How To Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk
In my humble opinion this book is one of the most important lessons in human communication. The title is catchy and makes it sound easy but this is an interactive workbook... and I want to emphasize WORK. This is as enlightening as it is difficult and something I recommend to everyone that has a child, about to have a child, has a partner, wants to be a better listener or anyone that has a pulse. Even if you do not have the energy to tackle a workbook this is absolutely worth a read/ listen to, at the very least, make you aware.
This is available in Book, Audiobook and E-book
It will not only help you with your kid(s) but also your partner, family, friends...
Ok, I haven't read this one yet but it's definitely on the list and I have every bet of confidence it is as spectacular as the first!
Annabel Karmel
Incorporating healthy nutrition at the earliest stages in life is critical to life long health and eating habits. Anabel Karmel has been publishing recipe books for babies and kids for decades and I haven't found one I like better. Some recipes are simple, some are creative and some are elaborate and require some time. Feel free to mix up the ingredients of an easy recipe if it needs to be repeated and when you find the time for a more elaborate recipe, portion it up and throw it in the freezer for later to have a quick homemade frozen dinner!
This is a new book and gives you everything you'll need to know to guide your baby, toddler or kid to enjoy foods of every flavor.
I bought my copy of First Meals essentially when it was first published and I'm still using it. It has tiny post-it notes in all my favorites and food stains on most of the pages. It's a lighter version of the "New Complete Planner" but just as useful. I have taken these recipes and made them strictly as directed but also bent them into something that I know the one that will be eating it will love even more. There's actually a salmon cake recipe in there that I made for myself!! I also think I made it so many times for kids that I started switching out the types of fish to get more creative. Wow, there's actually many memories about specific recipes this this book that are flooding my mind as I write this. Hopefully you'll make your memories with these books as well!
Sometimes original prints just don't need updating! Mine is well used and well loved.
The First 40 Days
This book is excellent for parents-to-be and even for their families! It explains the Eastern approach to the postpartum 40 day period after birth with a calm, encouraging tone. It also includes several recipes filled with the nutrition a recovering mother needs. I love the way this book shines a light on the shadow of the reality of the trauma a mother's body goes through during and after birth. There are Asian recipes, like the all famous postpartum seaweed soup, there are smoothie recipes for the efficient and the snackers and there are also some dessert recipes, because you deserve it!! I do have to warn you that the recipe section leads with meats and if you do not have an Asian parent/ grandparent/ Auntie that you're used to cooking these kinds of recipes it can be a little eye popping. But keep and open mind about what the new mother needs and keep turning the pages, it gets delicious.
Available in Book, Audiobook and E-book
I do wish that everyone in the life of someone that just gave birth would read this. If they did it would create a beautiful, compassionate and supportive environment for the postpartum mother where some situations might be lacking.
The Happy Sleeper
I recommend this book to parents at every stage. This book is amazing at giving an understanding of what the effect of a parents actions can have on a baby's/ child's sleep. Not only does it recommend different types of approaches but it explains the consequences of the "leave them to cry it out" concept.
*If you're still expecting I recommend reading this while you're waiting for baby to arrive, then again when baby is two months so you are ready for a smooth transition into sleep shaping. Then again when they regress!
*If your original sleep plan is not agreeing with your baby and it's time for some ideas, I recommend reading/ listening to the entire book through before you decide which approach to start with. After you've decided, make sure you're ready, with both time and emotion, and follow through.
*If your child is a bit older and you can have a conversation with them, I highly recommend (if in a two parent family) BOTH parents reading/ listening to the entire book, having a conversation with each other about it to make sure you are BOTH on board with the same approach, budget the time, energy and emotion, commit completely and don't look back. IF you commit 100% it will happen faster than you think.
Available in Book, Audiobook and E-book
If you want to build the confidence to shape your child into getting a full, healthy night of sleep, I highly recommend this book!
Meghan Trainor
It seems that most people in the entertainment industry these days think they can write a book. Well as it turns out... the mega hit singer Meghan Trainor CAN! Weather it was her writing it or a team of writing experts hidden under her name this book is an absolute joy to ready/ listen to as well as "getting real" with what's it's like to be pregnant and deliver a baby. FYI if you are a person that interrupts someone saying "T M I !!" then this book might not be for you. However, if you love a good story and don't want any surprises with pregnancy and birth this is a must read/ listen. I also encourage partners to read/ listen if they are up for it, understanding creates patients and compassion!
Available in Book, Audiobook and E-book but the audiobook is narrated by Meghan herself and is sooooooo good. I found myself not wanting to pause when I needed and looking forward to picking up where I left off.
Now Meghan Trainor has even more points with me!
Games for Babies
Stereotypically "everyone loves babies" and "wants to hold the baby" but sometimes when you're alone with your baby... it can be... boring. I get asked the question more often then you'd think, "What do I do with them?" When you're baby can't interact or communicate this can be quite difficult for some personalities (if this is not your personality, don't judge!). This is a book is as simple as it gets and the "Brain Games" title might be a bit of a stretch. What this book is great for is reminding for simple ideas that seem so obvious when they are read but we all do, indeed, need reminding. It has clear directions on very simple interactions and songs that you can swap out objects and/ or words to make your own. Always remember that any kind of eye contact, facial expression, speaking or singing to will stimulate your baby's brain and create a lasting bond between you.
This is available in Book and E-book
When I bought this book I was caring for two month old twins that are, as I type this, now in college. It is a classic but these simple "games" are a winner
Baby Bargains Book
It's a sad time that the author(s) of the long running "Baby Bargains" book retire :( The last edition was from 2021 so although it's pushing it, it still can help and it certainly helps with mindset! Especially when you have your very first baby all of us wants them to have everything and some of us splurge on things like expensive mattresses and jammies that are so soft but cost as much as a gown. This book give you permission to stay within your budget for those kinds of things and allows you to put it towards something that is truly needed. If you're baby isn't sleeping it is not because the mattress is too uncomfortable and/ or their jammies aren't soft enough. This book is officially out of print but you can still grab it used, and as of now, it can still be worth it!