Editorial
Reviews
Amazon.co.uk
Be assured from the start--this book is written by
one of the world's leading experts in child development. Penelope
Leach has worked with children and families for more than 20 years,
researching such areas as antenatal education, birth practices,
behavioural issues and child care. The guiding objective throughout
her work is to bridge the gulf between theory and family
reality--and in this she is second to none.
From page one you will feel completely immersed in
her gentle and inspiring prose--she is authoritative without been
didactic and her practical and reassuring explanations show real
empathy to the feelings of parents. What's more, Leach writes from
the child's point of view, making every aspect of care and each new
stage reached, much more understandable and special.
The book is organised by approximate age-stages,
starting off shortly before birth, up until the beginning of school
life. Each stage gives advice and guidance on sleeping, feeding,
playing and washing as well on the cognitive developments such as
thinking and talking. There are "Parent's Ask" and
"Parent's have their say" sections that discuss common
anxieties and assuage misplaced fears or guilt and every chapter is
wonderfully illustrated and structured, allowing you to dip easily
into the appropriate section.
This book is more than a guide to child-care. It
is an insight into your child's first years of life--their needs,
thoughts and their behaviours--which will help you really
communicate together. It is supportive without intruding in on your
own parenting instincts and it will give you the confidence to live
by your baby, not by the book. If you only buy one parenting guide,
buy this. --Abi Frisby
Synopsis
This guide encompasses recent research and thinking
on childcare and current approaches to parenting. Written from the
baby and child's perspective, information is organized in
easy-to-use age bands, from pre-birth to pre-school, and there is
supportive advice on childcare.
Customer
Reviews
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Good advice - but a few important omissions |
26 October, 2000
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| A reader from London |
| This is well-written detailed advice about how
to cater to a child's various needs at different stages of
infanthood. I have found it to be the most supportive and
useful book about babycare so far.
The only quibble I have is that it talks only about the
baby's needs, and says almost nothing about the parents'
needs. It rather glosses over the very real problems that
parents may have in the early weeks, of exhaustion. If, say,
your child is not very adept at sucking and wants to nibble
from your breasts every half hour without ever taking a proper
feed or sleep then you won't be able to work out a solution
from this book. Although Leach clearly does not advocate any
kind of schedule, you suddenly realise about halfway through
the book that she assumes that your baby gradually and
naturally adopts a feeding pattern of five or six feeds a day
and a fairly long sleep in the night. I'm lucky that my baby
seems to be heading this way, but there are plenty of babies
who don't. You might have a nervous breakdown if yours is one
that doesn't and this is the only book you read.
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My guidebook and bible... |
9 August, 2000
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| A reader from Istanbul, Turkey |
| This book has been very helpful to me and my
husband for understanding our little daughter much better and
thus creating her the peaceful environment we've always
wanted.
The key to raise a child is to understand her and to let
her build her own character. This book has helped us to
understand and accept her the way she is.
From sleeping patterns, to eating habits, from playing to
crying, this book makes you understand your little one and
teaches you how to have peace with her and at the same time
with yourself.
Penelope Leach, thank you for this "Bible"
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A must-read for all new parents. |
30 June, 2000
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| A reader from New York City, USA |
| Penelope Leach has written a book that is easy
to understand, realistic and practical in the advice that it
offers. I still find myself going back to it for guidance with
my second baby.
Dr Leach writes beautifully and has a special knack for
explaining things from a child's point of view. Also, the book
only has pictures of "real" babies. Thus, they have
a poignancy that would be lacking in staged photo shoots.
What I especially liked about this book are the hot topics
of debate that appear throughout. Circumcision, a mother's
anger at her baby, punishment and many other issues are
presented. Sometimes the author takes a neutral stance and
lets parents speak for themselves. At other times she makes it
quite clear what she believes.
All in all, a very stimulating book. If you only buy one
parenting book, this should be it.
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Every parent must own a copy! |
4 May, 2000
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| A reader from Tonbridge, Kent |
| This book is to be highly recommended if you are
devoted to your child; you will refer to it constantly. It
contains a mine of useful information about practical issues
such as sleeping, eating and teething, but also delicate
matters of tantrums and discipline.
An added bonus is that Ms Leach advocates no smacking; a
refreshing approach in these violent times.
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