EVERYTHING
FOR YOUR FAMILY
Books
|
||||
|
Motherhood: It's wonderful, it's challenging, it's exhausting. Name your description. One thing is for certain: Most moms can't get enough information about, well, motherhood. Here are five books that can help new as well as experienced moms negotiate the turf that is raising children. Happy Birth Day! Written by Robie H. Harris; illustrated by Michael Emberley (Candlewick Press, $6.99 paperback, 26 pages) This charming picture book literally entails the day of birth for one child, from the moment of birth, to mom and dad counting fingers and toes, to baby's first nursing, to the first visit from Grandma and Grandpa. The text is accompanied by well-done pencil and pastel drawings. This would be a fine book to share with a curious preschooler about what it was like on the day he was born. There is even space in the front to fill out a "birth certificate" for your little one. The Mother of all Baby Books: The Ultimate Guide to Your Baby's First Year Written by Ann Douglas (Wiley, $15.99 paperback, 604 pages) Ann Douglas, the author of 18 books on parenting, has compiled a well-written, comprehensive guide on navigating the first year of your baby's life. Everything is covered, in ways both expected and unexpected: A chapter on furnishing a baby's nursery includes hints of what to look for at garage sales. There's a huge amount of space devoted to breastfeeding. And a chapter dubbed Baby Boot Camp lists 10 reasons why the early weeks of parenthood are such a challenge for everyone, no matter how well-prepared they think they are. This is a useful and reader-friendly guide to add to the arsenal of baby books on the market. The Gift of Motherhood: 10 Truths for Every Mother Written by Cherie Carter-Scott (Broadway Books, $16.95 hardcover, 256 pages) In part a tribute to moms and in part a handbook for them, counselor Cherie Carter-Scott has created a lovely meditation on motherhood that can inspire, fortify and illuminate. Some of her 10 truths seem obvious - No. 1 is this: Having a child changes your life. Some give food for thought, as does No. 4: If you honor your children's essence, they will blossom. Though all moms experience their own unique set of circumstances, there are certain universal truths to motherhood - and parenting in general - that are wise to contemplate from time to time. This book is a fine way to do so. The Mom Book Written by Stacy M. DeBroff (The Free Press, $19.95 paperback, 656 pages) In days gone by, when a mom needed advice on a particular problem or issue with a child, she turned to her mom, sister or aunt who lived just a few minutes away. It seems few are fortunate enough to enjoy that close proximity to family members today, what with our mobile society. But a book like this is almost as good. Written by Stacy DeBroff, who runs the website momcentral.com, it is filled with advice on child-rearing subjects, from newborns to teens, from potty training to chores, from making the most of the holidays to getting organized. DeBroff's tips are interspersed with those from moms around the country - what has worked for them, what to forget, how to let go, how to encourage. One mom of three school-age children, writing of her organizational tools, says she keeps all her children's school calendars, sports practices and long-term projects in a three-ring binder, with one section for each child. A recently divorced mom writes that she always has a small surprise waiting for her children when they come back from visiting their father, such as a candy under their pillow, to help ease the transition. The book is positive, upbeat and an excellent resource. The Quotable Mom Edited by Kate Rowinski (The Lyons Press, $14.95 hardcover, 362 pages) There is one constant to being a mother, writes author Kate Rowinski. For a time, at least, you are the center of someone's universe. And that is a gift no one can take away. Rowinski has assembled several quotes from moms - and men too - on topics ranging from pregnancy to the childhood years to the teen years to being an empty nester. Some are funny, others poignant. On the topic of bringing up baby, Barbara Walters as a mom points out, "It's tough. If you just want a wonderful little creature to love, you can get a puppy." One contributor, Lane Olinghouse, says, "The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable." On teens, from another mom, Rebecca Richards: "Oh, to be only half as wonderful as my child thought I was when he was small, and only half as stupid as my teenager now thinks I am." All the quotes have the unmistakable ring of truth and are worthy for the laughs and thoughts they inspire. |
||||
RSS Subscribe
Digg This ArticleSEARCH THE SITE
