Hi Moms,
Looking for recommendations on a good parenting/child care book. My husband has two nieces who are both expecting at the end of next month. One will be a first time mother and this will be the other’s second - neither is in an ideal situation. It’s a very, very, very, long story and I really think both could benefit from a good parenting and child care book.
I want to add that we aren’t that close to them anymore. They only contact us (and other family) when they need something. There aren’t any showers planned (that I know of) but we do plan on giving them a gift when the babies are born – I was thinking diapers, wipes, onesies, etc. And may even try and send them things quarterly – like sleepers in the fall, etc. One niece will be on assistance; I don’t know about the other.
Any recommendations, thoughts or advice? TIA
Thanks so much for the ALL the great responses! Some reinforced my concerns of being offensive/insulting and I definitely don't want to come off like that. So I think I'll go with the child/baby care book - I referenced mine a LOT : ) and diapers, lots of diapers!!! Thanks everyone! Happy 4th!
I don't think there would be anything insulting about sending them 'The Baby Book' by Dr. Sears. It is just a handy guide to have.
I also have the one CAWriterMom has and it is a good reference. I like to cross it w/ Dr. Sears' book.
HTH!
The American Academy of Pediatrics has a great basic book called Caring for Your Baby and Young Child. I used it a lot. It's full of tons of great medical information, as well as some parenting strategies.
Dr Sears Discipline book is excellent for parenting!!!
http://www.amazon.com/Discipline-Book-Better-Behaved-Chil...
As for general baby care, the What to Expect during the first year is another really good one.
http://www.amazon.com/Your-Babys-First-Year-Third/dp/0553...
Also, since you are a little estranged from them, maybe now is the time to reach out? Call or chat with them every now and then, just to ask how they are doing. In your gift package, add some diapers, a little onesie, a gift for mom, something so the advice books won't appear condescending.
I recommend to all parents Love and Logic. Amazing.
I turned my crazy clan into a half the time very good bunch of do'ers and listeners..the other half is still a work in progress:)
Common sense is better than any book!!!
I would give them a composition book of "lessons I've learned being a parent" and then maybe post the question here and add it to the book!!!
A gift certificate to Babys R US would be nice too!!!
Personally, if a family member I wasn't close to sent me a parenting book, I'd be insulted. If neither are in "ideal situations", the implications that they need guidance from a book to be good parents is even stronger. I would spend your money on essentials that will actually be helpful and skip the parenting advise.
See if there is a MOPS group in their area. check out mops.org and get them a membership! They are great groups to discuss things with and have mentors for moms to talk to. They also have a book that is discussed each year which talks not only about having kids but also about being a mom and an individual. They are a great group of moms!
I loved Baby 411 it is in easy to read language and is in question format. Like what if my baby has green poop? Or what if they won't stop crying? Stuff like that.
The Happiest Child on the Block
The Key to your Childs Heart
Sheparding Your Childs Heart by Ted Tripp
