Why should today's parents read yet another pediatric advice book? What's changed about babies in the last 30 years? Nothing. What's changed about parents? Plenty. Today both work. Grandparents retire to the sunbelt and aren't around to help. And that terrific neighbor who pitched in when you grew up is hard to find today.

Dan Heller, a celebrated Boston pediatrician, saw parents becoming significantly more anxious and less confident about their child- rearing skills. He poo-pooed today's medical system that eschews common sense and favors dependence on pediatricians, pediatric specialists and consultants. He wanted parents to relax and enjoy bringing up children, to understand that most childhood issues are within the realm of normal.

He called himself "Crazy Dr. Heller" and this book is his legacy-- very sane advice that can make a difference in your parenting.

Daniel G. Heller, MD practiced pediatrics for 28 years before his death in November, 2004. He graduated from Columbia College and New York University Medical Center and completed residency at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children. Board certified in pediatrics and pediatric nephrology, he was an assistant clinical professor at Harvard Medical School and loved teaching medical students, residents and parents. Nancy S. Heller, MSW, JD is a pediatric practice administrator in Brookline, Massachusetts where she served on the School Committee for several years. Her legal and social work concentrated on children's issues, like foster care, adoption, child abuse. Her three children are grown, and she has one grandson, named for his late grandfather.