Parenting Books that I Have Read and Enjoyed
Reading sounds like a luxury after I have become a mom. I love reading and enjoy fiction the most. Motherhood led me to explore non-fiction with interest. Some might say that you don’t need a book to tell you how to parent. I agree that there is no best way to be a parent but one can learn a few things from here and there. I didn’t want to commit the same mistakes as my parents (though I am committing some of them) so gaining a little wisdom was required.
I scoured the Internet and came across many suggestions for The Best Parenting Books. Now, I didn’t have a lot of time to devote to reading so I had to pick carefully. I haven’t read many Parenting Books but whatever I have read has been a great experience. I hope that you will also learn something from these books.
Dr. Spock’s Baby and Child Care by Dr. Benjamin Spock
It’s a classic but is not like the modern and thoughtful parenting books. This book was recommended by my husband’s boss so he had to buy it :D. It tells you all about the basics of caring for a baby and has sound advice that you can follow till your child becomes a teenager. Like many other moms, I don’t have any older person living with me and this thick book played that role in my life. It has guided me at many points from birth to diapering to weaning and now to toddlerhood. I recommend this one.
Brain Rules for Baby by John Medina
An acclaimed book which is one of The Best Parenting Books out there. It has tips to follow right from the time you get pregnant. These little things are supposed to help baby’s brain development when she is still in the womb. I bought it when Idhaya was almost 3 months old so I skipped that part in order to not feel bad if I had done something wrong.
After some relationship advice, the book is divided into several chapters that have tips to raise a smart, happy, moral and sleepy (I read this one first :P) baby. The book has some great ideas but some people say that it’s not backed by solid research. I personally feel that there’s nothing wrong in following some easy tricks. I like this Parenting Book.
The Happiest Kids in the World by Rina Mae Acosta and Michele Hutchison
This is my favorite Parenting Book so far. It is penned by two mommies- one American and one British who are living in Netherlands. According to a research, Dutch kids were found to be the happiest in the world which led the writers to find out more.
This lovely book is not a fancy one rather it shows the lifestyle of Dutch people and how it contributes towards making their children cheerful. I found out that Dutch people don’t follow any special set of rules, neither do they put restrictions on their kids and still the children there are less likely to rebel. This book has stuff that The Best Parenting Books are made of.
According to me, the Dutch way of raising kids is somewhat similar to the old Indian style only it’s a lot more open. I simply love this book and will be reading it again so that I don’t forget what I learnt.
How to Talk so Kids Will Listen and Listen so Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
After learning about the Dutch way, I decided not to buy anymore parenting books but greed to read made me get another. A much loved book, this one not only guides you but also has exercises so that you can practice what you just learnt. This one can’t be finished quickly as it’s a good idea to complete the exercises as you go. I haven’t finished it yet but it’s a good one and I am sure that you will enjoy it.
What are some of The Best Parenting Books you have read? Would love to know your recommendations.