The Focus on the Family Complete Book of Baby and Child Care [Paperback]

Focus (Creator)

Book Description

Series: FOTF Complete Guide | Publication Date: October 1, 1999

An extensive child-care volume with full-color illustrations, photos, and foreword by Dr. James Dobson. Developed and approved by the Physicians Resource Council, this volume covers everything from preparing for parenthood to your child's adolescent years. It also addresses special topics such as child abuse, discipline, and caregivers. A thorough medical reference section includes information on orthopedics, emergency care, and first aid. From a source they can trust, parents will find sound advice and peace of mind throughout the development of their children.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

James C. Dobson, Ph.D., is founder and chairman of Focus on the Family, a nonprofit organization that produces his internationally syndicated radio programs, heard by more than 200 million people every day. He is seen on 80 television stations daily in the U.S. A licensed psychologist and licensed marriage, family, and child counselor, he is a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and is listed in Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare. Dr. Dobson is married to Shirley and is the father of two grown children, Danae and Ryan. He resides in Colorado.

Product Details

• Paperback: 912 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0842335129
• ISBN-13: 978-0842335126
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.5 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #79,536 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Paul Reisser, M.D., is a family physician in private practice with three decades of experience in primary care medicine. A member of Focus on the Family's Physicians Resource Council, he served as lead author of the Complete Guide to Family Health, Nutrition, and Fitness, and the best-selling Complete Guide to Baby and Child Care. The Reissers have been married since 1975 and are still enthused about that decision. They have two grown children and two grandchildren and live in Southern California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More Comprehensive than Most, August 18, 2000

By 

bethlovesbooks (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Focus on the Family Complete Book of Baby and Child Care (Hardcover)

When it comes to parenting books, I've been there done that. I've read the "What to Expect" series, the "Girlfriends Guides," the Mayo health books, etc. What I've found is that each one does its own thing well: "What to Expect" is good at topical, "Girlfriends" is funny, Mayo is medical. But sometimes, I just get tired of so many books! What makes Focus on the Family's book great is that it manages to do so many things well that you can safely eliminate some of these others. In fact, I think it's the best and most comprehensive child care book on the market.

The guide is comprehensive because it covers children from birth through adolescence. I think this is an important distinction that many books overlook. Just because our children get bigger doesn't mean that they need less attention. Actually, some of them need even more attention in the teenage years than most any other time.

I also like the way that the book addresses all areas of a child: physical, mental, and spiritual. It discusses divorce, child abuse, depression, eating disorders, and sexuality, right along with all the more traditional topics. Perhaps more important, the guide discusses the values that are behind our philosophy as Christian parents. How refreshing to know that I can consult an even-handed book with a Christian perspective. Its tone is always thoughtful, educated, and respectful.

Some other noteworthy features are at the back. There is a very thorough reference section that is over a hundred pages long and lists most illnesses and medications. Behind that is an emergency section that covers bites, burns, bleeding, CPR, etc. Next there is an annotated list of additional resources for various topics, a very detailed index, and finally a series of growth charts, color drawings of the human body and photographs of different skin diseases to help you identify them.

All and all, this is an excellent and thoughtful guide no matter where you are on your parenting journey.

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Invauable Parenting Resource, you won't be disappointed!, November 4, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Focus on the Family Complete Book of Baby and Child Care (Hardcover)

It is fantastic and refreshing to be able to look into one resource and find everything you would possibly need to know concerning child rearing. From shots at 24 months, to skin rashes with photographic examples of each, to the different temperaments found in us all, to behavioral patterns at 13 months or 13 years, it's all here in this one book. My wife and I refer to it constantly in the raising of our two daughters. They didn't teach it in high school or college, but the most important investment you will ever make, is in the raising of your children. This book will give you the confidence and guidance to do a great job, believe me you will not be disappointed with it. The most important feature, however, is the fact that the contents of the book concerning parental leadership, mentoring and guidance are all based on the sound information found in the instruction manual for the human race, The Bible. Enjoy this book, as you enjoy raising your children.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars buy a hardback if available, January 22, 2003

By 

Bob and Karen (Torrance, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Focus on the Family Complete Book of Baby and Child Care (Paperback)

This book covers conception through college. Although published by conservative Christians, a term which does not describe our family, it is not some preachy religious tract. For every age it has comprehensive information on the medical issues that arise, the psychology and development of children at that age. And it is written for normal people, not experts. Thanks to this book, I have been able to figure out some things that my young children have allergic sensitivities to; I have been able to avoid dehydration when my infant had diarrhea; I know better how children of a given age think and what they may be capable of. I especially appreciated the emphasis on the children's emotional needs. For example, given my limited experience with children before having my own, if this book hadn't mentioned how much the day-to-day interactions with babies mean to their emotional wellbeing, I'm not sure I would have gone out of my way to make moments like diaper changes and feedings fun. There is easy to use information on everything from taking a rectal temperature to diagnosing allergies to understanding how a child at a given age thinks, what she may be capable of doing, and even what kind of toys go with what age. Finally, I have found that the information in this book has always been consistent with what our pediatrician says, and with the generally accepted practices mentioned in childcare magazines, so I think it is very credible.

Buy a hardback if available because you will want this to last awhile.