Editorial Review

Is our baby eating enough?Is this much crying normal? How do I knowwhen she is really sick? This hefty, 671-page guide to your baby's first year isbrought to you by the creators of the bestselling Read more

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Reviews (301)

NICE BUT BETTER BOOKS OUT THERE
This is a "sweet" book that is very reassuring
What to Expect the First Year
This book is a MUST for any new parents!I have given this as a gift to every one of my pregnant friends and family.

Helps millions of families from pregnancy through the toddler years.
Heidi Murkoff is co-author--along with Arlene Eisenberg and Sandee Hathaway--of The What To Expect Series--the best selling pregnancy and parenting books in the world. She's also a director on the board of The What to Expect Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing low-income parents with the information and support they need to have healthy and happy babies. Heidi Murkoff's book: What to Expect When You're Expecting, offers advice to parents about how to deal with the multitude of information now available to parents. In essence, the abundance of information available to parents can be overwhelming and lead parents to believe more in parenting experts than in themselves. We have only to look at the past several generations of American mothers who believed religiously in child-rearing experts who based much of their advice upon biased, unsound, and unscientific personal opinions. However, there is really good information available to parents now to encourage them to refine intuition by broadening their knowledge base and wisdom through education. You should trust yourselves when you parent your children more humanely and with greater respect and love. This is a good book, especially for first time mothers(parents) loaded with pictures and information detailing the monthly changes in the mothers body. Heidi Murkoff writes in a step-by-step manner, intended to walk you through this delicate time in your life--which is informative. What to Expect When You're Expecting will answer most of your questions--it also details what may go wrong. But be warned, Heidi Murkoff's style can be annoying and difficult to follow. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Care    2. Child rearing    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Family/Marriage    6. Infants    7. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General    8. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/Infants    9. Parenting - Child Rearing    10. Parenting - General    11. Pregnancy & Childbirth    12. FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS / Parenting / General    13. HEALTH & FITNESS / Pregnancy & Childbirth   

Reviews (32)

Couldn't have done it without it!
I would recommend this to any nursing mother. I bought the book and had it memorized by the time my daughter came into this world. I had a lot of questions, and it always had the answers. I never had to go digging around for another book because it didn't have what was looking for.
The BEST Nursing Book Out There!!
I received this book as a gift and it has been beside my bed for 6 months (ever since my daughter was born).It is great as a reference to look up answers to quick questions or concerns.I would also recommend reading this book from start to finish before baby arrives... I wish I had.I cannot say enough good things about Kathleen Huggins and her book!!

Actual useful advice!
This book was by far the most useful nursing book I read (the others were the Sears book, the LLL book, and BF made simple).When I had a specific problem, this book actually gave a list of different things to do to try to resolve the problem - exactly what I wanted!-and there's always an accompanying discussion if you want know more.I would say this book is also the most clinical of the books, and I consider that a good thing.I (and I think most people who bother to buy a nursing book) know BF is a good choice before buying these books.I don't need a hard sell.This book simply lays out the facts in an easy to understand way.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Breast feeding    2. Breastfeeding    3. Child Care/Parenting    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Parenting - Child Rearing    7. Popular works    8. Family & Relationships / Child Care    9. Women's health   

Reviews (96)

Not What I Expected as Advertised
I ordered this book after reading the rave reviews and the who's who of public school using this format.Nowhere is it advertised or even mentioned that this is a Christian book, espousing Christian dogma and assumptions.I'm surprised this is acceptable for use by Government funded public schools.Furthermore, there is a lot of non-scientific rhetoric in the book that eschews logical debate and exposition.I'm very disappointed and consider this to be false advertising.
Works For A Mom Of 8
I have 8 kids, ages 1 though 18.I read this book 6 years ago when I was dealing with 2 year old twins and found it to be very helpful. Since then I have recommended it to many people.Anything that can help mom stay calm and sane when dealing with challenging behaviors is a real winner in my book!

excellent book
Practical and easy to use. Good thoughts that seem easy to put into action. Good way to teach today's children. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Parenting    3. Developmental - Child    4. Education    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family Relationships    7. Parent and child    8. Parenting    9. Parenting - Child Rearing    10. Parenting - General    11. Religion - Marriage & Family    12. Responsibility in children   

Editorial Review

For despairing moms and dads everywhere, "Supernanny" Jo Frost may as well be wearing a Wonder Woman costume. Her no-nonsense rules--not tips, not advice, but Read more

Reviews (45)

Fantastic Help
I highly recommend this book to any struggling parents out there. It is an easy and quick read (which I never find anything a quick read). I think I read the whole book in about 4 hours.It is chock full of advice on everything from play to sleep routines and everything in between. I have started using the adivce she offers and have already seen a change in my 2 toddlers, 3 and 21 months, as well as the whole atmosphere of the house and I have had the book for about 2 weeks. A must read!!!!

