Radio Commentary
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.
