ISBN# 1566841577 Oddenino Family Con. 1996 $17.00 151 Pages After more than 20 years of divorce litigation and assisting clients with reference materials to help them though the tortuous process, Michael L. Oddenino has written the book Putting Kids First. Putting Kids First is the only book of its kind written by a family law attorney. Michael urges separating parents not to engage in a costly and emotionally devastating courtroom battle for custody, and encourages them to work out a shared parenting plan for the good of the children. This is a "Win-Win-Win" strategy, encouraging negotiation rather than litigation.

Midwest Book Review

At last: a guide which advises parents on how to walk away from a marriage with the least effects on the children. New attitudes about children and divorce's effects are needed: Oddenino provides these insights, juxtaposing case history examples of parent interactions and experiences with the legal system with keys to therapies which help heal the entire family. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. 

Read what the experts are saying about "Putting Kids First" 

"As a supervising family law judge for many years and having handled thousands of divorce cases personally, I found Putting Kids First to be well-written, well thought out, and filled with excellent advice for divorcing parents. In my opinion it should be mandatory reading for all divorcing parents. Perhaps it should be mandatory reading for all attorneys and judges who handle family law cases." -Judge Robert K. Garst, Superior Court of California, County of Riverside, California

"Here's your opportunity to hear realistic advice from an experienced and caring divorce lawyer. His are wise words. Heed them." -Vicki Lansky, Author of Vicki Lansky's Divorce Book for Parents; Practical Parenting Tips , and others

"Putting Kids First is one of the finest books I've read on successfully raising children after divorce. Michael Oddenino is an attorney with heart and a wealth of wisdom to offer his readers." -Stephanie Marston, Author of The Divorced Parent, and President of Raising Miracles Educational Systems

"READ THIS BOOK!!!"

-Dean Hughson, Family Rights Advocate, and moderator of the Divorce Home Page on the Internet.

Take the advice of a family law attorney who has gone through his own divorce wars. Read the book and educate yourself about the pitfalls of our court system by reading these chapters in Michael's book:

•  Understanding the System

•  Beyond Men & Women

•  Connectedness of Divorced Parents

•  The Best Parent is Both Parents

•  Positive Approaches, Positive Parents, Positive Kids

•  Ten Suggestions in Post Divorce Parenting for Keeping Kids Out of the Middle

•  What Children Are Thinking

•  The Black Hole of Litigation

•  Shaping the Future

•  Children: Second Class Citizens in Need of Help

5 stars ... I've loved this book for years

Reviewer: mobyent@mindspring.com (see more about me) from Atlanta, Georgia...USA
I'm a morning DJ in Atlanta that went through a divorce 5 years ago. At the time of my divorce a complimentary copy of "Putting Kids First" came across my desk. I thought, just another in a continuing series of self help books. I was wrong. The main problem I was experiencing was getting my son (9 at the time) to open up and talk with me about what he was feeling. Michael's book, specifically chapter 7, what the kids are thinking, allowed me to approach my son with a project. "Son, can we go through this part together?" For the next 3 hours, we sat on my bed, where we laughed, cried, got mad, and vented about how unfair it all was. It was the most healing thing he and I could have done. I've since become good friends with Michael Oddenino, and his new family. In many ways this book saved my relationship with my son, and strengthened my relationship with his mother. I've personally thanked Michael many times, and I humbly thank him again in this forum. MOBY KICKS 101.5 Radio Atlanta, Ga. August 8, 1999 

5 stars ... MUST reading if you're dealing with divorce.

I found this to be a well-written book filled with excellent, common-sense advice for divorcing parents. Helps you to find more positive solutions to create a 'child-centered' result during the divorce process. June 8, 1999 Reviewer: A reader from USA 

5 stars ... Should be mandatory for divorce attorneys, judges & parents

A very insightful book by a divorce attorney who has seen the detrimental affects divorce can have on children. I read this book when I was going through a divorce. It inspired me to take the higher road, which has gone a long way in restoring civility between my ex. & I. This has no doubt had an enormous affect on our children and their adjustment to the divorce. March 7, 1998 Reviewer: denisetw@aol.com from USA.

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