Parenting for Dummies, UK Edition

"I can only echo the other commenters: this book has set me straight when I'm left confused by conflicting advice by all the baby "experts". It's full of simple, sound advice, weighing up the pros and cons of the latest babycare fads and never trying to patronise or insist there's "one true way" of bringing up your child. The format is clear and simple - for instance the chart of foods for weaning is copied and up in my kitchen as a ready reference. I am sure I'll keep referring and referring to it as my child reaches toddlerdom and beyond."
~ Written on 2008-01-21

"Having worked with Helen Brown many years ago, I knew this book was bound to be meticulously and painstakingly researched. However, I'm not a big fan of the Dummies format so I didn't expect to like this book nearly as much as I did. My neighbour, who's a new mum, kept raving about the book (she didn't know I knew Helen) and as I now teach HypnoBirthing classes I thought I'd get a copy to see if it would be a good book to recommend to my parents-to-be. I keep dipping in and out of it and am continually amazed by the common-sense and humorous approach. My friend kept mentioning the parenting mantra 'Once more, with feeling' as something she's kept using when her six-month-old son has been driving her round the bend all day. She says that this mantra, which encourages you to get enthusiastic and excited about what your child is doing and summon that last tiny spurt of energy to really engage with your child (one more time!) has made all the difference. Reading this book, you know Helen really has been there, and has put all the wisdom she's gained as a parent and journalist into one, really easy to read, book. I'm now recommending Parenting For Dummies to all my HypnoBirthing parents as I know they'll find its sanity-saving advice invaluable."
~ Written on 2007-05-20

"If you want practical, friendly and useful advice, this is the book to read. The tone is really nice - not preachy - and the content covers all those questions that all parents have. I especially found the chapter on the minefield of choosing childcare helpful. It sets out all the issues you need to know so you can get your thoughts separated from your inevitable emotions, without telling you what to do. I still don't know what to do, but I know what I should be looking for! Buy this book for peace of mind. "
~ Written on 2007-05-18

"How refreshing to read a parenting book that isn't trying to peddle some 'magic' sort-your-baby-out routine. Instead, it's full of just what all us parents need: wise advice, clever tips - and laugh-out-loud humour.
I really liked the chapters on behaviour and discipline - lots of really helpful, positive strategies. And the sections on Sleep and Food are brilliant to dip in and out of.
You can tell it's been written by a mum who's been there and worn the parenting T-shirt: not some 'expert' who hasn't actually dealt with a tantrumming toddler for decades.
And, best of all, it doesn't stop at the toddler stage - there's some brilliant stuff about bringing up preschoolers and school-age children, too.
I honestly can't recommend this book enough!"
~ Written on 2007-05-18