Discipline Tips That Work For Us
"SUPERNANNY" has discipline guidance relative to a spectrum of ages, infant through elementary school age and offers a variety of specific interventions of how to get better behavior from a child. I found Jo's advice to be easy to understand and I agree with the majority of suggested interventions especially on getting your child to sleep in his own bed at night.This book emphasizes 3 main areas to focus on: Putting an immediate stop to the undesirable or dangerous behavior in the heat of the moment (like whining, backtalk, hitting, tantrums and not listening)...Continuing to use "positive" discipline (outside the heat of the moment) by noticing and encouraging the good behaviors (like cleaning up, healthy eating, uses manners, sharing, and following a bedtime routine) and...lastly "Supernanny" stresses the importance and positive effects of adults prioritizing daily one-on-one time with each child that serves to strengthen the relationship between parent and child therby getting more cooperation from the child just because he knows he is important and understood.
Great resource
I bought this book for a friend and for my sister after watching the SuperNanny perform miracles on TV. The book is really nice and summarizes well the techniques she uses. What would be great to have as an addition would be some child psychologist's evaluation of her suggestions. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Discipline of children    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Family Relationships    5. Family/Marriage    6. Parent and child    7. Parenting - Discipline    8. Preschool children    9. Family & Relationships / Child Care   

Reviews (184)

The only thing has worked for this parenting book addict!!!
I have read over a dozen parenting books including Playful Parenting, Easy to love, Difficult to Discipline, Picking Your Battles, Kids, Parents and Power Struggles, P.E.T. and Unconditional Parenting just to name a few.This though is the first book parenting book, I've ever reviewed, because it's the only one that has truly helped me.
1-2-3- Magic
I found this book to be a excellent resource for learning how to control "stop" behaviors.I am not as convinced on the start behavior tactics but we are going to give it a try.

Raise your children correctly
This book really helps parents raise their children. The overall feel reminded me of the book "Now I Know the Ten Commandments". I recommend it to anyone. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Parenting - Child Rearing    5. Parenting - Discipline    6. Parenting - General    7. Child care & upbringing    8. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Reviews (4)

A Wonderful, Refreshing Child Development Book
Finally, a book that offers sensible and realistic approaches to child development which departs from "mythical" ideas of past and archaic culture. Luckily, this volume isn't afraid to address the homogenous fallacies that have plagued our society and discusses significantly the exploration of truly modern theories embraced around the world. People of all walks of life, education, and backgrounds will rejoice in an important concept that this book teaches: genuinely nurturing children as opposed to treating them like pets.

Still the Best
Beginnings and Beyond is still the best Early Childhood Education text out there.

Moral people beware
If you have a conservative, moral or Christian bone in your body, this book will sicken you beyond your wildest imagination.If you fall into any of the above described categories, then this book will classify you as a "European male," or of "European Ancestory".This book preaches strongly a so called "diversity" but if you are a white male the "diversity" of opinions stops.(unless of course you decide to agree with the author.)And if you are a Catholic, you have even more to digest, as the book reaks of anti-Catholicism. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child development    2. Curricula    3. Early childhood education    4. Education    5. Education / Teaching    6. Parenting - Child Rearing    7. Preschool & Kindergarten    8. Education / Elementary    9. Pre-school & kindergarten   

Editorial Review

It's Sunday after dark. Your baby is sick, hurt, or acting strangely, and the doctor won't be in until tomorrow. How can you find out what to do when your healthcare professionals are unreachable? You may only need to go as far as your bookshelf. The revised edition of Read more

Reviews (113)

An OK reference for common problems
I had high hopes for this book but I was a little disappointed when I read through it.I was looking for a comprehensive reference that would give mefairly specific information on common complaints in early childhood.Unfortunately, the book is somewhat vague about most of the problems.For example, I was interested in learning more about reflux in infants and I was able to learn more about reflux in one of my breastfeeding books than in this book.

THE reference for new parents.
As a nurse, I highly recommend this book for new parents.It is easy to read and understand for all audiences.I found many answers here that prevented me from calling the pediatrician or advice nurse after hours.It is divided into sections by age so don't let the number of pages intimidate you - keep it by your bed and read a few pages when you have a spare moment.

