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I bought this book when my daughter was small and it saved my sanity in dealing with sleep issues at a time when I was at the end of my tether. I have just given an updated copy to my adult daughter for the same reason. This book has maintainted its popularity over decades because it gives good, straightforward advice in an amusing and very sympathetic way. The section on sleep issues gives a solution - controlled crying - which is the only thing I know of which truly works. Parental sleep deprivation is dangerous, depressing and terribly unhealthy for all concerned. I felt that it was 'me or her' at this point (10 months) and I had to do something. Small children can cope with short term grief and anger better than we give them credit for. In the longer run, they need a parent who feels well and has had sufficient sleep. You don't ever abandon the child, you always go back and comfort them, and they do learn to sleep better. Contrary to some critics, Christopher Green does not endorse corporal punishment per se, but gives a reasoned discussion on how a smack could be used should parents wish to. Having taught parenting skills in adult education for a number of years I know that a lot of parents still do smack. They feel that a controlled smack gives a clear message when it's really needed, and is better than shouting or less controlled reactions. So, if parents are going to do it anyway, it's good to give advice on how smacking should be used. Giving anything more than a light smack is unlawful, so we are not talking about causing pain to a child. Personally I never did smack my daughter but have sometimes thought it might have been better than the out of control verbal tirades she got instead. This book is about parents being allowed to feel in control, which we do need to be. It gives a more objective view on our job as parents, and is very sympathetic to both toddlers and parents alike. We will probably never smack my grandson because my daughter doesn't agree with it and it doesn't come naturally to either of his parents or to me. I am not sure how I feel about it. The only example I have experience of is being very occasionally smacked by my mum when we had really, really pushed the boundary, and the threat of a smack was generally enough to make us stop. Used in this way, it can be really effective. But resorting to smacking regularly would suggest something is wrong. As with many books, it's a shame if parents dismiss the whole approach when there is much to recommend it.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I was given a copy of this book when my daughter was born 26 years ago. I'll never be able to thank the friend who gave it to me enough. Since then I have bought many more copies for new parents, recommended it to lots of others and have had lots of thanks for the gift and the recommendation. It's easy to read, the advice is easy to follow and perhaps more importantly makes you realise you are not being an idiot. By far the best advice out there.
Good book, easy to read, full of helpful tips and advice and index means you can jump to the bits you need when you need them
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Recommended by a paediatrician to buy some very handy but light hearted tips to help diffuse situations!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
It so practical Should be given to all new parents
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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