Parenting Resources

[Teresa1901]

My husband and I are expecting our first child this summer, and we’re looking for solid parenting resources, preferably Catholic but not necessarily. We don’t want a lot of psycho-babble stuff, just books or websites with practical suggestions. Looking for both day-to-day parenting help on what to expect (what’s normal, what’s not, dealing with sickness, feedings, growth stages, etc.) and child development type books (what kinds of activities will promote good brain/motor development, etc.),and books on spiritual development as she gets older. Any suggestions?

 

[Xantippe]

I like Penelope Leach’s Your Baby and Child–it’s almost a coffee table book, what with all the lovely color photos of children. I also like Vicki Iovine’s Girlfriend’s Guide to the First Year and Girlfriend’s Guide to Toddlers. I’ve had lots of baby and toddler books over the years, but those are the ones I’ve kept. In fact, I’ve even worn out a few copies.

The American Association of Pediatrics publishes a book entitled “Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5” that I’ve also found helpful. They come out with a new edition every few years, so the current edition will be up to date. That one has more specific information about developmental milestones than the other books I’ve mentioned.

Best wishes!

 

[Xantippe]

For humor, I really like “The Honest Toddler: A Child’s Guide to Parenting” and “The Big Rumpus,” which is an alterna-mom’s memoir of bohemian life with two little kids in NYC. The latter will be especially helpful when you have your next baby.

Have fun!