The Art of Parenting Your Own Way
It Wasn't In the Manual
This book is a collaboration between ten authors who have come together to share their parenting journeys. These are real stories and insights from parents who are learning on the job, celebrating wins, making mistakes, and showing up every day as real, imperfect humans.
Real Truth
The beauty of a multi author book is the various perspectives you get in one space. The topics we cover range from
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Adoption
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Postpartum depression
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First time parent
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Empty nesters
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Flexible parenting
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Caring for aging parents
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Parenting while living through loss and grief​
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The law of free will
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Raising a strong willed teen
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Embracing growth and resilience together
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The common thread throughout this book is about embracing the unpredictability and learning in parenting . These are stories that are real and shared with love. The hope is to create deeper connection with the audience and reinforce that you are not crazy when situations come up. There is no manual to refer to, you are doing the best you can.

Abigail Teixeira
Abigail Teixeira is a best-selling author, speaker, trauma recovery coach, and conscious mom mentor devoted to helping mothers heal from complex trauma while raising their children with love and intention.
A survivor of childhood abuse and mother of four, Abby draws from her personal journey through postpartum depression, addiction recovery, and birth trauma. With 17 years of nursing experience and certifications in woman-centered coaching, she also facilitates peer-led support circles for moms facing perinatal mood disorders.
Abby is passionate about breaking generational cycles, normalizing mental health struggles in motherhood, and fostering community. Through her writing and mentorship, she reminds every mother: you are not alone, and your healing matters.

Ann Klossing
Ann Klossing is a #1 International Best-Selling author, mentor, and channeler of Creator Energy. Her journey through depression sparked a deep commitment to healing and helping others feel their best. Passionate about the Universal Law, skilled thought, and Soul Agreements, Ann’s work harmonizes these concepts to shape and elevate the human experience.
Through her signature service, Channel Clearing, she guides clients to release energetic blocks, aligning them with their highest self and Soul’s wisdom. Her clients experience profound healing and a deeper connection to their Souls.
Ann’s life is rooted in love for her family, nature, and animals. She resides on a dairy farm with the love of her life. She continues to dedicate herself to her mission of helping others transform their lives by aligning with their Soul, taking responsibility for their own actions, and living in harmony with the Universe.

Annette Markowitz
Meet Annette Markowitz: Where Family, Fun, and Therapy Meet Family, in any configuration, is everything!
Annette is dedicated to building and strengthening family and community connections, honing in on meaningful moments that keep loved ones together even amidst chaotic and stressful times.
Annette brings warmth and enthusiasm to her role as a Marriage and Family Therapist and Play Therapist. Annette creatively engages clients in therapeutic play, fostering emotional growth and resilience in her private practice. As a passionate Family Life Coach, she empowers individuals to reach goals with clarity and confidence.
At home, Annette's world evolves around her family sharing in the joy of learning and growing. She enjoys family adventures with her husband, daughter and two energetic Jack Russell Terriers.

Ellen Craine
Ellen Craine, JD, LMSW-Clinical & Macro, ACSW, is a social work clinician, ethics consultant, and compassionate guide with over 30 years of experience supporting individuals and professionals navigating grief, life transitions, and ethical practice.
Rooted in both clinical expertise and a deep connection to nature, Ellen blends traditional social work principles with the gentle wisdom of the natural world. She is the founder of Growing Through Grief: A Nature-Inspired Circle, a heart-centered program that invites participants to reflect, renew, and cultivate resilience through guided community gatherings, nature-based rituals, and meaningful artisan offerings from her own garden.
Ellen also offers ethics consultation and continuing education support through her 5 Pillars for Navigating the Social Work Ethics Maze model, helping social workers uphold integrity, navigate complex dilemmas, and stay grounded in their professional values.
Her work is infused with compassion, clarity, and a commitment to creating safe spaces for growth. Through Ellen Craine Consulting, she provides individual consultation, support circles, and handcrafted resources that nurture both personal and professional renewal.

Eugene DeGeorge
Eugene DeGeorge is a local Cape May County author who has written three books: Reaching the Plateau, Until Tomorrow, and Waiting for the Train -- with a fourth book (Sunrise/Moonset) on the way.
His goal is to capture the human condition, both good and bad, in his writing: When Eugene isn't writing you can find him spending time with his wife, Sue and his Daughter, Sarah; playing open mic nights, and playing with his cats, Phil and Matilda.

Maria Malec
Maria is unapologetically passionate about health freedom, self-healing, and living a full sensory life. With over 25 years of experience as a Wellness & Lifestyle Architect, Author, and Conscious Educator, she is on a mission to help you "Take Healthy Back." Imagine a life where healing isn’t a constant necessity but a natural byproduct of your daily choices—this is the freedom Maria helps you achieve through her unique approach.
Her signature 5 Pillars of Wellness empower clients to shift from overwhelmed, over-processed, and overmedicated to living with ease, alignment, and vitality. Through personalized systems and her retreats, Maria guides you toward a life of peace, confidence, and joy, helping you experience effortless wellness to thrive.
Whether it’s through her books, mentoring, or speaking engagements, Maria shows you how to embrace true freedom and create lasting, sustainable change.

MIndy Green
“Famous last words: ‘Parenting can’t be that hard.’” Before kids, I thought I had it all figured out—thanks to my background as a school social worker. But my four kids, led by my strong-willed oldest, quickly set me straight. Parenting became the ultimate crash course in flexibility, patience, and connection. No degree could prepare me for the real-life lessons they brought into my world.
Today, I coach parents of school-aged kids—especially tweens and teens—through the ups and downs of growing independence. Using the DISC personality assessment, I help parents understand their kids’ unique wiring, ease power struggles, and build stronger connections.
I’m Mindy Green, here to remind you: parenting isn’t easy, but with empathy, perspective, and a little laughter, it’s absolutely worth it.

Angela Germano
Angela Germano is an Associate Producer and Script Supervisor of the Authentic Conversations Documentary Series, #1 International Best-Selling Author of Women Who Rise, Women Who Illuminate, Leading with Legacy, and I Love You Because, I Love Me.
She was featured in The Jersey Storytellers Project part of The USA Today Network. She has been a guest on educational, lifestyle and mental health podcasts and programming like Everybody with Dr. Angela Williamson-PBS.
She is an honored teacher, professor, multi-faceted professional writer, award-winning debater, actress, constitutional law student, drive-time radio personality, and coach devoted to positively impacting people’s lives so they can achieve their dreams.

Muhnoo Sophia Jain
Muhnoo Sophia Jain, an inspirational writer, therapist, and life coach, moved from India to New Jersey at sixteen. Her early literary work appeared in Teen Scene for the Star-Ledger, Excelsior (Rutgers Preparatory School Magazine), and Mosaic Literary Magazine at Rutgers University, earning her the Outstanding Achievement in Poetry award from the International Society of Poets in 2003.
Muhnoo founded the transformative “Because I Belong” project, which has positively impacted underprivileged youth by fostering a sense of connection and belonging. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Internationally Certified Coach, she supports individuals and families in achieving mental well-being. A co-author of international bestsellers—including Creativity Is Whatever You Want It to Be, I Love You Because, I Love Me Because, and several others—she resides in New Jersey with her daughter, Siyona- a budding writer, passionate dancer, and author of The Dog Shelter.

Hollis Citron







