What is your parenting book of choice?

[JessaJam]

Think it's ok to put this here not in bookclub...

Which one is worth shelling out on (and why) ?

I wouldnt bother buying one yet - use your local library. If you find a book that you like, whose "methods" work for your fasily, then buy it. All the books I have are ones my mum bought when i was born and I think Ive looked at it maybe twice (penelope leach etc) Most of my info came from family and friends, and books I read at library.

i didn't really use a parenting book - but 'raising boys' sort of put my mind at rest about a few problems i've had with my son

I've got that rubbish birth to five thing the MW gives you and someone bougt that Baby Haynes manual for us which is also pretty poor...and haven't looked at it since first 6 weeks tbh

!

not sure where the stray ! came from

Baby Sense (Megan Faure and Ann Richardson) 2 South African women who wrote the most fantastic book on parenting in the first year. I followed a lot of their advice and swear by it. It's on Amazon Uk but I see you can't order it from them at the moment. There's a write-up about it though. You can also buy it from www.babysense.co.za.
After reading this book, I had a lot of "oh of course, that's why DD does/doesn't do ABC".
Ann Richardson has written a follow up book called Toddler Sense, which I'm using right now for 16 month DD.

thanks jambot, will keep eyes open for them...

The Social Baby/Social Toddler are both great. Non-prescriptive - more about watching and listening to your baby, than about 'do this at this stage'. Excellent reads and marvellous photos.

Message withdrawn

The No Cry Sleep Solution book is wonderful and anything written by Dr. Sears has been very helpful. The Baby Whisperer was pretty decent for learning about babies body language and the types of cries they give when they need something.

For toddlers, I really like Christopher Green's Toddler Taming - doesn't judge, and has some really sensible suggestions. Also he talks about his own experiences both as a dad and a doctor.

The Secret of Happy Children and Raising Boys by Steve Biddulf. There's another called Raising a Son which is great but I can't rmember who it's by. The Continuum Concept is interesting but a little radical.

Let me add Faber & Mazlish: How to Talk to Children ... and Siblings without Rivalry. A bit irritating in that way it is written (American) but still good.

Also, Mary Sheedy Kurcinka on Raising your Spirited Child - for the challenging child.

Let me add Faber & Mazlish: How to Talk to Children ... and Siblings without Rivalry. A bit irritating in that way it is written (American) but still good.

Also, Mary Sheedy Kurcinka on Raising your Spirited Child - for the challenging child.

How to Solve your Child's Sleep Problems by Richard Ferber - it worked!!! - and for dads, Goodies and Daddies by Michael Rosen.

Tracy Hogg - her relaxed approach worked brilliantly to get me over panics with ds. Gave the book away to a pg colleague & haven't missed it with dd (I just do the same stuff but without consulting a book!) which I reckon is actually high praise - her approach teaches a calm, responsive attitude which 'sticks'.