Rating: 
Summary: Mostly a fine book, but not the best choice for everyone
Review: I greatly enjoyed reading this resource, and finished it in a little over a week, despite its length! It is written in an easy style, but it still has lots of information about kids of all ages.There are two types of parent who are probably *not* going to like this book. One is the "natural parenting" type, who is interested in home/birth center birth, attachment parenting, etc. The book is very biased in favor of hospital birth(a big drawback), and has little information about attachment parenting methods. Those of us with any interest at all in using some or all of these methods should be consulting other books as well. The second sort of parent who could dislike the book is one who has very strong views about spanking, which the book favors. Actually, this book takes much more space telling the parent when they should *not* spank their child, but for those who see any physical discipline at all as "brutality" or "violence", this won't be enough. However, for the Christian parent who wants a single, mainstream reference work for the entire child rearing experience, the book has not only plenty of sound advice and counsel, but also extensive medical and safety information of the most practical sort. A great investment!
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent parenting help
Review: I had my first son in 1998. I purchased this book a few weeks after he was born. I have used it as a resource many times. There is excellent, practical advice on everything from breastfeeding to picking a pediatrician to ear infections. It covers pre-birth through the teen years and hits all of the major topics/issues that come up daily. I have recommended this book to many moms. It is the best child care book I own. Every family should have this on their bookshelf. Thanks Amazon for making it available.
Rating:
Summary: Evenhanded, non-dogmatic approach
Review: I really appreciate the laid back attitude of this book. The authors provide useful information and guidance, but without the sense that any given situation has only one right answer or response. They provide lots of encouragement to use your parental judgment in situations. Every child is different, and this book provides the right flexible approach.
Rating:
Summary: An Invauable Parenting Resource, you won't be disappointed!
Review: It is fantastic and refreshing to be able to look into one resource and find everything you would possibly need to know concerning child rearing. From shots at 24 months, to skin rashes with photographic examples of each, to the different temperaments found in us all, to behavioral patterns at 13 months or 13 years, it's all here in this one book. My wife and I refer to it constantly in the raising of our two daughters. They didn't teach it in high school or college, but the most important investment you will ever make, is in the raising of your children. This book will give you the confidence and guidance to do a great job, believe me you will not be disappointed with it. The most important feature, however, is the fact that the contents of the book concerning parental leadership, mentoring and guidance are all based on the sound information found in the instruction manual for the human race, The Bible. Enjoy this book, as you enjoy raising your children.
Rating:
Summary: buy a hardback if available
Review: This book covers conception through college. Although published by conservative Christians, a term which does not describe our family, it is not some preachy religious tract. For every age it has comprehensive information on the medical issues that arise, the psychology and development of children at that age. And it is written for normal people, not experts. Thanks to this book, I have been able to figure out some things that my young children have allergic sensitivities to; I have been able to avoid dehydration when my infant had diarrhea; I know better how children of a given age think and what they may be capable of. I especially appreciated the emphasis on the children's emotional needs. For example, given my limited experience with children before having my own, if this book hadn't mentioned how much the day-to-day interactions with babies mean to their emotional wellbeing, I'm not sure I would have gone out of my way to make moments like diaper changes and feedings fun. There is easy to use information on everything from taking a rectal temperature to diagnosing allergies to understanding how a child at a given age thinks, what she may be capable of doing, and even what kind of toys go with what age. Finally, I have found that the information in this book has always been consistent with what our pediatrician says, and with the generally accepted practices mentioned in childcare magazines, so I think it is very credible. Buy a hardback if available because you will want this to last awhile.
Rating:
Summary: buy a hardback if available
Review: This book covers conception through college. Although published by conservative Christians, a term which does not describe our family, it is not some preachy religious tract. For every age it has comprehensive information on the medical issues that arise, the psychology and development of children at that age. And it is written for normal people, not experts. Thanks to this book, I have been able to figure out some things that my young children have allergic sensitivities to; I have been able to avoid dehydration when my infant had diarrhea; I know better how children of a given age think and what they may be capable of. I especially appreciated the emphasis on the children's emotional needs. For example, given my limited experience with children before having my own, if this book hadn't mentioned how much the day-to-day interactions with babies mean to their emotional wellbeing, I'm not sure I would have gone out of my way to make moments like diaper changes and feedings fun. There is easy to use information on everything from taking a rectal temperature to diagnosing allergies to understanding how a child at a given age thinks, what she may be capable of doing, and even what kind of toys go with what age. Finally, I have found that the information in this book has always been consistent with what our pediatrician says, and with the generally accepted practices mentioned in childcare magazines, so I think it is very credible. Buy a hardback if available because you will want this to last awhile.
