategy you would include?’”

Palmiter also invites a continued relationship with his readers through his blog and Twitter feed, where he updates his book and offers new tips and strategies.

“The idea of writing a book that would be static and finished would put a panic in me because we are always learning and science is always evolving,” said Palmiter.

Northeast Pennsylvania’s Family Magazine promotes local authors who write books geared towards parents, mainly mothers, with children. Pamela Rogers, editor of NEPA Family Magazine agreed that the book sounds interesting and entertaining especially with the added bonus of the updated Twitter and blog.

Palmiter added that he hopes his book will “give parents the tools they need to promote happiness and resilience in children within the context of a busy lifestyle.”

For more information about Palmiter’s book go to hecticparents.com or for more information about The Mom’s Choice Awards and USA Best Books go to momschoiceawards.com or usabestbooknews.com.