Do you read parenting books?

Question

I haven't read any parenting books. I have read some magizines but only when I'm at the doctor's office. my neighbor asked me about a parenting book and I told her straight up I haven't read any. she was shocked. and asked why and I told her straight up because my parents didn't ready any with me and I cam out fine. and besides who can help me better then them. so my question is if you read parenting books do you get a second opinion from your parents? and do you think it's irresponsiable to not read parenting books? I am open to everyone's opinion's on parenting but I don't see the need.

Answer 1

My baby is 5 months old now and i've just become interested in everyones opinions in books. Some say one thing and others say another.

You are not irresponsible for not reading books, we're all born with a maternal instinct and to some extent can handle a baby without other peoples opinions. It's passed from Mother to Daughter.

When i was in the hospital one of the midwives told a new mother off for only attending one antinatal class, i didn't attend any. My baby has turned out just fine. You carry on the way you're going and don't take any notice of what other people say. x*x

Answer 2

I read some before my son was born, but once he was born I realized what a bunch of hooey it all was. I do still get some magazines and I don't mind reading them-- some articles are laughable which is fun for me and my husband. They also have different types of toys that I don't typically run across out where we live so, it gives me ideas. I think any person who depends soley on a book or mag to tell them what to do is the irresponsible parent.

Answer 3

With my first......I was so obsessive about being up to date on iformation and certain techniques but there were also a few things I felt through instict and did not budge. I did things diferently than my parents in some ways (part of that was who I was and part of it came from reading). To this day, what to expect when you're expecting is still held highly in my opinion for pregnant women. Now, I mostly use forums if I'm in question about something and I'll also talk to my family about some things. The one thing I don't like about some books and the theories therein is that they sometimes make parents feel as if they are dolts and couldn't possibly be a good parent w/out reading them.

Answer 4

Yes I've read about 7!....It's good to read about developmental psychology & parenting. I agree & disagree with some stuff, so I guess I have developed some of my opinions from them, I now feel very confident about my approaching parenthood from all the research I've done..

Answer 5

I read them, just because I loooove reading and I figure I might as well read something that someday when I am in a situation with my child I could remember something I read that might be helpful. I don't take much of the stuff literally, I think that parents are supposed to raise their kids the way they feel because it creates individuals. But they are helpful sometimes.

Answer 6

I think it's good parenting to be always researching & trying to do your best.  What was right for my parents, when they were raising kids may not be right for me, my family, my kids & the world that we live in today.  And, just because my parents did well, doesn't mean that we can't try to do better.

So, yes, I do read books, articles & websites re: parenting.  I enter into discussions with other parents (including my own when they were living and my siblings) about parenting ideas.  My husband & I talk about our parenting goals often & brainstorm ways to meet challenges that we face in our family.

Answer 7

I read parenting magazines and books for information and for entertainment purposes.  I do not go to my parents for second opinions.  I form my own opinions, if I want others opinion i will ask.  In my opinion it is not irresponsible if you do not read parenting books.  

Its like Lamaze class, if you want to join in a class go ahead, if you don't want to, it's not required.  when the baby comes it will come.  Just like child behavior, it will happen, and YOU choose what works for you.

Answer 8

Yes, I read parenting books.  I am a "school" type person and I realized in high school that a lot of people look at you funny when you are in their residence and ask to look at the library.  I have over 1000 books.  Also, I have given books for parents to be.  It doesn't go over well, so I stopped.  I do think it is irresponsible not to read about parenting, ignorance is not a defense.   It is a little different now though because if something should arise it is easily referenced on the web.  I also think it is irresponsible for parents to not have CPR and first aid training, but I know most of them don't.  I do ask my parents opinion but don't always take it.  My mom has a background as a sp. Ed teacher, and my father is a psychologist that has a CADC

My favorite parenting book is by Dr. Barry T. Brazelton "Touchpoints".  He is the father of American Pediatrics.  I also like "The myth of ADD" by Armstrong, "The out of sync child" by Carol Stock Kranowicz, "What your doctor never told you about childhood vaccinations" by Dr. Stephanie Cave, and Reviving Ophelia by Dr. Pipher.

Answer 9

I read parenting books, but not just general ones.  If I have an issue or want to learn more about a subject, or want help explaining something like the "birds & bees" then I will get some books to help me out.  I love to read.  I do get some of my best parenting advice from my mother in law.