Most Helpful Parenting Books

A friend of mine is giving birth as I write this and it made me think about being a mom for the first time. It was such an overwhelming, emotional time for me. Before having my daughter, I had little experience with babies. I babysat as a teenager and changed a few diapers here and there...but I never took care of a baby that I couldn't hand back! So... I read.  A LOT! The more information- the better.

It was hard to connect to the books I read prior to having Chloe because I wasn't a mommy just yet.

However, once I became a mom, two books literally changed my life as a mom for the better.

I knew I wanted to start a sleep schedule when Chloe was around 6 months old- so I started my search with that. I came across Dr. Weissbluth's book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child- never imagining how much it would help me. I read the reviews on Amazon and a few excerpts from the book itself. Once I received it and began reading, I thought I made a mistake buying it. Its definitely not an easy read. Once I realized this, I sat with a highlighter while reading so I can remember and go back to what I found helpful and important. This is a great reference book that you will find yourself going back to time and time again. I learned how to let my child soothe herself to sleep. I learned that sleep is the most essential part of a happy family and to prioritize napping and bedtime. I learned to watch for sleepy cues and to get my baby to bed before the signs appeared.

Everything Marc Weissbluth explained to do- I tried...and it worked. It was amazing. My daughter was cranky and miserable until I got her on this sleep schedule. Chloe will be 5 in September and she is still a great sleeper to this day and I have this book to thank. She goes to sleep 7:30pm and wakes up around 7- 7:30am. Keeping her on schedule is still very important to me. It works for her and for my family.

A Mother's Circle, a Soho Parenting book, made me feel like everything I was doing...everything I was feeling as a new mommy-  was okay. It was the a reassurance that I needed. I connected to many of the mothers telling their stories and it made me feel normal. Most importantly, it taught me to be able to forgive myself for not having all the answers, for not always feeling like the perfect mother that we all imagine being prior to delivering an actual human being!. A Mother's Circle taught me that what works for your family is enough. I read and re-read this book because of how much I loved it. It will give you such a healthy, positive outlook on your parenting... I promise you will fall in love with it too!

                                                 I hope these books help you as much as they have me.

                                                                     Happy Reading!