Customer Reviews

Your Baby and Child

5 star:		(80)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I wish I'd had this book when when my daughter was born - I would have been a better and more confident parent. Penelope Leach writes a straightforward, easy-to-understand book that no parent should be without. She helps us understand why the child does the things he does, and once we understand why he's doing it, it's much easier to handle. Whether you're coping with a baby who won't eat or a toddler who throws tantrums, Leach gives you simple, easy solutions to try. Hers is a kinder, gentler form of parenting, in which we try to understand the child rather than simply trying to force him into some mold. I recommend this book highly.

Of the several books on parenting/childcare I've read in preparation for becoming a first-time parent, this is my favorite, the one I come back to time and time again.

The content is amazing. Some have described it as "wordy," but I can only say that if you want bullet points, you should look elsewhere. This is well-written, thoughtful communication. Most of the advice is quite balanced and thorough, including large, non-judgmental sections on bottle feeding even though Leach, like all conscientious professionals, is clearly pro-breastfeeding. On some issues she shows a clearer bias, for example circumcision (she disagrees with performing circumcision for other than religious reasons); however, on these issues after further research I have not found her information to be inaccurate.

The book is organized into sections based on time periods in the baby's/child's life, and further by various topics of concern within each time period, for example dental care, excretion/toilet training, social development, etc. This is not, however, a book for comprehensive lists of developmental milestones.

In addition to the content, the book is very attractive, with full-color photographs, some of them stunningly beautiful, throughout - not the tiny, crude illustrations or fuzzy black-and-white photographs offered in other books.

Even though Penelope Leach lives in England, her ideas and information feel comfortable to me in a small town in Kansas. Leach has a great understanding and respect for both young children and their parents; she explains many situations from the child's point of view which is extremely helpful. She includes detailed information regarding development, child care, and parenting concerns without talking down to her readers. My only criticism is that a number of topics are a bit too long and dry, but nevertheless interesting, worthwhile information. Leach clearly explains the developmental stages of the first 5 years...newborn, settled baby, older baby, toddler, and young child. I enjoy the photos of real children through out the book. Penelope's positive, common-sense philosophy is very compatible with another one of my favorite parenting guidebooks called "The Pocket Parent." This little book is a quick-read A-Z compendium of sanity saving suggestions to the most challenging behaviors of preschoolers...2's, 3's, 4', and 5's. "Pocket Parent" is loaded with hundreds of practical tips, compassion and humor that serves as an upbeat, easy to read reference book along with the more clinical book, "Your Baby and Child."

Though the work is too wordy, I have to thanks the writer for her research and caring advice. When reading the book, I had the feeling that I had my grandmum standing by my side and showing me how to take care of her little granddaugher. The book has an unique human touch which is absent in other works on baby care. My wife told me that when she was reading the chapter on breastfeeding she felt that she got a friend who truly understood the real-life difficulty in breastfeeding. The weakness of this book is that it is too wordy. With no disrespect to the writer I do think that the length of the book can be reduced by at least one third with no damage done to its contents. Comparing this book with the popular book by the American Academcy of Pediatrics (Caring for Your Bany and Young Child - Birth to Age 5), surprsingly I found the latter work by doctors more reader-friendly and easier to understand. This I believe highlight the major drawback in Penelope Leach's work - too wordy and not straight -to-the-point enough.

This is a very well written book that should be required reading for all first time parents. It not only helps parents understand what they will likely encounter when raising a child, but also why. By helping us understand a child's mind and body, we can become better parents. I've recommended this book to many of my friends and none of them have been disappointed.

Every parent needs to take the time to read this book. The practical advice and reassuring descriptions of child development have made my parenting job easier. The book comes off the shelf with every new phase and each unusual situation. When my newborn was waking up five times a night to nurse, I got better advice from this book than from my pediatrician. And the beautifully-written introductions to the different stages of development gave me a real sense of who my baby was and who my child is. I still cry when I read them.

This works like a bible. You can leave it on your shelf or by your bed, and pick it up from time to time, open it to somewhere, and find solace and wisdom. No matter where you start reading, you'll find you've read half a chapter before you know it, even when you only meant to look up one specific little thing. This woman writes like a charm.

I think it's a bonus if you've heard her speak, because you can hear her speaking what's written here, and her delivery is just wonderful. Quite erudite and thoroughly knowledgeable but not even a molecule of pretense. Reading this book gives you the utmost respect for its author, and makes you want to invite her over for lunch as well.

You'll pick it up and read, and then you'll go away from it and go about your busy life. You'll get lost again in diapers or laundry or the ins and outs of your baby's psyche. You'll get worn, or angry. At some point if you remember to dip into the book again, Penelope will remind you where the ground is and where your center is, and you will go be a good parent some more.

Penelope Leach is a Ph.D. psychologist -- she knows her child development. Throughout, she discusses WHY we should do X or Y as parents, and she explains the capacities and limitations of children at each age -- and their experiences, as well as can be known. This is a book absolutely grounded in the best of research. It's really an education in child development.

There are very few better, clearer, writers than Penelope Leach, either.

I imagine there are a lot of parents out there who are at least a little better than they would have been, as parents, for reading this book.

If you have the slightest chance, get it and read it. If you are even considering this as a gift to new parents, it'd be a terrific one.

When I had my daughter I had no clue what to do. My mother had passed away, I was living in a foreign country and a friend had suggested this book who had raised 3 terrific daughters. I thought hmmm maybe she knows what she is doing, so I bought the book. It was the best advice anyone had given me! Penelope Leach's book answers all the questions you might have as a first time, 2nd time, etc. mother in need of any solid, sound information regarding the formative yrs of your child's health and well being. I followed this book to a tee and lo and behold...Now everyone says what a lovely daughter I have! You are so lucky! But I KNOW the secret lies in this book as I had nowhere else to turn-instincts are one thing, but unanswered questions is another. My daughter is now 11 yrs old and I swear this book gives a positive, informative and most valuable way to bring up a child! Thank you for this true contribution for a better world-I wish I could personally thank you Ms. Leach as I continue to thank the friend who suggested it! It's a must read for any new mom! And it's the Best Baby Shower Gift you can give!

This book gives information - whether it's about nursing or eating or playing - from the child's perspective.It helps to understand the child's reactions and to act accordingly.I found the information about why the child feels and reacts to life as he does very helpful.I also appreciated the "Parents Ask/Say" boxes,which brought up and sensitively discussed many controversial issues.This book is oriented on helping us understand our little ones.For medical information and the basics about growth and development,I found "Caring for your baby and child:birth to age five"( the AAP book) to be clearer and easier.I recommend having both as references,especially during the first two years.

Her common sense approach really appeals to us. We're first-time parents and feel that we know how to be good parents if we listen to our baby's cues. Dr. Leach just reinforces this.