Have you read any parenting books?

[RiskItForABiscuit]

I've seen "Playful Parenting" mentioned a few times on MN and have been thinking that maybe I need to read this or something similar.

Have you read any books on parenting and did they help or hinder?

Not one. Too busy being a parent :)

I read some of What To Expect The First Year with my first one but since then, nada.

I watched Tanya Byrons 'House of Little Horrors' (or whatever it was called) a few times, ditto Supernanny. My conclusion is that, by and large, I am a fantastic parent...

I was all for reading the pregnancy books too and haven't had time to scratch since the first child came along.

I would consider sacrificing some MN time though if I thought it would help me. I don't want to be come a shouty, ranty and stressed out mother and worry that because I grew up in that type of home, that it'll become my 'natural' way to parent.

I have read a few, I didn't have the internet then.

I read for ideas. i take things and then work them to how they would work for me. I would not follow a book to the tee.

However, now I have the t'internet......

If you only read one parenting book, try Raising Happy Children (Jan Parker & Jan Stimpson). It'll take your right through from babyhood to teens and has lots of quotes and anecdotes from other parents so it is very readable.

If you don't want to read, or don't have time, then take time to look at www.parentchannel.tv once your DCs get to school age. Lots of mini video clips of experts and parents talking about raising children.

I read Toddler Taming and thought it was hilarious. I'm not sure it's really practically useful but it made me laugh and helped restore a little sanity (a bit like MN). Also read Raising Boys but wasn't all that impressed.

I thought the Continuum Concept was brilliant (but perhaps just because it confirmed my own beliefs.) :)

Thanks for the suggestions and the link. I'm going to have a look at them.
Cog at supernanny making you feel fantastic.

I love the Idle Parent and A Spoonful of Sugar.

Not one. Never had any inclination to read any of them either.

No, but DS is only 2yo, so who knows? If I need advice, I ask people I trust, like my mum or my sisters. Or mumsnet, obviously!