February 2009 - What to Expect Series

With the new year fully upon us and some resolutions already out the window let me suggest something you can do this winter and beyond to keep us as parents on top of our game. Here are some good books.

In 1995 when I became pregnant for the first time, I was clueless. I asked my mom if she was ready for all my questions about pregnancy and she said, "I had one baby 25 years ago. I don't know how much help I'm going to be." Luckily, several of my friends had already had children and I was told the new What To Expect When You're Expecting would answer all my questions. So…I got it.

Now understand my mom was great throughout both my pregnancies. But, this book was a Godsend. Not only did it answer a lot of my questions, it helped me know what was normal, what needed attention, not to worry about the changes in me and the baby. Wow! Today, What to Expect When You're Expecting is in its 4th edition and helping mothers to be in multi-languages. This book is as useful to dads to be as it is for moms. If a man has any hope of understanding what is going on with his wife and his unborn child, he will keep this book close at hand and try to be at as many pre-natal appointments as possible. I chose to start my list of books with this one because I believe parenting does not begin at birth, it begins at conception.

The great thing was that at my first baby shower another friend gave me What to Expect in the First Year. Once again the advice was sound and the perspective was true to life. There were so many things I did not know: when to start on food other than formula, was that poop supposed to be that color and is it okay that he won't eat stage one peas. This book is in its 2nd edition and I recommend both of these books to all new parents. They make great shower gifts!

The What to Expect series now includes What to Expect the Toddler Years, The What to Expect Pregnancy Journal and Organizer, What to Expect Baby-sitter's Handbook and Eating Well When You're Expecting. For children they now have What to Expect books that cover when you go to the doctor, the dentist, at bedtime, at preschool, at a play date, when the sitter comes, when you use the potty, when mommy's having a baby and when the new baby comes.

I have not read these other books in the series yet, but I have no reason to think that they are anything but great.

In the web revolution that is continuing to surround us, you can log on to the web site www.whattoexpect.com. On the site you will find pregnancy A-Z, Ask Heidi, buying for baby, pregnancy health, first year month by month, breastfeeding, links to healthy home, morning sickness, best toddler bedtime routine, c-sections, asthma and much more. There is also a community bulletin board and video gallery where you can communicate with other parents about their experiences. It is always great to know that you are not alone with what you are dealing with when it comes to your pregnancy and child.

There are many great books out there for us parents we just have to look around. Of course we rarely have time to read let alone browse a book store for parenting books. In doing my part to help out, I will add a little note in Always At Home whenever I run across them.

Lisa M. Sheldon is a wife, mother & author with 12 years experience in early childhood education and an RBA from WVU-P. She is also a columnist and advertising director for The Calhoun Chronicle.