If children were born with an instruction manual, parents would sigh in relief. Raising children is an awesome task, especially in New York City with its virtually limitless goods, services and activities. This comprehensive guide to the special pleasures and challenges of raising children in Manhattan covers the city as a community resource and provides the information that every parent needs to make the task of navigating city life with kids more manageable and even more fun. The book educates parents by guiding them through the school application process, choosing doctors and caregivers, handling birthday parties, networking with other parents, dealing with emergencies, scheduling activities, mastering city safety basics, exploring big city culture in child-sized portions, meeting challenges along the way, getting around town and play date etiquette. Also included are detailed listings of over 400 retail establishments specialising in goods for kids and teens and over 450 activities for children of all ages (classes, cultural activities, and "boredom busters"). Businesses and services are not rated or reviewed, but are presented in an objective, easy to use, format. This book is the perfect resource for Manhattan families that have children up to the age of 14 as well as frequent visitors and anyone interested in getting the most out of Manhattan.