RAISING BABIES [Paperback]

STEVE BIDDULPH (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: THORSONS (HCOL) (2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0007221924
• ISBN-13: 978-0007221929
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #740,211 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Steve Biddulph is a world-famous family therapist. His Secret of Happy Children (published by Thorsons April 97) has sold more than a million copies and has been published in 15 languages.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Confirmation to all my secret inner doubts, March 16, 2008

By 

R. Neale "tawlas" (BC, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: RAISING BABIES (Paperback)

This book completely changed my outlook on life.

I'm a former Early Childhood Caregiver. I've worked in both 3-5 year old rooms as well as infant/toddler rooms. Right from the start of my training I thought that early childhood education is a fantastic ideal - everyone who works towards it does so with the best of intentions, I know I certainly did. We all want great things for our babies and children.

But babies are NOT made for group situations. They NEED one-to-one care from someone who loves them (not just 'cares' for them). The author mentioned that studies show that babies received 8 minutes of one-on-one care and attention per day! I looked back over my experience and realize the studies are right! Every time you sit down with a small child to cuddle or read or play three others (if not more) come racing over wanting to join in. The only one-on-one time babies got in daycare was during diaper changes! ECE workers are tired, so tired, it's such an emotionally draining job and we end up doing only what it takes to get through the day. We KNOW we could do better, should do better, but it just doesn't happen it seems hopeless. I began to have serious doubts about putting babies in daycare unless you absolutely have to.

Socialization? People are social, like horses, cows, monkeys etc . . . we gravitate toward others and do way better with others. Sure toddlers need to learn to share and compromise, but in a room with 7+ other children and two adults? I remember spending the day heading off fights or comforting children when we got there too late. Save socialization for three or four year olds, they're so much more able to deal with group situations (better language, impulse control, empathy and gratification delay - all things, incidentally, learned best one on one).

Bottom line: This book confirms your fears and justifies them. You are your child's best bet to a happy future. Don't let experts tell you that they require 'trained professionals' to grow up right. Trust yourself - we've been doing it for thousands of years! It's such an easy to read book packed with info. The author is british but I found it equally applicable to North America.

Need to work in order to maintain your standard of living? Change your standards! We live on the most materialistic continent in the world. We don't need all that stuff, it just ends up in the landfill anyhow. We DO need stronger families and emotionally able youth and adults.

Like I said, my outlook on our current (terrible) financial situation is completely different. Rather than be stressed, I tell myself that our basic needs (and more)are being met and my children are learning to love from the best source - someone who loves them! If you have any doubts about childcare for those under three years, read this book! It will strengthen your resolve and enable you to make enlightened decisions.