The Birth to Five Book: Confident Childrearing Right from the Start [Paperback]

Brenda Nixon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2009

We need a license to drive, but the most important thing many of us will do in our lives requires no license or training--raising children. And since parents receive no preparation for raising another human being, they often question their own abilities and feel vulnerable to making mistakes.

The Birth to Five Book offers parents practical, down-to-earth help and success strategies for this big responsibility. Whether raising an infant, toddler, or preschooler--or all of them at once!--young parents will love this collection of commonsense advice. From feeding and reading to discipline, toilet training, and play, it's all here in simple terms that any parent can put to work immediately.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

When should we start our baby on solids?
What do I do if my toddler bites another child?
Will the "why" questions ever end?

Ask any parenting question and you're sure to get lots of answers--from magazines, your in-laws, your sister, even complete strangers! But with all the conflicting advice, what's a busy parent to do?

The Birth to Five Book gives you practical, down-to-earth help and success strategies for this big responsibility. Forget the ivory tower childrearing theories and the old wives' tales. Whether raising an infant, toddler, or preschooler--or all of them at once!--you'll love this collection of commonsense advice from a parenting expert. From feeding and reading to discipline, toilet training, and play, it's all here in simple terms that any parent can put to work immediately.


"Child problems need parent solutions. That is exactly what Brenda Nixon helps you create for your child. Her easy-to-read style calms you as you learn to guide and support your child."--Sally Goldberg, PhD, early childhood author, educator, speaker, coach

"Brenda's practical and wise advice will give great peace and knowledge to every parent."--Kathy Collard Miller, speaker, author

"Nixon cuts to the core of exactly what parents need to know in a balanced way that is rooted in wisdom."--Debra White Smith, author, speaker, mom


Brenda Nixon, MA, is a frequent media guest sharing childrearing insights and encouragement, and a popular speaker to parents and professionals who work with children. She has spoken at MOPS International and Hearts at Home national conventions, AEYC conferences, and citywide parent expos. A member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association and a CLASS graduate, Nixon is a contributing author to dozens of books and has extensive training in child development and parent empowerment

About the Author

Brenda Nixon has been a speaker for MOPS International, MOPS groups, and the Hearts at Home national convention. A member of the National Speakers Association, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and a CLASS graduate, Nixon is a contributing author to dozens of books and has a long background in childhood education and parent training. She lives in Mount Vernon, Ohio.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Revell (January 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800733193
• ISBN-13: 978-0800733193
• Product Dimensions: 0.6 x 5.4 x 8.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #757,094 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

An entertaining communicator on child development and family issues, Brenda Nixon, M.A., is a conference speaker, adjunct university instructor, and author of the award-winning The Birth to Five Book.

As a writer, Brenda has contributed to 31 books, including six in the New York Times best-selling CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL series, and her parenting articles are featured in print and online magazines. Her new WIP is a non-fiction book about ex-Amish, based on her experiences "adopting" an Amish runaway and as the mother-in-law to a former-Amish. During the holidays, her home is usually filled with ex-Amish, which always provides lots of laughs, games, and memories.

Brenda offers two blogs; one on parenting www.BrendaNixononParenting.blogspot.com and her newest as a "mom to the ex-Amish" www.BrendaNixononAmish.blogspot.com.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars From Birth to Five March 2, 2009

By Cathy Bryant

Format:Paperback

As an educator and a parent, I was impressed with "The Birth to Five Book" by Brenda Nixon, who has an extensive background in childhood education.

The book covers the challenges of parenting newborns, toddlers and preschoolers, and has a wealth of information that would be beneficial to parents with children in these age-groups.

Here are a few of the nuggets of parenting wisdom found in this book:
For Infants:

~Learning to be confident as the parent of a newborn. This section helps new parents know what to expect.

~Nursing. This chapter points out the pros and cons of breast-feeding, and also lets the parents know that the decision is a personal one.

~The love of reading. Children who are read to from a young age learn to enjoy reading.

~Finding adequate child care. This chapter lists all the things parents should consider before selecting child care for their infant.

~Separation anxiety. Every parent struggles with leaving a screaming child. This chapter offers helpful insight into separation anxiety and how a parent should handle it.

For Toddlers:

~Understanding toddlers. Toddlers can be difficult to understand. This section lists the traits of toddlers, so parents know what to expect.

~Temper tantrums. If you've ever been around a toddler, you know how quickly temper tantrums can develop. This book will give you practical solutions for dealing with them.

~Weaning from the bottle. The process of weaning a child can prove to be a challenge. Understanding your toddler's need for security will make the process easier.

~Discipline. As an educator, I see the extreme value of disciplining children correctly.... The word discipline actually means to teach, but many people view discipline as punishment. The author gives excellent advice on how to teach your toddler acceptable behavior.

~Paternal bonding. This chapter deals with the importance of fathers taking an active role in the parenting process.

For Pre-Schoolers

~The importance of play. Play is not all about recreation. In fact, for pre-schoolers it is a way of learning about real life. Through this book you will learn ways to promote healthy play time.

~Choosing the right preschool. This can be a life-altering decision for parents and children. The author gives tips on choosing the right preschool in this section.

