Being a parent is hard sometimes, and often you feel like you need a little inspiration, motivation or guidance in the crazy journey that is parenthood. Here are some top picks for parents that you won’t be able to put down.
Toddler Whispering, by Sharlene Poole
A companion guide to the incredibly successful book Baby Whispering, which covered the first year of a baby’s life. This new book covers the following four years, divided into two main age groups (1-2 ½ and 2 ½ – 5) looking at commonly asked questions from parents, plus material on routines, significant changes during these times, sleeping, eating, toilet training, screen time, behaviour management, sibling adjustment, different personalities, child care options and more. All this is covered simply and in a very easy-to-read manner that the most tired of parents will be able to understand.
Not So Mumsy, by Marcia Leone
A mother’s group in a book sharing expert and anecdotal advice, written and curated by Instagram sensation Marcia Leone (aka @notsomumsy).
Yes, you are a mum, but you are still you! For mamas everywhere, this is your Mother’s Group in a book. Parenting is hard, but it’s also beautiful. For women who have embraced motherhood but also yearn to retain a sense of self and style, Not So Mumsy has been a pioneering site driving the Modern Mama movement. Bridging the gap between pre-mama life and the whole new world of leaky boobs and pureed banana, Marcia Leone has always shared her journey with honesty and humour, providng a warm and inclusive support network for like-minded women. With powerfully uplifting perspectives from inspirational mamas across the world, including Jamie King, Teresa Palmer, Megan Gale and Tammin Sursok, Not So Mumsy will help you navigate pregnancy, your first year and beyond with style, humour and confidence.
Man Raises Boy, by Rob Sturrock
Welcome to Rob Sturrock’s journey into parenting. Since the birth of his daughter, Rob has been passionate about being an active and present father, but this hasn’t always been straightforward. Struggling with stereotypes, judgement, identity and isolation while on parental leave, Rob has tried to balance supporting his wife and newly born children with the societal expectation of being a breadwinner for his family.
With the arrival of his son, a new set of anxieties was born. In today’s climate, how do you raise a boy? The roar of the #MeToo movement has meant that men have had to learn to listen, to confront their masculinity and what it means to be a man. Through extensive research and interviews with dads doing it differently – including Tony Sheldon, Adam Liaw and Bernie Shakesfhaft – he explores a new era of fathering that balances strength and vulnerability, allowing men to voice their insecurities and uncertainties, and encouraging them to truly cherish their families.
Man Raises Boy is at once an insightful and necessary call to arms for all new fathers, a guiding hand in the maze of love, guilt, anxiety and joy in fatherhood – and an ordinary dad’s beautifully moving love letter to his son.
