Love, Laughter and Parenting [Hardcover]

As a parent of a four and six year old, I must say this book is certainly a new approach to writing about the well-being of children. As a first grade teacher, I did a mini-workshop for my parents using the quality info in this book. My sister-in-law received this book as a baby shower gift and she said my brother "eats, sleeps, and drinks it"! I think the most captivating component of the book is the approach to the whole child with the focus being on strengthening the family. It is not a do's and don'ts book on the extrinsic parts of a child, but concentrates on the intrinsic aspects as well. You must complete your parenting library with this book! That's why I came to Amazon.com!

Chapter 1 Parenting and Why it Matters
Chapter 2 Pregnancy and Birth - The Inside Story
Chapter 3 Babe in Arms
Chapter 4 The Mobile Baby
Chapter 5 Toddlers!!!
Chapter 6 The Special Job of Father
Chapter 7 The Preschool Years

What this book includes:
Personal experiences by moms and dads and offer advice that worked for them
Lots of colorful illustrations
Over 30 activity boxes throughout the book with practical things you can do - games, actions or ideas suited to each statge of growth
Give a short list of recommended books to read
At the end of the book, it includes useful addresses including phone numbers and websites if the organization/company has one.

Some of the topics the book discusses:
Single Mothering
Getting to Know Your Baby's Personality
A section on reducing the risk ofr SIDS
Communication Techniques
The 3 Stages of discipline
A section on sheltering their innocence
A chapter devoted on the special job of the father, including the difference a father makes in a child's life

Steve and Shaaron Biddulph are also the authors of the international bestseller: The Secret of Happy Children. They work worldwide with children's charities and grassroots organizations to raise the importance of parenting.

While many books focus on diapers, feeding and childhood illnesses, this is a funny and serious book which inspires parents to realize how to nurture their children. This is a book by parents for parents. The authors feel that parents and other suitable resource people are the best equipped to decide how to raise children.

The ideas and methods described in this book are suggestions and options offered from the lives and experiences of other parents. Readers should use their own good judgment in deciding if these ideas are well suited for their family. The book is written so that it reads smoothly. They use the word "them" instead of he/she.

There are also plenty of funny cartoons and a special "Father's Diary" is scattered in excerpts throughout the book. The humor is hilarious and you just have to laugh when you read the funny question and answer section on pregnancy.

Q: "What is the most common pregnancy craving?"

A: For men to be the ones who get pregnant.

There are over 30 activity pages with practical things you can do in order to help your child at each stage of growth. True life stories will show you how other parents survived and conquered the daily challenges of family life during each stage. The five stages of early childhood include: pregnancy, babe-in-arms, mobile baby, toddlers, pre-school children.

If you are just trying to decide when to have a baby (as I am! eternally) or trying to figure out how you can help your relationship stay strong through the process of having children, you will want to read this book.

How do you teach a child about the feelings of others? How do you handle being a single parent? Can bath time, car time and shopping time REALLY be fun? How can you teach good behavior without using fear or physical punishment?

I guess the quote on the first page of this book is quite an emotional statement if you are just dreaming about the possibility of having a baby. I thought it was one of the most beautiful quotes about children I have read so far.

I think all men should read what Steve has written here: "By the time your children are raised, you may be five times the man you would have been if you'd stayed childless." There is something very emotional about imagining the man you love is holding your child. Perhaps it is the sense of overwhelming love, but it always makes me feel a bit teary eyed. I think this book will do that to you. It is so real and down-to-earth in its approach.

The first chapter deals with the issues I am facing and an issue many people are facing at this very moment. "Are we ready for a baby?" They have this "Mixed-feelings" exercise which tells you to "pretend you are already pregnant." Do you enjoy being child-free or do you really want to bring a child into your life? I think fear is a main problem because it is such a huge responsibility. So, you can take: "The Ready or Not Test!"

In the "Birth Experience" chapter you get to read about real-life experiences. The three stages of discipline goes to the heart of discipline. A special section also helps your child to build motor skills and prepare for school. There is also a beautiful poem at the end of the book you might want to frame. A list of useful addresses and a great index makes this book practical and easy-to-use, even for the busy parent.

The pictures are so real to life, they will make you smile. All those baby pictures...sigh...now my clock is ticking again!!!! I know you will feel a connection to this book, whether you have children or are just thinking about becoming a parent. I have recently also reviewed many books by Dr. Miriam Stoppard (see my other reviews) which I just think are excellent but didn't create the same "I want to have a baby" response this book will.

~The Rebecca Review

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 3 reviews  4.7 out of 5 stars