Parenting Picks

I recently welcomed my first child in the world! The cliche is true, nothing can prepare you for parenthood. For the moms out there, you know that every pregnancy is unique so any advice you are given take with a grain of salt. A few takeaways that I have learned so far:

• Nothing goes as planned
• Be prepared not to sleep for a while
• You may or may not end up breastfeeding, as long as the baby eats it doesn’t really matter
• It’s difficult to launder white clothing with plant based detergents
• Don’t be so hard on yourself
• Catch up on reading before the baby gets here

Fourteen Talks by Age Fourteen focuses on big, topics such as friendship, sexuality, impulsivity, and technology, as well as unexpected conversations about creativity, hygiene, money, privilege, and contributing to the family.

The Whole-Brain Child outlines 12 key strategies for fostering healthy brain development in children to promote a calm and happy outlook, explaining how challenging child behaviors are rooted in immature left and right brain coordination and how parents can make informed adjustments to enable positive learning experiences.

If you are a new parent, and you can find the time I suggest the two books above. The Whole-Brain Child is a bestseller on Amazon, and discusses strategies for fostering healthy brain development, which becomes very important in regards to their behavior. Another new and highly anticipated book, Fourteen Talks by Age Fourteen focuses on topics you have have trouble discussing with your kids. Reading non-fiction is also a good way to begin reading again if you have had a long gap.