Rating:
Summary: Every parent should have this book!
Review: This book was given to me by my Mom for Christmas. I have to say that it's got everything you could think of! From advice on newborns to how to guide your teenager! This is my favorite book! I am buying them for baby shower gifts!
Rating:
Summary: The BEST healthcare book for children!
Review: This is indeed the most comprehensive baby and child care book I have ever read. I just wish that I had it around when I was raising children 30 years ago. Every new parent, expectant parent, and grandparent needs to have this book at their fingertips.
Rating: 
Summary: Only for those of same religious persuasion
Review: When it comes to parenting books, I've been there done that. I've read the "What to Expect" series, the "Girlfriends Guides," the Mayo health books, etc. What I've found is that each one does its own thing well: "What to Expect" is good at topical, "Girlfriends" is funny, Mayo is medical. But sometimes, I just get tired of so many books! What makes Focus on the Family's book great is that it manages to do so many things well that you can safely eliminate some of these others. In fact, I think it's the best and most comprehensive child care book on the market. The guide is comprehensive because it covers children from birth through adolescence. I think this is an important distinction that many books overlook. Just because our children get bigger doesn't mean that they need less attention. Actually, some of them need even more attention in the teenage years than most any other time. I also like the way that the book addresses all areas of a child: physical, mental, and spiritual. It discusses divorce, child abuse, depression, eating disorders, and sexuality, right along with all the more traditional topics. Perhaps more important, the guide discusses the values that are behind our philosophy as Christian parents. How refreshing to know that I can consult an even-handed book with a Christian perspective. Its tone is always thoughtful, educated, and respectful. Some other noteworthy features are at the back. There is a very thorough reference section that is over a hundred pages long and lists most illnesses and medications. Behind that is an emergency section that covers bites, burns, bleeding, CPR, etc. Next there is an annotated list of additional resources for various topics, a very detailed index, and finally a series of growth charts, color drawings of the human body and photographs of different skin diseases to help you identify them. All and all, this is an excellent and thoughtful guide no matter where you are on your parenting journey.
Rating:
Summary: More Comprehensive than Most
Review: When it comes to parenting books, I've been there done that. I've read the "What to Expect" series, the "Girlfriends Guides," the Mayo health books, etc. What I've found is that each one does its own thing well: "What to Expect" is good at topical, "Girlfriends" is funny, Mayo is medical. But sometimes, I just get tired of so many books! What makes Focus on the Family's book great is that it manages to do so many things well that you can safely eliminate some of these others. In fact, I think it's the best and most comprehensive child care book on the market. The guide is comprehensive because it covers children from birth through adolescence. I think this is an important distinction that many books overlook. Just because our children get bigger doesn't mean that they need less attention. Actually, some of them need even more attention in the teenage years than most any other time. I also like the way that the book addresses all areas of a child: physical, mental, and spiritual. It discusses divorce, child abuse, depression, eating disorders, and sexuality, right along with all the more traditional topics. Perhaps more important, the guide discusses the values that are behind our philosophy as Christian parents. How refreshing to know that I can consult an even-handed book with a Christian perspective. Its tone is always thoughtful, educated, and respectful. Some other noteworthy features are at the back. There is a very thorough reference section that is over a hundred pages long and lists most illnesses and medications. Behind that is an emergency section that covers bites, burns, bleeding, CPR, etc. Next there is an annotated list of additional resources for various topics, a very detailed index, and finally a series of growth charts, color drawings of the human body and photographs of different skin diseases to help you identify them. All and all, this is an excellent and thoughtful guide no matter where you are on your parenting journey.
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