10 Best Parenting Books For New Parents
Updated on: December 2023
Best Parenting Books For New Parents in 2023
What to Expect the First Year
Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool
The Baby Owner's Manual: Operating Instructions, Trouble-Shooting Tips, and Advice on First-Year Maintenance (Owner's and Instruction Manual)
The Sh!t No One Tells You: A Guide to Surviving Your Baby's First Year (Sh!t No One Tells You (1))
Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide
Caring for Your Baby and Young Child, 7th Edition: Birth to Age 5
We're Parents! The New Dad Book for Baby's First Year: Everything You Need to Know to Survive and Thrive Together
Welcome to the Club: 100 Parenting Milestones You Never Saw Coming (Parenting Books, Parenting Books Best Sellers, New Parents Gift)
Newborn 101: Secrets from Expert Nurses on Preparing and Caring for Your Baby at Home
Raising Baby: A Pocket Guide to Baby's 1st Year
The Best Parenting Advice Ever: Consistency
In all the parenting books I have read there is one common factor: consistency. Consistency should affect every aspect of parenting from love, sibling treatment, meals, discipline, to scheduling.
Love
Love is a constant in parenthood. You realize that as a parent, but it is your job to make your children understand that as well. My baby had colic for the first 8 weeks of her life. I read every book, magazine article, and clip I could about colic and what to do with a colicky baby. One of the most important things I learned was that whether or not my baby was crying, I should hold her and cuddle her just like I would if she were cooing. At an early age children and babies want to know that a parent's love is always constant. They want to know that if they are in a bad mood you will love them just like you do when they are happy.
Sibling Treatment
Sibling rivalry is inevitable in almost every single family. The way parents treat each child individually will determine the degree of sibling rivalry and chaos in their house. You must use consistency in the way you treat each child. For instance, if one child gets a birthday party, another child should get a birthday party. If you go to one child's soccer game, be sure to make it to the other child's performance event. A house that has consistent love and attention throughout is a happy and peaceful house.
Meals
Consistency with food is very important for the current and future health of your child. You must always be consistent by offering healthy foods (fruits and vegetables). If your child turns his/her nose in the beginning, don't fret, simply keep at it. If you are consistent as a parent offering healthy foods to your child, he/she will learn to appreciate those healthy foods over the junk. Don't let a tantrum or food strike force you into serving unhealthy meals. Stand your ground with consistency.
Discipline
Consistency is perhaps most important when it comes to discipline. Your child must know his/her boundaries. As a matter of fact, a child is happier and feels more secure if you clearly define his/her boundaries. If your child knows there will be a consequence for his actions, he/she will be more likely to make desirable decisions. Also, if you threaten a punishment, make sure you follow through with that punishment. Children are smart. If they know you won't be consistent with your punishments they will run your house.
Schedule
A consistent schedule gives a child a sense of security and control over their world. They know exactly what will happen next. If you keep a consistent day time routine, your child will have a more balanced attitude. The schedule needn't be marked down to the minute, but should have daily tasks in the same order every day.
Consistency will not only make your children happier and healthier, but it will also make you a happier parent. If you are consistent in every aspect of your life, you will feel more in control of your life. Consistency is the key to a balanced parenthood and life.
