Recommended reading

Once you have kids, time for reading may be quite limited. You may find it helpful, however, to keep books on hand that relate to your job as a parent to provide inspiration, support, ideas and self-education. There are so many books we could recommend, but here are a few of our favorites.

General pediatric medical information

“American Academy of Pediatrics: Caring for Your Baby and Young Child; Birth to Age 5,” by Steven P. Shelov et al, 6th Edition: An outstanding guide to young kids that covers an array of health and developmental topics for parents with little ones.

“American Academy of Pediatrics: Caring for your School-Age Child; Ages 5-12,” by Edward L. Schor et al: The sequel to the Academy’s book on younger children, another excellent overall reference guide to health and developmental issues during the middle years.

“American Academy of Pediatrics: Caring for Your Teenager: The Complete and Authoritative Guide,” by Donald E. Greydanus et al: The final book in the series and another guide to help parents navigate the sometimes challenging experience of raising a teenager.

“American Academy of Pediatrics: Guide to Your Child’s Symptoms,” by Don Schiff: A handy alphabetized reference guide that walks you through common symptoms and explains what to do when your child is ill.

Nutrition

“Food Fights: Winning the Nutritional Challenges of Parenthood Armed with Insight, Humor, and a Bottle of Ketchup,” by Laura Jana et al: Helps parents learn strategies for getting kids to eat right. 2008 Mom’s Choice Gold Award Winner.

Breastfeeding

“American Academy of Pediatrics: New Mother’s Guide to Breastfeeding,” by Joan Y. Meek: An authoritative resource guide for breastfeeding moms, edited by a respected pediatrician who is an M.D., R.D. (registered dietician) and I.B.C.L.C. (certified lactation consultant).

“The Nursing Mother’s Companion,” by Kathleen Huggins: An easy read that includes an abundance of useful information and moral support.

Sleep

“The No-Cry Sleep Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night,” by Elizabeth Pantley and William Sears. No book on the market solves every child’s sleep problems, but this one has helped many parents we know.

ADHD

“American Academy of Pediatrics: ADHD: What Every Parent Needs to Know,” by Mark L. Wolraich, MD, FAAP and Joseph F. Hagan, Jr., MD, FAAP: An evidence-based reference guide to help parents sort through their child’s Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder issues and challenges.

“Parenting Children With ADHD: 10 Lessons That Medicine Cannot Teach,” by Vincent J. Monastra Ph.D.: Advice about nutrition, medication and parenting, by a clinical psychologist who has worked with thousands of children with ADHD.

“Straight Talk About Psychiatric Medications for Kids,” Dr. Timothy E. Wilens: A guide, with many real-life examples, about the use and effects of psychiatric medications prescribed for children, by a Harvard University psychiatry professor.

“Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete Authoritative Guide for Parents,” by Dr. Russell A. Barkley: Gives an accessible overview of current scientific thinking about the causes of ADHD and offers advice for parents, teachers and others on how to help those afflicted.

Parenting

“The Attachment Parenting Book: A Commonsense Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Baby,” by William and Martha Sears: A landmark method of parenting in which parents develop instinctual responses to their children.

“John Rosemond’s New Parent Power!” by John Rosemond: The book most used by Dr. Bradshaw when dealing with challenging situations involving her young children.

“How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk,” by Adele Faber et al: Presents helpful advice in an engaging format.

Teen Issues

“Parenting Teens with Love and Logic,” by Foster Cline: Tips on helping your teens deal with subjects they face today, including peer pressure, drugs, alcohol, sex and violence.

“Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens: Simple Ways to Keep Your Cool in Stressful Times,” by Richard Carlson: From the award-winning “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” series, a book written for teens that imparts simple, helpful wisdom for dealing with their lives.

Eating Disorders

“Your Dieting Daughter… Is She Dying for Attention?” by Carolyn Costin: A highly respected authority on the management of eating disorders, Costin helps parents understand when their child has a problem with her weight or eating and when and how to intervene.

“The Eating Disorders Sourcebook: A Comprehensive Guide to the Causes, Treatment and Prevention of Eating Disorders,” by Carolyn Costin: A more comprehensive reference guide on eating disorders.

Mental Health

“The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook,” by Edmund J. Bourne: An excellent self-help book that teaches people how to recognize and manage their anxieties and phobias, especially good for teens or anyone who prefers to work on their problems in the privacy of their own home.