If
you're looking for a book that puts answers to common (and not so
common) parenting challenges right at your fingertips, then look
no further. Elizabeth Pantley's Perfect
Parenting: The Dictionary of 1,000 Parenting Tips is an A-to-Z
book full of practical solutions to almost any problem you can think
of. Elizabeth offers this reassuring explanation of what perfect
parenting really is: "Perfect parenting is parenting with a plan.
It is based on action, rather than reaction. Knowledge, rather than
chance. Thoughtfulness, rather than anger. Common sense, rather
than nonsense." She goes on to say, "Perfect parenting is a process
whereby parents, in all their human flaws and weaknesses, do their
personal best to raise capable, responsible, happy children."
Before
I even opened the book, I jotted down four parenting problems. My
idea was to see if I could find answers to my hypothetical problems
using this book. The four problems that I wrote down were biting,
refusing to eat, being afraid of the dark and throwing tantrums.
And one by one I found suggestions - 26 in all! - for these problems.
(You can find her suggestions for these problems on pages 43, 108,
91 and 274, respectively.)
Because
the book lists situations alphabetically, finding what you're looking
for is simple. The book follows the same format for every problem
listed. First, it lists the situation. Second, it has a short section
called "Think About It." And finally, solutions are offered. The
"Think About It" parts are wonderful, as they remind parents to
look at a situation from the child's perspective or from an objective
viewpoint. For example, in the portion dealing with tooth brushing,
Elizabeth offers this reminder: "Kids don't have the wisdom to understand
the long-term value of good tooth care. They see it as one of those
boring things that you make them do." Another great feature of this
book is that many solutions are offered for each situation. For
example, when I looked up information on biting, I found nine possible
ways to deal with it.
Perfect
Parenting: The Dictionary of 1,000 Parenting Tips is a great
book when you're looking for tips on how to handle a specific problem.
It makes getting the information fast and easy, and offers multiple
solutions, so that you can choose the ones that make the most sense
for your child and your situation. Definitely a positive addition
to every parent's library!
Book review by Jennifer Thompson
To Purchase:
• Perfect Parenting at Amazon.com
• Perfect Parenting at Amazon UK
• Perfect Parenting at Amazon Canada
Also on StorkNet by Elizabeth Pantley:
• Interview with StorkNet members
• Articles on StorkNet
• Kid Cooperation review
• Hidden Messages
• No-Cry Sleep Solution review
Visit Elizabeth's website
