Parenting has always been a part of the human life-cycle. This quality has been inherited from one’s ancestors, who, in turn, had learned it from nature. Many books have been published in order to guide millions of parents worldwide in raising children properly. These books belong to one of the most difficult genres of literature, as it is very difficult to write a book on parental guidance. Of these books, twelve have managed to create a positive and everlasting effect.
1. Dr. Spock’s Baby and Childcare
Written by one who was raised by a very harsh mother, Dr. Spock’s Baby and Childcare is almost like the bible in the field of parenting. The quality of the book was so high and complete that when it came into the market, it was the only book on childcare to be accepted by the public without any questions.
The strictness of his life was what Dr. Spock opposed in his ideals for raising a child. Instead of rules, he promoted the feeling of common sense and understanding as the most valuable aspect of childcare. His ideals and ideas have been referred to by thousands of parents worldwide for nearly two generations because of his expert, insightful pediatric advice.
This book deals with anything – from breastfeeding techniques to understanding emotional children – which is often attributed to child-specialists and psychologists.
A paperback book costs $20, and is the book advised by most of the parents.
2 . What to Expect
“What to Expect” is a series of books focused on the developing stages of the child from pregnancy to the teenage years. This book gives good advise about things to do during pregnancy. When the child is born, the book gives directions on proper breastfeeding, baby and medical care and immunizations
3. 1-2-3 Magic Parenting Solutions
Another bestseller, “1-2-3 Magic Parenting Solutions” is one of the only books which has been able to deliver its goods from time to time. This deals with children with discipline problems, one of the worst problems in young children. It helps the parents deal with the children in a more effective and pleasant manner, which involves warnings, respecting boundaries and limitations and understanding feelings.
This is the best book for seeking guidance on disciplining children.
4 . Travels with Baby
When a baby comes in the house, outings during holidays and get-togethers are often reduced due to the intense care the baby needs. “Travels with Baby” is the best book to solve this problem. This book tells the parents how to travel with infants and toddlers. It covers all modes of transport, ranging from a small boat to an airplane. It also gives tips on backpacking, holding babies in safe positions and dealing with emergency situations. There are special spaces allotted for twins, internationally adopted children and sick babies.
5. Single Mothers by Choice
With developing society and increasing desire for a single life, many women are opting to be single mothers. This creates new problems, as it is only the mother who has to carry the burden of childcare and the economy on her own shoulders. This makes the task of a single mother difficult.
Penned down by the founder of “Single Mothers by Choice” group for single mothers, Jane Mattes, by observing and experiencing the life of a single mother, this book has the feeling of understanding for women, which makes the work effective and advisable for reference.
6. Building Character Skills in the Out of Control Child
There are cases of children who are completely out of control. “Building Character Skills in the Out of Control Child” written by Dr. C. R. Partridge talks about the issue, how these issues, if not curbed at tender age, can lead to severe problems and how to tackle the issue itself effectively. This book gives an in-depth analysis of character-development in child-growth. The book, for example, states too much comfort, power and control as one of the main causes for immature character-development in children. It also talks about correct approaches for different cases, and illustrates the cases where incorrect actions lead to more harm to the child’s character.
7. Baby 411
Having babies can be the most beautiful moment of life, but raising them can be the life’s most horribledifficult ones, if not approached properly. “Baby 411” by Ari Brown and Denise Fields is one of the best books on raising a baby. It has detailed instructions on various matters, ranging from emergency to day-to-day life. It also deals with ancient and recent rumors, cultural beliefs and old wives’ tales. It also has detailed instructions on baby-nutrition, breastfeeding and other things.
8. Teen Grief Relief
Written by mother-daughter duo, Heidi and Gloria Horsely, “Teen Grief Relief” is a must-read book for parents and teenagers.
Due to unfamiliar situations and hormonal changes, teenage life is one of the most volatile periods of any man’s life. Mood-swings, indifference, increased call for attention and change in behavior are some of the issues of this time. The book suggests how to deal with teenage problems, including difference between normal grief and complicated grief. It also tackles with life-changing experiences of teenagers, such as the death of a family member.
9. The Expectant Father
There are books written on mothers, but fewer books are written on fathers. “The Expectant Father” written by Armin Brott, a father himself, deals with this issue. It gives suggestions as to how to deal with unique problems as a father, such as managing a job along with child-raising and setting the foundations for the child’s bright future.
10. Siblings Without Rivalry
Whenever there is more than one child in the house, it is natural for sibling-rivalry to occur. This can be anything from parental love to sharing things. This rivalry, if not dealt properly can affect the development of the children and can bring about negative developments as well. Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish penned “Siblings Without Rivalry” to advise parents on this issue and how to deal with it in a manner related more to common sense.
11. Discipline That Works: 5 simple Steps
“Discipline That Works: 5 simple Steps”, by Joyce Divinyi deals with the learning-process of children. Involving only five steps, this book talks about developing communication, thinking and self-control skills in the children, and discipline and problem-tacking skills in parents.
12.The New Basics: A-to-Z Baby & Child Care for the Modern Parent
“The New Basics: A-to-Z Baby & Child Care for the Modern Parent” by Dr. Michael Cohen is the best book for today’s over-anxious parents. It deals with baby-issues, including tackling diseases, facing the prospect of first-time parenting and other issues. It is a book for the parents of today.