~Learning responsibility. Children need to learn responsibility from a very young age. To not follow through on this is to raise a child who is completely dependent on you as the parent.

~Preparing your child for school. How do you know when your child is ready for school? The author gives a list of criteria to help you in your decision. In another chapter, Brenda Nixon gives suggestions on helping your child love school.

I would highly recommend "The Birth to Five Book" by Brenda Nixon for parents or soon-to-be parents. This book would also make a great gift. Read more ›

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of help for parents here March 2, 2009

By Terra Hangen VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

Author Brenda Nixon offers practical advice to help readers be confident and successful parents, with guidelines to help our babies and toddlers to become self-confident and independent as they grow up.

The author includes separate chapters on common situations all parents face, like "Cabin Fever Relievers", "Thumb Sucking Sally", and ""Bedtime Resistance Remedy." I counted about 50 chapters, each one loaded with good ideas, and even some funny quotes.

Her chapter "Talk Less, Act More" sums up effective parenting, for me. Instead of repeating an order countless times while your child ignores you, tell the child once and then take an appropriate action. Do not say "get dressed for school" 100 times. The author shares a funny story about her daughter and the school bus, on that topic.

Brenda also includes her recipe for blueberry milkshake that sounds like a yummy, and definitely healthy, breakfast or snack.

She suggests that if your child could answer the question of what she needs in a successful parent, the child might answer "I feel secure when adults run the household. Be the parents." This thread of being a wise parent is woven all through this must have book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An Essential for Parents August 5, 2010

By Jane Balvanz

Format:Paperback

The Birth to Five Book: Confident Childrearing Right from the Start
by Brenda Nixon Reviewed by Jane Balvanz, MSE, RPT
Imagine having the right baby gift for expectant parents every time. Imagine giving a gift so utterly useful, the newborn benefits immediately and forever. Imagine new parents having a such a life-changing, powerful experience from your gift, they share their knowledge with other parents. Imagine giving new parents or yourself The Birth to Five Book by Brenda Nixon.
Reading this book is somewhat like being guided through the first years of parenthood by a wise aunt or knowledgeable big sister. It feels as if Brenda is right there with you holding your hand and saying, "Now, now, dear. This is normal. You're doing fine." If The Birth to Five Book had been written when my own children were born, I would have felt much less parenting anxiety. That, in itself, is worth the price of gold! (See page 66 - Ten Tips for Stress-less Parenting)
The book is divided into four chapters: Parenting Your Infant, Parenting Your Toddler, Parenting Your Preschooler, and Parenting Anytime. Each section addresses basic issues parents have about childrearing in early childhood. Brenda's answers are written straightforwardly in a conversational tone, so parents can get right to the nitty-gritty. After all, who has time to peruse medical books or thesauruses when your children are ages five and younger?
What is impressive about The Birth to Five Book is its range of childhood and parenting topics. One can read about the basics such as mother's milk, starting solid foods, biting, toilet training, and bad dreams. Brenda goes much farther than this, though. She intermingles milestone markers, early education, and character education.... One can learn about growing a reader, traits of toddlers, raising responsible kids, and kindergarten readiness.
Research informs us early childhood is vitally important to a child's self-esteem, sense of well-being, and learning. The Birth to Five Book addresses the topics essential to giving a child good foundational footing. The bonus? All of this information comes in a book you can easily hold in one hand while holding a baby on your shoulder with a toddler seated in your lap! Read more ›

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars New Parents Get Honesty and Successful Strategies September 21, 2009

By Cammie

Format:Paperback

Looking for practical answers on how to raise your child? Author Brenda Nixon gives honest and straightforward answers on what to expect during the first five years of your child's life. Brenda Nixon truly makes this a hands on parenting book by including a "My Success Strategy" section at the end of each chapter.

One of the biggest problems new parents face is not having a plan. A new mom will be exhausted from lack of sleep in the infant stage, frustrated with the "terrible twos" and perplexed by their preschooler. Without a plan, you are sure to react and may find yourself giving in to inappropriate behavior for some peace and quiet. Brenda gives new moms the information needed to formulate a plan that works for your family. When you know what to expect, have thought about solutions and made a decision on how to resolve it BEFORE it happens... that makes a confident parent.

The book is divided up into sections ranging from infant, to toddler, then preschooler and ends with a section on parenting anytime. These sections are broken down into small chapters, which make it a great resource book for quick answers. I would recommend reading through the entire book and writing your success strategies along the way. Then I would place this book on a shelf, for easy access. I believe this is a book that you will consistently refer to from the beginning through kindergarten. In addition, you will find yourself referring back to this book for encouragement and confidence as you children grow up.

I love the way Brenda opens up to the readers, admitting mistakes and feelings she had as a new parent. She mentioned when she was a new mother, people did not talk about some of the emotions most mothers have but few share.... When reading through this book you pick up on her passion to encourage moms. She understands the high expectations we place on ourselves to be the perfect parent. She also understands the disappointment we feel when we don't meet these expectations. She reminds us that all kids misbehave and there are no perfect parents. Thank you, Brenda! Read more ›