Parenting Books

These four books are worth your time and money, according to family psychologist John Rosemond:

~ Have a New Kid by Friday
~ Confident Parenting
~ Internet Protect Your Kids
~ How to Behave and Why

Pamela Paul on How Marketing Has Hijacked Parenthood

Pamela Paul worked in marketing for seven years before becoming an author and penning books on starter marriages and porn. But it wasn't until she had her daughter (she's now the mom of two, 3 years old and 17 months) that she realized how marketing has hijacked parenthood.

She writes about the mysterious lure of $800 Bugaboo strollers, wipe warmers, and baby sign-language classes in her new book Parenting, Inc.

Click here for Nancy Shute's interview with Pamela Paul.

"You're A Good Mom"

I read this great write-up in the April 2008 issue of Parenting magazine. It's from a new book by Jen Singer that is out this month called, You're a Good Mom (and your kids aren't so bad either): 14 Secrets to Finding Happiness Between Super Mom and Slacker Mom.

Here's what she says about what today's parenting lingo would have meant to our moms:

• Floor Time - Time spent waxing the kitchen floor while the kids amuse themselves in the playpen.
  


• Time-Out - A short break during a sporting event, or taking a break from the laundry to watch Days of Our Lives.
  


• Kindergarten Readiness - Your kid's fifth birthday.
  


• Use Your Words - "Knock it off, kids!"
  


• Quality Time - Reading the paper in the car outside the theater where the kids are seeing The Bad News Bears.
  


• Teachable Moments - School.

"What To Expect" Gets a Makeover

It's 2008 and you are pregnant. Who do you relate to more - the girl on the left who hasn't lost her sense of style or confidence or the one on the right in the rocking chair? Obviously, the version on the left is a much better representation of pregnant women today. I actually can't believe the third edition with the woman in the rocking chair was published in 2002. I even remember thinking that it looked like it was from the 70's when I read it during my own pregnancy in 2005.

America's best-known pregnancy advice book, "What to Expect When You're Expecting", has undergone a makeover on the front cover and on the inside. Check out this article to see what has changed in the 4th Edition. Here's a hint: you might be relieved to know that the newer version is "more reassuring, more positive, more empathetic than ever". They've also moved "a lot of the scary stuff" to a back section.

Book Review: Parenting, Inc.

The New York Times reviews Pamela Paul's new book, Parenting, Inc:

Paul has tapped a real concern. An entire industry preys on parental anxiety, and succumbing to it, we risk raising children who don’t know what to do with “free” time and who will measure their value by what they can buy. Most parents will recognize a bit of themselves in Paul’s introductory complaint: “No matter what I do, someone else seems to be doing enviably more or improbably less, and either way, their child and family seem all the better for it.”

Think You're Ready for the Baby?

Think again. Parenting Magazine has put out a new book that focuses on 'must haves' for the newest member of the family.

Some of the suggestions include: a place for the baby to sleep, a place for diaper-changing, a place for cuddling and feeding and a way to keep tabs on the baby when you're not in the room. It lists plenty of both expensive and inexpensive items on which you can blow your cash.

Rock Star Momma

A new book helps pregnant women celebrate their changing bodies with fashion, beauty and grace. "Rock Star Momma: The Hip Guide to Looking Gorgeous Through All Nine Months and Beyond" is a comprehensive well-being guide with a foreword by actress Gwyneth Paltrow.

Children's Books

I buy lots of children's books and like to find good deals. Jack usually gets a board book for each holiday (Easter, Valentine's Day, Father's Day) and lots of others in between. Recently he wouldn't let go of the Baby Einstein Dogs mini-board book at the library, and I found more that size at a discount store (Hudson's Salvage) for 20 cents each!

I also love to give books as birthday gifts, especially box sets of board books. I try to stock up, so I have them on hand when we get invitations. I've found some great discounted box sets at Tuesday Morning. Four board books in a handy carry case that kids love - retail $18.99, but TM sells for $4.99

Another good place to check for books is Overstock.com. They have the Sandra Boynton sets, retail for $21.95; overstock price $14.18. Their basic shipping is a flat $2.95, but make sure to sign up for their email specials. They often offer free shipping.

I haven't tried second-hand book stores or ebay yet, but those might be my next stops. If you have any other great ideas for inexpensive books, let us know on the forum.

Library Story Time

Story time at your public library is a great oppotunity for babies and toddlers to experience books with someone other than mom and dad. And best of all, it's FREE! Most libraries break up the story times by age and meet once a week. I've seen lots of other blogging moms check out their local library storytimes with their kids and they love it too. You may think your child would never sit still, but you might be surprised.

Check out your local library for times, and if you have a conflict, you can just go on your own to read new books with your child, check out books to bring home (just make sure to keep a list of what you check out each time), and you can even check out children's DVDs and CDs.

Oh, and while you are there, check out their selection of movies for date night with your spouse. You can rent them for just $1 each if they are entertainment (these are the same ones that Blockbuster rents for $4-$5 each) and free if they are educational.

Nursery Rhyme Tease

From Nursery Rhyme Tease, here's a creative gift idea that encourages reading and looking cute! You get a nursery rhyme story book and matching tee in a unique snap vinyl case. Choose from Three Little Pigs, Wheels on the Bus, Hey Diddle Diddle, Humpty Dumpty, Itsy Bitsy Spider or, my personal favorite, Old MacDonald (E-I-E-I-O).

What a creative way to encourage reading!

Top 5: Books to Read to Babies

1) The Rainbow Fish - Marcus Pfister
2) The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Eric Carle
3) Good Night Moon - Margaret Wise Brown
4) Pat the Bunny - Dorothy Kunhardt
5) Ten Little Ladybugs - Melanie Gerth

From About.com