On Becoming Babywise: null

Building upon the success so many parents experience with Babywise (establishing regular sleeping patterns in children before the age of eight weeks), Babywise II helps moms and dads add a new dimension to their babies' day: the establishment of right learning patterns. Learning patterns ultimately affect the way a child manages instructions, directions, correction, limitations, freedoms, and new and growing relationships. That's why it is critical that the first patterns be the right patterns. It is crucial that babies develop the skills they need for the next important stage of development: 14 to 40 months-and now parents can proactively help their children with the valuable, practical wisdom in Babywise II.

Demand the behavior and correct thinking will eventually follow. Gary Ezzo, a graduate of Talbot Seminary and School of Theology, teams up with pediatrician Dr. Robert Bucknam to explore the role of moral development in a child in this compact sequel to their controversial primer on newborn behavior, On Becoming Baby Wise. Four glowing, compelling commentaries highlight the very first pages of the book, which attempts to guide parents through a critical time in their child's growth and learning (ages 5 through 15 months). The authors make many rational arguments about a parent's duty to expect and encourage consistent, acceptable behaviors when the child is very young; over time, such training will lead to the development of moral concepts. While the outcome is desirable and the method--when used consistently--does work, this particular book lacks the many supportive examples and research references found in the first Baby Wise. The authors encourage readers to familiarize themselves with the original, and openly state that their methods are more effective for graduates of Baby Wise parenting--not demand-fed babies. So, this particular child-rearing book is not meant for all. Chapters feature topics including moral foundations, mealtime and wake-time activities, highchair manners, discipline, and teaching basic sign language. Most of the information is more philosophical than practical. Don't expect to learn "how," so much as "why." --Liane Thomas