Rating: 
Summary: Excellent!
Review: This book is an excellent addition to any new parent's library. It answers many questions well beyond the shocking, sleepless newborn stage. A must buy for any parent.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Philosophy!
Review: I have really enjoyed this book. The author explains child development and parenting with a very caring philosophy.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't waste your money!
Review: Penelope Leach is so condescending! This book is NOT helpful and rather seems determined to make parents feel guilty for not treating babies according to her regimen. Lavish love on your baby and feel great about it! Don't waste your money on this book which will tell you otherwise.
Rating:
Summary: A Must for all parents!
Review: This book was my bible. It answered all my questions and concerns. I ordered an updated edition for my daughter-in-law and son. My grandson is due in August. Penelope Leach helped me raise a fantastic 13 year old daughter. This one is easy to read over and over again. If you buy only one book this is it!!
Rating:
Summary: Best and most user friendly advice book in existence.
Review: When our child reaches a new stage, my wife and I immediately consult this book. Time and again, her common sense works. For example, the Penelope method for teaching a child to put him/herself to sleep worked in two nights. Written in a friendly fashion, open about giving advice, stern about bad parenting habits, flexible because children are diverse... Penelope Leach distills the common sense and practical advice of a dozen grandmothers. There could not be a better advice book for raising a child.
Rating:
Summary: Not very helpful
Review: I purchased this book prior to having my first child, mostly because it looked interesting and the some of the photos are exceptional. Overall it is a very informative overview of child development, especially if you haven't been around young children, and suddenly find yourself a parent. However, if you are looking for a "how-to" book, this will not help you. I can't tell you how many times my husband and I flipped through the various chapters looking for some guidance only to be disappointed. Additionally, although you may not agree with the author's opinions you cannot discount the fact that she has written a very thorough book on the stages of young childhood.
Rating:
Summary: This book is like having a third Parent around.
Review: Especially when you are on your first baby, but also for other children, this book helps you out on those occasions when you have tried everything you know and nothing is working. You know when you get to the point where you think your baby is either terminally ill or is possessed by the devil? That's the point when you read the relevant chapter in the book, and bingo! the answer is there. If the answer is not here, then its into the car and off to the doctor with you. Children know which buttons to press to drive you insane - this book gives you a few buttons of your own and puts you back in control. If you don't know what I'm talking about then you are probably not a parent yet. Believe me, when the child arrives you want this book.
Rating:
Summary: Good resource
Review: Sensitively written and very informative. Throrough and has been very helpful at times. However, I think that the infant (first year)section is not as strong as the toddler years. I wish Leach was more specific about stages of development during the first year, and devoted more in-depth coverage to infant behavior.
Rating:
Summary: From your child's perspective
Review: This book gives information - whether it's about nursing or eating or playing - from the child's perspective.It helps to understand the child's reactions and to act accordingly.I found the information about why the child feels and reacts to life as he does very helpful.I also appreciated the "Parents Ask/Say" boxes,which brought up and sensitively discussed many controversial issues.This book is oriented on helping us understand our little ones.For medical information and the basics about growth and development,I found "Caring for your baby and child:birth to age five"( the AAP book) to be clearer and easier.I recommend having both as references,especially during the first two years.
Rating:
Summary: A must-read for all new parents.
Review: Penelope Leach has written a book that is easy to understand, realistic and practical in the advice that it offers. I still find myself going back to it for guidance with my second baby. Dr. Leach writes beautifully and has a special knack for explaining things from a child's point of view. Also, the book only has pictures of "real" babies. Thus, they have a poignancy that would be lacking in staged photo shoots. What I especially liked about this book are the hot topics of debate that appear throughout. Circumcision, a mother's anger at her baby, punishment and many other issues are presented. Sometimes the author takes a neutral stance and lets parents speak for themselves. At other times she makes it quite clear what she believes. All in all, a very stimulating book. If you only buy one parenting book, this should be it.
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