Crying ("Practical Parenting" Problem Solvers) Book

Only a parent can understand the sheer anguish and helplessness of listening to your baby's screams and being unable to comfort him or her. What gives this book the edge over many childcare publications is that the author, Eileen Hayes, has experienced the stress of a crying baby herself. The first chapter alone goes a long way to banishing the feelings of inadequacy and guilt felt by parents of babies who cry frequently. Dismissing the blame factor, Hayes believes that some babies naturally cry more than others--a major relief to new parents with one of the natural criers. Unlike the other books in the "Practical Parenting Problem Solvers" series, Crying deals with children from birth to school age, though the emphasis remains on infancy. In addition to considering the reasons for a baby's crying, strategies for comforting the child and for coping with the stress felt by parents at this time are offered. Hayes also draws on the research and experience of other childcare experts, such as Nanny Smith, Sheila Kitzinger, Penelope Leach and Miriam Stoppard, and illustrates just how much their advice can differ. Rather than prescribing exactly what should be done when your baby cries, the book encourages you to become tuned in to your baby and gives a flavour of the different options open to you. What it will not give you is a step-by-step guide to a perfectly happy baby--if there is such a thing. --Carole ButterworthRead More