Everyday Parenting : The First Five Years

Covers sleeping, eating, independence, discipline, children's thinking, socialization, and preschool, and answers common questions about parenting

In this paperback version of their successful self-published book, Goldstein and Gallant provide clear, concise advice to help parents cope with some of the frustrating problems they may encounter. Ten sections cover a broad range of issues from dependency to setting limits, sleeping and socializing. Each area is organized into brief, readable essays addressing specific questions such as "When will my baby sleep through the night?" and "What can I do about my child's whining?" In a supportive tone, the authors enable parents to respond appropriately by explaining how children think (for instance, they attribute feelings to inanimate objects) and develop (children may touch off-limits objects because they are exploring their world). Much of the authors' advice draws on the most useful commonplaces from contemporary parenting theories, such as the technique of setting limits on the behavior of very young children by distracting them rather than punishing them. Goldstein is a parenting consultant and educator; Gallant is a freelance writer. Illustrations not seen by PW. Author tour.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

What is normal behavior for an infant? a toddler? a pre-schooler? Goldstein uses basic principles of normal behavior as the framework for her commonsense advice on coping with problems associated with eating, sleeping, dependency, and play. Short chapters repeat the theme that "young children are egocentric and focus on fulfilling their own needs without considering other people's feelings." Keeping this dictum in mind, parents who model appropriate behavior and set firm, suitable limits will be reassured in their efforts. The pedestrian prose is steady and calming, but not monotonous. Though not indexed, this work is helpfully arranged by section for those who would dip into it. For extensive parenting collections.
- Nancy Las kowski, Free Lib. of Philadelphia
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.