While family and friends can provide amazing advice and support, sometimes you just need an objective perspective. Hence, parenting books!
But of the hundreds — wait, thousands — of “how to raise your baby” guides out there, how do you separate the wheat from the chaff?
We asked our wise readers about which parenting books they found the most helpful in those bleary-eyed early years. These are some of their suggestions:
1. If I Need to Tell You One More Time…: The Revolutionary Program That Gets Your Kids To Listen Without Nagging, Reminding, or Yelling – Amy McCreedy
No one wants to nag or yell, but it’s hard when you have to constantly remind your 5-year-old to close the kitchen drawers or wash his hands after he goes to the bathroom. So, how do you stop? This book will apparently tell you!
2. The Happiest Baby On The Block – Dr Harvey Karp
Infant sleep, bed sharing, breastfeeding, swaddling, all the crying, and the general exhaustion from parenting — Dr. Karp believes he has a cure.
This book was written by two pediatric nurses who are also moms, so you know, they know a thing or two about babies.
4. Beyond the Sling: A Real-Life Guide to Raising Confident, Loving Children the Attachment Parenting Way – Mayim Bialik
Actress Mayim Bialik wrote a book about attachment parenting and has suggestions about how to co-sleep and discipline, but without using “threats” or “time outs.”
5. 1, 2, 3 the Toddler Years – Irene Van der Zande
We’ve got one word for you (actually two) — Terrible Twos! This book helps navigate those tricky early years and offers insight into why your children’s behavior might seem insane and offers creative strategies for how to respond.
6. Go the F**k to Sleep – Adam Mansbach
Need we say more?
What are some parenting books you love? Tell us in the comments below.