Excellent, excellent, excellent...
In my last trimester, it started to dawn on me that I was now an expert on pregnancy (having read every pregnancy book I could get my hands on), but I hadn't the foggiest idea of what to do when we brought the baby home!I started scrambling to find a guide to those stressful first weeks, and I came upon this book after reading through countless others.This is truly the best guide out there.Why?
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Subjects:  1. Care    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Child Development And Rearing    4. Child care    5. Child development    6. Family & Relationships    7. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    8. Infants    9. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General    10. Parenting - Child Rearing    11. Parenting - General    12. Advice on parenting    13. Child care & upbringing    14. Family & Relationships / Child Care   

Reviews (7)

Review of 10 Days to a Less Defiant Child:The Breakthrough Program
Have you ever been frustrated with your relationship to your child? Have you ever thought that your child is just being defiant? Maybe you have tried severe punishments and scolding that don't lead to a change in future behavior as you had hoped.Most parents, like my-self experience a children's defiance from time to time, and some experience that defiance 24/7.
Tomi Tuel's Review
In the day of my upbringing, my parents had a child rearing handbook they considered omnipotent.Those philosophies are now considered old school.As a product of those old school philosophies I could have cursed them as a child, and now as an adult I sometimes find myself unknowingly reverting to them for lack of a better way.The need for such parental guidance is still ever present.Dr. Bernstein bridges the gaps in our thinking during times of crisis with our own defiant children.By arming us with the tools of love, Dr. Bernstein's teachings help any parent grappling with a defiant child restore the love and maintain the peace.If you have kids or work with them, have this book handy - you're going to need it!10 Days To A Less Defiant Child is the omnipotent handbook for today's modern parent.
Deceptive Title?
In my experience, it only took about two to three days to see real results. To be sure, other parents may have more difficult situations. This book is really valuable because it organizes and presents the information in a way that is easy to understand and implement. It addresses the fundamental issues regarding communication and helps a parent gain an appreciation of the child's need to assume their own individuality. The book is not about ensuring absolute obedience; in fact, such a goal is likely to result in defiant behavior. However, if what you ultimately hope to achieve is a solid and mostly harmonious relationship with your children, you should be well served by the advice in this book. You might not end up being able to force your teen-age daughter to wear pink polka-dot corduroy knickers with dark green taffeta tops (or force her not to wear them), but you probably will be able to get her to arrive at school on time and not scream at you when you ask how the homework is coming along. Furthermore, it is better to have a child who perceives you as an understanding ally in life than one who thinks you are another source of frustration or pain. By discussing how to avoid unconstructive behavior on your part, the book's guidance goes a long way to teaching skills that allow you to influence the important aspects ofgrowing up in a positive way. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Behavior modification    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Oppositional defiant disorder in children    6. Parenting    7. Parenting - Child Rearing    8. Problem children    9. Advice on parenting    10. Family & Relationships / Child Care   

Editorial Review

The role of birth partner is a tough one. A birth partner may be expected to help a laboring woman make decisions and help her get through the pain and discomfort of childbirth. During this high-intensity time, the birthpartner--whether father, partner, or friend--needs a book that can give thorough information for studying ahead of time, yet can be easily referenced in an emergency or for quick answers during labor and delivery.Read more

Reviews (43)

One of the Best Books on Labor & Delivery
I've been a working with expectant parents for the last 14 years, 5 of which as a birth doula and childbirth educator. When I meet with a new client, I always ask that they read 'The Birth Partner' along with those who are attending their birth. Childbirth is definitely an area in which knowledge equals power - in this case 'The Birth Partner' is a true powder keg to empower yourself in your childbirth journey. I feel that it is a 'must read' for every expectant family.
If you really want to be a PARTNER, this is the book to read!
I can't even count how many times I have checked this book out from the library.It's great to see that it is in it's second edition and still getting great reviews and helping so many people.I read this book from cover to cover when I was pregnant with my first child.My husband wanted to support me in my efforts to give birth naturally but wasn't sure how--and I wasn't sure what to tell him.Lamaze classes didn't really help him to understand his role.He wanted to be more than the pillow holder and breathing coach.After reading this book I was able to tell him exactly what he could do and say that would really help me.As he is not an avid reader, I read and then discussed each section with him.This definitely helped build confidence and trust for both of us.We have since been able to have 4 natural and unmedicated births, which I belive would be nearly impossible without the right kind of support from a labor partner.
Excellent, Thorough Birth Partner Guide
This book has been very helpfull in preparing for the birth of our first child.We have reffered to it numerous times and plan on bringing it into the birth room with us.Additionally, my wife feels much more secure just knowing I've read it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Coaching    3. Complications    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Labor (Obstetrics)    7. Natural childbirth    8. Parenting - Child Rearing    9. Pregnancy    10. Pregnancy & Childbirth    11. Childcare    12. Parenting   

Reviews (3)

