Though I am an ardent reader, I never took any interest in self-help books and the ones that promise to help you be more confident or a better version of yourself. However, all of this changed once I became a mother. I was suddenly looking for every book that promised to explain this parenting shtick, and make raising a child easier. How we all wish that newborns come with a manual that that decodes the different cries, and then we also need a part II that helps us answer all of our kids' questions. But alas! Parenting is difficult and is different for each person, but what is universal is the wisdom people have gathered over the years. Like why you should hug your child often, how to establish healthy eating routines, and so on. There are a few books that will help you sail through raising your child without tearing your hair. And also books that will help you up your parenting game a bit. Here are 4 books that most of my parent-friends highly recommend.
How To Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk: Most of the times, using the correct words and framing your sentences in a particular way does the trick with children. For example, my toddler was expressing her emotions, particularly anger and sadness, by pouting and walking away from me. She would pout and say, I am angry. Earlier, I would simply say 'Don't be angry', which would simply aggravate the problem. Now I say, 'I understand, what can I do to make you feel better', and she usually responds positively. This is exactly what the book is about. How to communicate with your child better and how to be a good listener.
Bringing Up Bebe: If you are impressed by how well-behaved French kids are and how you can have your children to behave like that, Bringing Up Bebe is the book for you. French children are polite, organised and have a more adventurous and developed palette than their global counterparts. There are quite a few takeaways from this book, however, the rigidity with which the French raise their children may not settle well with many parents.
French Kids Eat Everything: Now this is a book I feel everyone should read. This book is not just about making your children eat healthy, but having a positive and healthy association with food in general. This book is the documentation of the author's life in France where she sets about to teach her 2 daughters to 'eat like French'. The rules of eating that she has listed in the book are not just about liking your broccoli, carrots and peas, but more about manners, and your appraoch to food and nutrition.
Raising Your Spirited Child: Most people misunderstand the word 'spirited'. It is not a hyperactive child who will topple over an entire bookshelf. Spirited children are more perceptive, sensitive and, yes, energetic. Handling a spirited child is difficult, especially if you don't understand your child. This book gives you insight into a spirited child and how you can help her grow, instead of reprimanding her. It helps understand how to avoid triggers that can send your child into a full blown tantrum or how to use directive communication when handling your children.
I hope this list helps. If you have a few favourite parenting books too, please share it in the comments section.
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