You’re Not Alone: The Best Parenting Books for Stressed Out Moms and Dads
When you’re up late at night with your baby and your only other company is the lonesome howl of the wind outside or the solitary hoot of an owl, you may find yourself wondering if you’re the only person who’s ever felt so exhausted, emotionally drained and just about sick of parenting. You may feel guilty for those feelings, but you shouldn’t. You’re not alone! Parents have needed support and encouragement for as long as babies have been around (which we think is at least as far back as there’ve been people). Blogs are good (we love writing ours) but sometimes you need something a little more concrete to pass those long nights with a colicy baby. So, to keep you company, here are a few of the best parenting books (or ebooks) we’ve found.
What to Expect Your First Year by Heidi Murkoff
Murkoff is best known for her seminal pregnancy book, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” but, as most parents know, you don’t stop wondering what to expect once the baby is born. Originally published in 1989, the book is periodically updated to reflect new trends in parenting and new data on early childhood development. The twelve month layout and easy to read question and answer format make it an accessible resource for any parent with questions how to handle their constantly changing new human being.
Go the F*ck to Sleep by Adam Mansbach
Occasionally, during a long dark night with the bottle, the last thing you need is more advice. That’s where Mansbach’s “Go the F*ck to Sleep” comes in. This hilarious, foul mouthed interpretation of classic children’s books captures the overwhelming frustration that you feel when trying to put a kid down just long enough to steal a few seconds for yourself. Sometimes you need to laugh to keep from crying, and this book will help with just that. Good thing Adam never had an Ota, or he’d never have these problems or the inspiration to write his bestseller.
All Joy and No Fun: The Paradox of Modern Parenting by Jennifer Senior
Unlike most parenting books, “All Joy and No Fun” actually focuses on, well, parents. As much as your baby is changing, you’re probably noticing that parenthood is also changing you – in ways you didn’t expect. Senior’s book is more of a narrative than most books about parenting, but it makes for an engaging read and in-depth exploration of a subject that is nearly universal, but not often explored.
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish<
As your child grows and his or her language and motor skills develop, communication, discipline and behavior adjustment grows slightly more nuanced than the earlier “pick up baby and place baby somewhere else.” You child is learning more about itself and the world around it, and developing the tools to communicate what it’s learning and how it’s feeling. “How to Talk So Your Kids Will Listen” helps you open up avenues of communication between yourself and your child. The book’s emphasis on understanding how your child feels enables parents to change behavior using words, instead of punishment.
 
The Baby Owner’s Manual: Operating Instructions, Troubleshooting Tips, and Advice on First Year Maintenance by Louis Borgenicht and Joe Borgenicht
Written like an actual owner’s manual, this clever advice book by pediatrician Louis Borgenicht and his son, Joe, addresses tons of parenting problems in an easy-to-read, funny format. There’s space to record your baby’s specs and the book is packed with charts and diagrams. It’s the perfect solution for someone looking to get to the brass tacks of baby ownership.
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