Great book for parents
My thoughts: Its well written-not verbose at all, each chapter is to the point with great suggestions. His points are based recent on scientific studies and are not from glossed over like many writers do who don't fully comprehend the research. the "mozart effect" is a perfect example. He tells you the limits of what the research shows, eg Dont plunck the kid in front of the stereo all day because thats not going to do much.
Valuable Information for Parents
Raise a Smarter Child by Kindergarten is perhaps the most comprehensive book I've ever seen relating to enhancing our children's intelligence and paving the way for their future success. Dr. Perlmutter, a neurologist, not only provides the activities, lifestyle recommendations anf nutritional information to build a better brain, but he goes so far as to claim that as many as 30 IQ points are up for grabs and provides the hard core science to back it up. He shows us not only how to treat ADHD without medication, but more importantly, how we can easily prevent it in the first place. His unique schedule for immunizations is especially helpful. This is very important read for all parents and future parents.

A book that promotes creavitiy and skills development early in life
"Raise a Smarter Child by Kindergarten: Build a Better Brain and Increase IQ by up to 30 points" by David Md Perlmutter is a pretty good book which promotes creativity, skills development, and it reinforces common knowledge directed towards improving a child's mental skills prior to the elementary school years. Perlmutter provides readers with a list of tools that they can use specifically towards these purposes and advises against common pitfalls, such as excessive television viewing and video game playing. There are games that he offers which are geared towards improving skills development and he even speaks to advice that child rearers can use to ward off enemies of the brain. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Brain    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Child Development    4. Child Development And Rearing    5. Children    6. Diseases    7. Education    8. Family & Relationships    9. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    10. Intellect    11. Intelligence    12. Intelligence levels    13. Nutritional aspects    14. Parenting - Child Rearing    15. Parenting - General    16. Advice on parenting    17. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Editorial Review

There's a popular game at baby showers in which the new mom-to-be has to taste jarred baby food and guess its contents. Inevitably, the first comment is "Yuk! How do they eat this stuff?" The answer, of course, is that babies don't know there's an alternative--fresh, delicious, wholesome food made at home. In the beautifully and extensively illustrated Read more

Reviews (118)

Absolutely best cookbook - don't be afraid to try to cook the amazing and tasty visual treats!
I first checked this book out of the library when my son was a baby and found really awesome recipes for baby food. I could hardly resist eating the peas, leeks and potatoe recipe myself even as a puree! The recipes for party foods were a huge hit for his first birthday. Overnight I became the star of our baby group!
Real people (babies) deserve real food
I used this book for both of my older children (now 7 & 4) and just dug it back out for our new little one (7 months old).Once again I am impressed by the variety of recipes presented.I think offering a wide variety of healthy foods from the start of solid feeding is one of the reasons I don't have any trouble introducing new foods to my older children now.They love their vegitables and enjoy trying all types of food even those that many adults would find new or exotic.I agree that some of the recipes take a bit longer than opening a jar and reheating.Many take the same amount of time as preparing a dish for an adult dinner...but since many of the recipies can be frozen (I make bigger batches and then freeze in small portions that can be thawed as needed)I only need set aside a couple of hours every month or so to have a wide variety of good and healthy dishes available to serve.
help for the cooking challenged
I really like this cookbook.I know my infant needs good nutrition, and now have a great resource to use.The book does use some "new" foods for my family, but now that we have stocked the kitchen it is a snap to try new healthy fun food.My son, 15 months, loves these recipes. They are not the quickest meals in the world, but if you enjoy preparing good food for mealtime, this will be a useful book for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children    2. Consumer Health    3. Cooking    4. Health & Healing - General    5. Infants    6. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General    7. Methods - Quick & Easy    8. Nutrition    9. Popular works    10. Toddlers    11. Family & Relationships / Child Care   

Reviews (90)

good advice, but mixed bag
There are three copies of this book at a local library.
I was spanked as a child
I was a strong-willed child and now have one of my own.
Review of Dobson's "The New Strong-Willed Child
Dobson combines common sense, excellent stories and biblical principles in his book.These features are weaved together to make the book compelling and practical.
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Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Child psychology    3. Child rearing    4. Christianity - Christian Life - Parenting    5. Discipline of children    6. Family & Relationships    7. Parenting - Child Rearing    8. Parenting - Discipline    9. Religion - Marriage & Family   

Editorial Review

In their excellent (and hefty) resource guide, Read more

Reviews (648)

