Baby books you must read
Everyone reads "What to Expect When You're Expecting." But after the baby comes, what are the best books for new parents to read to fill their copious amount of free time?
My former editor Melissa Lalum included a few recommendations while writing a story for the paper about 18 months ago on her first son suddenly throwing tantrums.
"I heard it would happen. And occasionally saw it at the grocery store or when we were out to dinner," the story says. "Tantrums. But I wasn't a believer."
"We must be doing something right. Sean is such a good boy," I'd tell my husband smugly about our 2 1/2-year-old son. "I really don't think the whole 'terrible twos' thing is for real."
"Ha!"
Later in the story Melissa recommends three books.
"The Happiest Baby on the Block," by Dr. Harvey Karp
"The Happiest Toddler on the Block," by Dr. Harvey Karp
"The Secrets of the Baby Whisperer," by Tracy Hogg.
Melissa was a fantastic editor so I'm betting her book recommendations are top notch.
A more guy-centric option is "Caveman's Guide to Baby's First Year."
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You know, I'm big on reading books about stuff before I do it, but with our ex-baby (now toddler), I just didn't want to even crack those huge books.
Sure we looked things up when there was a question, but neither my wife nor I really went in for reading any of those books, especially over the past few years (our daughter will be 5 in a couple of weeks).
I hate to say it, but it's easier to watch a few episodes of "Super Nanny." That woman really knows what she's doing as far as getting kids to not have tantrums, go to bed and generally not be little tyrants.
Our girl has a few "issues" at present. Janet from the features design desk -- a mother of four, she is -- explained that the time between when preschool ends and kindergarten begins can be "difficult."
But I'm not about to read a book about it. What do you think Dr. Phil would say?
Don't get me wrong: I read books. I'm partial to the Victorian over-ramblings of Anthony Trollope (but I really mostly read books about gardening, simple living (OK, I really don't read those, but if I found any good ones, I would) and, yes, computers.
But for some reason, being enmeshed in parenthood makes me NOT want to read about it. I'm Nike-ing (hope I invented that word) and will "just do it."
Interesting (although a bit long-winded comment about parenting) comment today. It took only one attempt at a tantrum to train my kids (three sons, now grown, two of whom are parents). Almost the minute I saw what was happening in the market, I took the child out of the cart, went straight home, sent him to his room with the admonition that if that stunt was ever tried again, that would be the last public outing for a VERY long time. Message received loud and clear; end of tantrum tries!
As with most discipline, the most important things are to mean what you say to kids, and to be consistent.
As for books for/about kids….. A friend has 2½ year-old fraternal twins she is parenting in the modern mode, which is an observation, not a judgment. Shaun and Samantha are totally opposite personalities, but both are fun to be around. One of the things their mom did during potty training was to find books about bodily functions told in kid language, with kid illustrations. I wish those books had been available when my boys were toddlers, as they can be a tremendous teaching/learning tool. If you're interested, I'd be happy to get the titles for you.
If you really want to save money and raise happy kids, check out (google) natural parenting books and books on attachment parenting!! Dr. and Martha Sears write some wonderful books that explain everything you need to know on parenting a little one! Try "The Baby Book!" It's all-inclusive, will cover everything from rashes, to feeding to the "D" word (discipline)!