Parenting can present a host of challenges, especially in environments where support is low. In a survey published by the World Economic Forum, 51% of parents confessed to feeling intense pressure over how they raise their children. The proper knowledge, resources, and skills contribute to a parent’s satisfaction with how well they care for their kids. However, it is only natural to meet struggles along the way.
It can be discouraging when you’re unable to get your kid to sleep, for instance. You can also grapple with finding the best way to teach them about kindness. Despite these hurdles, we assure you that, with some guidance, you can certainly become better parents.
We’ve gathered five books to help you cope with difficult parenting tasks.
1. Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child – Encouraging good sleep patterns
Sleep patterns are likely the first obstacle parents with young children will encounter. In Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, Dr. Marc Weissbluth weaves recent research with practical tips to help your kids achieve better sleep. If you’re wary of the “cry it out” method, Weissbluth does make mention of it. However, if the method doesn’t respond to your parenting style, the book still addresses issues like bedwetting, nightmares, and nap-resistant kids with an adept hand.
2. Baby-Led Breastfeeding – Breastfeeding infants
Most breastfeeding guides typically cover various topics, such as beginning breastfeeding and expressing milk. However, what Baby-Led Breastfeeding offers is a novel perspective on breastfeeding. In the book, Tracey Murkett and Gill Rapley educate you on how to read your babies and follow their instincts. In essence, you’re prompted to take cues from your baby and allow them to attach themselves to the breast. Baby-led attachment is said to help reduce the risk of developing breastfeeding problems and can ensure a stress-free way to feed your baby.
3. Oh Crap! – Potty training toddlers
Each toddler responds to potty training differently; after all, they have their own learning methods. Fortunately, Jamie Glowacki has observed these differences in learning. Oh Crap! Potty Training describes how parents should understand progress is relative to their child’s experience. Glowacki posits that while most kids require three to seven days before being successfully potty trained, some kids pick up the skill intuitively. In certain cases, it depends on your child’s ability to string letters into sounds. Nothing is set, but if Glowacki has anything to do with it, her six-step proven process can help you support your toddler’s adjustment to potty training.
4. No Bad Kids – Having difficult conversations
Our post ‘Explaining Putting a Pet Down to a Young Child’ previously discussed the importance of transparency when talking about complex topics with your kid. For instance, despite the ensuing negative emotions and potential tantrums, honesty is required when talking about the death of a pet. In No Bad Kids, Janet Lansbury teaches you to use caring and respectful responses when your kid acts out. Although you can be disheartened when your child reacts emotionally, scolding them will only worsen the situation. Janet Lansbury posits how lectures can spark guilt and shame in your child, so instead, listen to their feelings and affirm that these are valid.
5. How to Raise Kids Who Aren’t Assholes – Building empathy and compassion
No parent is exempt from feeling a desire to raise kind-hearted children. In How to Raise Kids Who Aren’t Assholes, Melinda Wenner Moyer chronicles an incisive step-by-step guide on how to cultivate generosity or honesty in toddlers. This book is especially timely in the age of hate crimes, with more and more young people embroiled in conflicts that stem from cruelty or selfishness. Based on thorough research, the book is filled with evidence-based strategies that will help you instil empathy in your children. This way, your kid will know to treat their friends or playmates with respect.
Written exclusively for Daddysdigest.com
by Arla Cross
