As I was wrapping up a speaking engagement in the Pacific Northwest, selling and signing a few books, a woman approached with my parenting book in hand and asked if it would be a good book for dealing with a rebellious teen.

I told her no, not really. She looked stunned as I took the book from her hands and said her money would be better spent on another book and offered a suggestion.

What I lack in sales and marketing skills, I make up for in resources.

When I was a new mother, my own mother told me I would do well to get my nose out of books and into life. She was right. You don't need a lot of parenting books, but when young families are often miles from the watchful eyes of grandparents and other family members who might actually know something about raising children, now and then a book or two can be very helpful.

For example, if I were an inexperienced mother stranded on a desert island with a dozen spirited children and only allowed one book, it would be a book on how to swim. No, not really. It would be one of two books by Ross Campbell. How to Really Love Your Child is a short but all-encompassing guide that refers to a wonderful notion of "filling your child’s love tank."

How to Really Love Your Teenager by Campbell is more of the same and has an excellent chapter on expressing anger that can easily apply to the entire family, or a small mob on a desert island.

When I left my job to do the full-time mom thing, it was an awkward transition. I missed being with people who could talk, eat food that required utensils and take care of their own bodily needs. "Home by Choice," by Brenda Hunter, was a wonderful encouragement in making the shift.

If you find your child has more negotiating skills than Condoleezza Rice, open up a copy of James Dobson’s book The Strong-Willed Child. You may have to keep this one under lock and key, because when you get it out (and you will, again and again), your kids will know that there are going to be some changes. Dobson is about love, boundaries and consistency.