How hard can this Parenting thing be?!?...
Hi there WorldCat, my name is Laura and I’m working on the social networking product team at OCLC. Over the past several months, a new topic of interest has prevailed in my reading- and pretty much all free time activities for that matter - as my husband and I are expecting our first child in April.
Along the way, I’ve heard of several library resources, books, videos, etc., offering guidance to parents through all phases of parenting. I’m still working my way through my first set of suggestions and have created this list with a few of the resources that I’ve found helpful and others that have been referred to me through the pregnancy phase.
Since the next phase of ‘what the heck do you do once the baby arrives’ is nearing, I’m looking to move on to a new set of reading material. I did a quick search of lists and found a few interesting compilations- in particular this one from chefrb with a couple guides to making your own babyfood and Alice's 'Things I Recommend' with great sounding resources on recovery, calming a baby and nursing.
I also found a few lists containing interesting parenting topics relating to older children that other WorldCat users have shared- such as homeschooling, communicating with teens, step parenting, etc. If any of those topics sound interesting, you can browse those lists here: 'Parenting', 'Parenting', 'Parenting Styles'
However…I think I have a little time for some of those topics and right now am looking for more helpful library resources on baby care and the early years. If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them!
On March 6, 2008 at 9:02 AM Alice said:
Glad you found the list helpful, Laura! I guess I could have named it something a bit more descriptive, huh?
As we near Gracie's 6-month point next week, I can say that there are events of joy, wonder, anxiety and curiosity in store for you and your baby! Enjoy every minute of it, and thanks for the baby food resources. A friend recommended the Super Baby Food book just the other day!
On March 6, 2008 at 1:15 PM Merrilee said:
Laura, my "little one" is now 16 months old. I remember when I was pregnant, I was eager to read about what was to come in the near term and beyond. Although I have a "What to Expect, The Toddler Years" and some book from the American Association of Pediatricians, I find I have very little time to consult them. So development creeps up on me! Keeps the fun in life. Your mileage may vary!
On March 6, 2008 at 1:46 PM Laura
said:
Thanks Merrilee, I will add that book to my list and hold on tight for the excitement :)
On March 7, 2008 at 10:07 AM Tom said:
My advice would be not to read too many books! Too much information=worry, not that you'll have time to do much reading soon...
We had the "What to expect" books (which are very good if a little oddly organised by month rather than topic) and read each chapter slavishly with our first and hardly touch it with our second. I think it's that book that has the excellent advice of getting to know how your own child does work rather how they should work according to the books.
My other advice would be to go out and read menus as much as you can while you have the chance. Good luck and all the best!
On March 7, 2008 at 10:17 AM Laura
said:
Thanks for the advice Tom - I certainly have already experienced 'information overload' at a few points between the books and the classes. I think a nice, relaxing dinner out (...with plenty of menu reading time :) ) sounds like just the thing to help the worrying!
On March 10, 2008 at 12:27 PM Alice said:
ha ha ha, Tom that is too funny.
We went out for our first real "date night" this weekend, and we both commented on how weird it was to be able to read the whole menu and pause to consider what we'd like to eat!