Raising
children is not a science, and no single book on the subject has all the
answers. Many experts — and many parents — disagree on the best practices.
Still, it can be comforting and helpful to read the parenting “classics.”
For
generations, Dr. Spock’s Baby and Child
Care was considered the gold standard of advice, and many people still use
it that way. Others disagree.
The
following books have also been best-sellers for years:
The Happiest Baby on the
Block, by Dr. Harvey
Karp, provides sensible and sweet solutions for new parents.
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and
Listen So Kids Will Talk,
by Faber and Mazlish, offers respectful advice to lessen stress in family
interactions.
John
Medina’s Brain Rules for Baby focuses
on infancy through age 5.
1-2-3 Magic: Effective
Discipline for Children 2-12,
by Thomas Phelan, gives three easy steps to help kids cooperate.
Positive Discipline, by Jane Nelsen, has been helping
frustrated parents for more than 25 years.
And
finally, The Baby Book, by Dr.
William Sears and three other members of his family, offers sound advice on
physical, medical, and emotional needs.
At
the end of the day, after reading some of these classics for reference and
conventional wisdom, it’s important to trust your heart and your judgment. No
one knows your children better than you do.
