It’s true. Parenting starts at conception. And no, it doesn’t end at retirement (sorry). This lifelong commitment certainly runs the gamut – and until our little ones fly the coop, it’s always nice to reach out for a little guidance along the way. This brilliant collection of books covers many an aspect of parenting from pregnancy through to the birds and the bees. Take heed.
Eating for Two by Kathleen Gandy
This truly beautiful book by award-winning food writer Kathleen Gandy is more cookbook than pregnancy guide, yet it also includes priceless nutritional information for pregnant mums.
Gandy reveals her Top Ten tips for fixing morning sickness and provides a highly motivational shopping list of nutrient-rich superfoods for expectant mums – those foods high in folate, iron, calcium, iodine, protein and vitamins. Gandy also advises mums on foods to avoid – and why.
Then there’s the recipes. With delectable tempters such as grilled five-spice chicken with tomato rice, zucchini mint and haloumi fritters with beetroot tzatziki, and date and cardamom clafoutis, you don’t need to be pregnant to enjoy this specially designed menu.
The perfect gift for a baby shower.
Penguin Viking Australia, A$35RRP
YOU CAN BUY ‘EATING FOR TWO‘ ONLINE AT:
Save our Sleep Toddler by Tizzie Hall
Hang the baby years, oftentimes it’s the toddler years that prove to be the real sleep sapper. Why? Legs. And a more argumentative disposition. And louder voice. All things considered, no matter the age of the child, sleep deprivation is a serious issue for many parents, and this new book by the international baby whisperer, Tizzie Hall, could be just what you’ve been dreaming of (during your short bursts of sleep).
In Save Our Sleep Toddler, Hall aims to help parents create a happy and secure toddlerhood for their children (aged 1 to 3), by helping them understand the links between sleep and behaviour.
The book covers specific routines for sleeping and feeding toddlers, handling breaks in routine, addressing tantrums and setting boundaries, potty training, the transition from cot to bed and answers to common health problems.
With enlightening case studies from parents who’ve been through it all, this is one book that will keep you wide awake.
Pan Macmillan, A$34.99RRP
YOU CAN BUY ‘SAVE OUR SLEEP: TODDLER‘ ONLINE AT:
Parenting by Kathy Walker
Which came first? The parent or the child? In her latest book, renowned educational and parenting consultant, Walker, places the parent first – and asks this exhausted creature to not only recognise but improve their parenting style – a strategy which helps develop an understanding of the behavioural issues plaguing children.
Subtitled ‘A practical guide to raising preschool and primary-school children’, Walker’s book shows readers how to create a calmer, more nurturing environment for children, providing strategies and advice on such biggies as maintaining routines, promoting self-esteem and resilience, and communicating effectively with your child.
This frank and easy-to-follow guidebook begins with self-discovery – understanding your own parenting style, and moves through our wants and desires for our children to excellent strategies such as the author’s top 10 behavioural techniques.
So fascinating, it makes me want to relive those preschool years all over again. Almost.
Penguin Viking Australia, A$32.95RRP
YOU CAN BUY ‘PARENTING‘ ONLINE AT:
Talking to Your Kids About Sex by Dr Laura Berman
Let me tell you ‘bout the birds and the bees, the flowers and trees. Oh, alright – no more metaphors. Let’s talk about sex, baby. In Talking to Your Kids About Sex, Dr Laura Berman, a New York Times’ bestselling author, does just that – gently taking your hand and guiding you through this often hairy (‘scuse the pun) topic.
Far from having to plunge into a wordy tome packed with unapproachable jargon, Berman’s new book is instead laid out in characteristic Dorling Kindersley style – packed with photos, diagrams, tables, information boxes and really clear text – making sense not only for parents in need of a quick answer, but for kids who’d like to explore a rather perplexing world in greater depth.
The book is astoundingly comprehensive, frank and really well done. Beyond the point-and-giggle biology, it covers all manner of issues that will promote a healthy, strong and emotionally mature attitude towards sexual responsibility and personal hygiene and health.
For those parents interested in making the transition to talking about sex easier, more open, realistic and crystal clear [read: less embarrassing], Talking to Your Kids About Sex will not disappoint. Essential reading for both parent and child, particularly if that child is turning hairy.
Dorling Kindersley, A$29.95RRP
YOU CAN BUY ‘TALKING TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT SEX‘ ONLINE AT:
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