If you Google “Parenting Books”, you will be bombarded with thousands upon thousands of titles. Both clinical (written by experts) and non-clinical (written by “regular” people) books on the subject of parenting have been topping the best-seller charts for several decades. While the term “parenting” hasn’t been around forever, OPINIONS about parenting certainly have! And while you’ve no doubt heard of the most popular books in this genre (What To Expect…, 1-2-3 Magic, The Happiest Baby series), we’re going to share with you the best clinical parenting books you’ve probably never heard of. Whether you’re looking for a book on discipline, sleep, family life, or fatherhood, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re a parent or caregiver who is searching for a gentle, positive way to interact with the little ones in your life, this is your How-To manual. Lansbury is a leader in the “respectful caregiving” movement, and has penned several books and blog articles on the topic. A proponent of the RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) method, Lansbury offers caregivers the tools and scripts needed to (finally) stop yelling and start connecting. A quick read, and one that you will likely come back to several times, No Bad Kids is one of the first books I recommend to parents and nannies to help them survive the toddler years.
This book has been called “The What To Expect When You’re Expecting for men”, and for good reason. The Expectant Father answers dads-to-be questions such as “How do I balance work and family time?”, “What do I actually DO with my baby?”, and “Will I ever have sex again?”. Written from a father’s point of view, Brott’s wry sense of humor and stress-relieving cartoon illustrations will reassure new dads that they can handle anything that’s thrown at them.
Alison Gopnik is one of the world’s most renowned child psychologists, and this book is filled with information (backed by scientific research) on how to raise children who are curious, imaginative, and care about their fellow humans. Her main thesis is based on the theory that children learn best in a loving and supportive environment where they are given the space to “just be kids”- without constant coaching, tutoring, hovering, and interference from their (albeit well-meaning) caregivers. She believes that child-led learning is essential and that we would all be better off if we’d cease trying to mold our littles into miniature versions of ourselves. After all, they will not grow up in our current world…they will grow up in a world that does not yet exist. We owe it to them to be allowed to create something new.
As a career nanny and Newborn Care Specialist (who has worked with a number of celebrities and High Profile clients), Helen Moon is a wealth of knowledge on how to best survive the 4th Trimester. Cherish walks first-time parents through the process of getting their newborn onto a sleeping and eating schedule (I say “schedule”, but it is more of a routine) that will help them to create the patterns and habits that allow for happy, content, well-rested babies (and parents!).
Good luck, new parents; and Happy Reading!
