When you’re about to become a new mother the amount of information you’re trying to consume in such a short time is utterly exhausting and overwhelming. During the process of sieving through the masses, I built a small collection of instructional and narrative parenting books that I return to time and again. These books have been essential resources for me both in understanding my children’s development and needs, as well as inspiration for myself as a mother and the huge impact this new role has on a woman’s life. Whether you’re expecting (congratulations!) or already are a new mother (good luck 😉 ) these books will guide you along your first years of motherhood with reliable information, instruction, and most importantly a good dose of parental humor.
- The Baby Whisperer Solves All Your Problems, By: Tracy Hogg Tracy Hogg is considered the “modern-day Mary Poppins,” and rightfully so. Hoggs’s guidebook helps parents to understand and care for their young children. If you’ve ever watched the Dog Whisperer, Hoggs really is the Caesar Millan of childrearing. She helps you learn how to observe, respect, and communicate with your child and offers strategies and solutions for establishing structure and certainty. I implemented Hogg’s E.A.S.Y routine with my boys when they were very young and it helped me to get them on a set schedule. The schedule allowed our family life to be consistent and helped to make time for me to rest and reboot.
- Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Twins, By: Marc Weissbluth, M.D. This is a quick read with a step-by-step program for sleep-training babies. Written by a pediatrician and renowned sleep authority, this book explains the importance of healthy sleep habits for the entire family and gives instruction on tried-and-true sleep-training methods that will establish good sleep patterns. With concise chapters divided up into 3-month increments, this books is a necessity for sleep-deprived moms and dads at whits end trying to teach their child to sleep. Obviously I have the book on multiples sleep training, but if you’re a singleton parent fear not… this book is the multiples version of Weissbluth’s original book, Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Baby.
- Bringing Up Bebe, By: Pamela Druckerman I am a self professed Francophile. In my daydreams I envision myself gracefully strolling to the market with my toddlers in tow, picking local produce and farm fresh meats that will be fixed up into a gastronomical masterpiece, which my boys will eat up with big grins and say “merci maman!” when their plates are clean. At least, this is what Pamela Druckerman has made me believe I can accomplish with her funny, smart, and eye-opening look into the wonders and wisdom of French parenting. Giving your children freedom within boundaries, and structuring a family life that the children fit into rather than entirely centered around them. This book offers an alternative to helicopter parenting with a fresh,un-American perspective on childrearing. By setting small, but effective, standards you can set the tone for a healthy and happy family life, with lots of good food to boot!
- French Kids Eat Everything, By: Karen Le Billon This book really hones in on the food education and eating behaviors of French children. Eating with children does not have to be an experience full of anxiety and stress. But rather a peaceful and happy time centered on family, fulfillment, and nourishment. Our culture has developed a negative relationship with food where deprivation and overindulgence reign supreme. It wasn’t until the end of my college years that I began to grasp the concept of eating to nourish. Food shouldn’t be driven by emotions, but by nutritional needs and the utmost appreciation for its purity and richness. I love food, and I want my kids to love food. In a narrative format this book offers a fresh perspective on how young children are capable of eating and behaving at the dinner table, as well as some great (and easy) French recipes to fix up for the kiddos. If I learned anything from this book, it’s that there are no short order cooks in my house. If you don’t like what’s served to you, then you’ll wait until the next meal to eat.
- Naptime Is the New Happy Hour, By: Stefanie Wilder-Taylor A sequel to Wilder-Taylor’s Sippy Cups are Not for Chardonnay, this is a hilarious, brutally honest account of life with a toddler. As any new parent will know, being able to laugh at the ridiculous predicaments and situations your toddler presents you with is essential to survival. Your attitude towards parenthood plays a critical role in how you perform, and being able to see the lighthearted side is both endearing and uplifting. It’s not for forever, it’s just for right now. But in the mean time, read this book and get some good laughs in. I laughed my entire way through it and you will too. That is a 100% guarantee. Unless you’re Voldemort.