Not "Everything" you need to know
Dr. Sears seems to have spent the better part of his children's lives writing books about which he has no experience.His relegation of the father's role to secondary exemplifies his own inadeqacies.Back to the book.I'm sure it's useful to those mothers and fathers who never had the oral tradition training for parenthood and need a little help, but I would much rather recommend other types of reading for parents and parents-to-be.Spend some time on Native American spirituality. A little more time on books dealing with your nutrition prior to conception(BOTH PARENTS.)Try some humor, like Nora Efron to keep your spirits balanced.Learn about your body, mind, and spirit and that of your child by reading and listening to Rayna Gangi. Dr. Sears.You may help those who have no clue, but you need some further reading yourself.

useful and complete
A very userful book especially for new parents. It doesn't take anything for granted telling you everything you should know about your child. I could find answers to very common and "normal" concerns about my baby, that no one told me before (as for exaple that babies are not silent while sleeping, being in perfect health!)and important suggestments to detect more serious illnesses (such as GERD!)

Just Try It Out, and you'll see it works for you
I received this book several years BEFORE I became a mother--and decided it seemed a little too much for me.There was NO WAY I would ever sleep with my baby, breastfeed for more than 8 months, or carry the baby EVERY WHERE I went.However, I did appreciate that they valued the relationship between parent and baby, and that they were respectful of the child's needs and abilities, as well as the parent's needs and abilities.They also had some helpful ideas about food allergies, which runs in my family.
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Subjects:  1. Care    2. Child development    3. Development    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Family/Marriage    7. General    8. Infants    9. Infants (Newborn)    10. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/Infants    11. Parenting - Child Rearing    12. Family & Relationships / Child Care    13. Pregnancy, birth & baby care   

Reviews (33)

I haven't laughed this hard in a long time!!
Women, it's very raw but you have to read this. You will be laughing so hard you cry! Need a stress reliever read this book!!!I can't wait to get her first 2.

Wonderful and heartelt
She did it again.. she made me sit up and take notice.. I loved it and I thought it was brave of her to open up. I am sending Belly Laughs and Baby Laughs to my best friend.. she can get her own Life Laughs!! I always feel that I am reading my own stories when I read her books.. I have a 4 year old and have been through a divorce.. God Bless You Jenny!

not as good as her 1st 2 books
this book was very disappointing. i LOVED her 1st two books. so when this book came out i was very excited. after reading it, i found it was rather dull and not very funny. there were very few parts that actually made me laugh, unlike her 1st two books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Actors    2. Biography    3. Humor    4. Love / Sex / Marriage    5. Marriage    6. Parenting - Child Rearing    7. Parenting - Motherhood    8. Television personalities    9. Topic - Family    10. Topic - Relationships    11. United States    12. Family & Relationships / Marriage   

Editorial Review

When your child isn't sleeping, chances are that you aren't either.Read more

Reviews (330)

Other than the actual "Ferberizing", great info
I am a mother of 6 month old twins who recently *both* were waking every 1 to 2 hours on some nights.I read this book after trying No-Cry Sleep Solution for a month with lots of improvment on everything *except* the number of night-wakings.The girls fell asleep faster, easier, and with less help - but kept waking up, dropping only about one night-waking.
Excellent book - REALLY helped
Our two older kids basically didn't fall asleep on their own for a long time, as well as woke up quite frequently at nights. We were big followers of Sears method. I think, our nervous system was quite drained as a result of bad and insufficient sleep.
On the fourth night, it really seems to be working!
I think now, after trying the Ferber method, that a baby trying to fall asleep is just like a curious kitten that climbed up a tree and got herself stuck.I thought that my baby was always crying for us, but really she was crying for our help so she could fall back asleep.We were always rescuing our little kitten from that tall tree branch by picking her up out of the tree, without teaching her how to climb down on her own.
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Subjects:  1. Child Psychology    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family/Marriage    5. Health - General    6. Parenting - Child Rearing    7. Parenting - General    8. Sleep Disorders    9. Sleep disorders in children    10. Child care & upbringing    11. Family & Relationships / Child Care   

Reviews (301)

Good information
I used this book to train my 29 month old son just over 2 weeks ago.He was fully trained within a week, including staying dry at night.Actually, he started staying dry at night (day 2) before he stopped having accidents during the daytime.He had 7 accidents on day one.I was starting to lose hope when it suddenly clicked for him.He stayed dry for the second half of day one and had about 1 accident per day until day 6 (I had a little trouble convincing him to poo-poo in the potty).
It really works!
I am so thankful for this toilet training book!As a [once] working mom, a stay-at-home mom, and as a mother of a child with a disability, I recommend this book to everyone!!We all want to potty train our child as quickly as possible and this book tells you how.I don't think there is a quicker method available.Even if you don't get the child trained in "less than a day," your child will still be toilet trained quicker by using this method than other