The Mother of All Parenting Books: The Ultimate Guide to Raising a Happy, Healthy Child from Preschool through the Preteens (Mother of All)

600 Pages·2004·2.66 MB·English

by  Ann Douglas

556185 FM.qxd 4/14/04 8:53 PM Page i
Acclaim for Ann Douglas and
Previous Books in this Series
The Mother of All Pregnancy Books
“A book that lives up to its name.... Incredibly comprehensive yet easy to follow.”
—Chicago Tribune
“The must-read pregnancy book! Ann Douglas has created the most comprehen-
sive guide to pregnancy we’ve ever seen.”
—Denise and Alan Fields, authors, Baby Bargains
“At long last, a new pregnancy bible for women of my generation and younger has
emerged in the form of The Mother of All Pregnancy Books.With humor, sensitiv-
ity, an easy, no-jargon style, and a million ‘extras’ that the leading pregnancy books
don’t cover, Ann Douglas holds nothing back. Not only do I love this book, but I
will use it as a valuable tool in my own work as a women’s health author.”
—M. Sara Rosenthal, author of The Pregnancy Sourcebookand
The Breastfeeding Sourcebook,and founder of www.sarahealth.com
“Start reading this treasure trove even before you get pregnant so you can make
it through every jam-packed page before your baby arrives.”
—Paula Spencer, “The Mom Next Door” columnist, Woman’s Day
Magazine;author of Everything ELSE You Need to Know When You’re Expecting
“Finally, a pregnancy book that includes essential pre-pregnancy concerns, such as
planning and physical and emotional preparation! Ann Douglas has written her
masterwork The Mother of All Pregnancy Booksin the same unpretentious, concise
style as her Unofficial Guide. She also stays true to her goal of informing parents
and prospective parents as completely as possible, so they will be well equipped to
sort through the pros and cons of their own life choices as they see them. Not one
to forgo difficult issues, her chapter entitled ‘When Pregnancy Isn’t Perfect’ is one
of the best I’ve read, both for its sensitivity and for its emphasis on coping and pre-
vention. This is a book that will serve women and their families well.”
—A. Christine Harris, Ph.D., author of The Pregnancy Journal
“This is truly ‘the mother of all pregnancy books’—an intelligent resource that
covers every pregnancy-related topic imaginable in a fun, reassuring way. Ann
Douglas has done an exceptional job of arming parents-to-be with the facts they
need to make the healthiest possible choices from preconception through post-
partum. A must-have!”
—Susan Newman, Ph.D., author of Parenting An Only Child:The
Joys and Challenges of Raising Your One and Only
556185 FM.qxd 4/14/04 8:53 PM Page ii
“The Mother of All Pregnancy Booksis a comprehensive and incredibly informative
resource about pregnancy (and what comes before and after!). Ann Douglas tells
all in her witty style, entertaining readers along the way. Unlike other pregnancy
books, Douglas combines thorough research and reporting with the human
touch, offering her own experiences and insight while educating her readers at
one of the most important times in their lives. This book is not to be missed!”
—Elisa Ast All, Editor-in-Chief, Pregnancy Magazine,
Baby Years Magazine, and iParenting.com
“If you’re looking for an all-in-one ‘Tell me everything, and tell it like it is’ book
for your pregnancy, The Mother of all Pregnancy Booksis it. Not only is this hefty
volume filled with facts about fertility, pregnancy and birth, it also contains hun-
dreds of anecdotes from moms who lived—and maybe even loved—pregnancy.
Author Ann Douglas knows her stuff, and is wise but not preachy, friendly but
not overbearing. Keep this book close at hand for instant guidance through the
highs and the lows of this extraordinary time!”
—Nancy Price, ePregnancy.com
“Here’s a book that’s packed with up-to-date information and practical advice on
almost every aspect of pregnancy—from prenatal testing to proper nutrition,
from infertility procedures to financial planning, from bedrest to breastfeeding.
Yet despite its breadth and depth, the text is not dry or dull. Instead, Ann
Douglas’s reassuring style and insightful anecdotes make readers feel like they’re
chatting with a savvy, smart, sympathetic friend.”
—Tamara Eberlein, coauthor of When You’re Expecting Twins,Triplets,
or Quadsand Program Your Baby’s Health
The Mother of All Baby Books
“Indispensable! Every mom and dad should be issued a copy of this book at the
hospital!”
—Denise and Alan Fields, authors, Baby Bargains
“With humor, sensitivity, an easy, no-jargon style, and a million ‘extras’ that the
leading baby books on the shelves don’t cover, Ann Douglas holds nothing back.
Finally, a baby book written for women of my generation!”
—M. Sara Rosenthal, author of The Breastfeeding Sourcebook,and
founder of www.sarahealth.com
556185 FM.qxd 4/14/04 8:53 PM Page iii
“Down-to-earth, informative, empowering and entertaining, this book holds your
hand when you’re uncertain, hugs you when you’re discouraged, makes you laugh
when you’re aggravated, and inspires you when you’re pushed to your limits. Also,
this book doesn’t shy away from looking at the issues around childbearing losses.
So if you’re a mother with special circumstances, you can pick up this book with
ease, knowing that your experiences are reflected and gently acknowledged.”
—Deborah L. Davis, Ph.D., co-author of The Emotional Journeyof
Parenting Your Premature Baby: A Book of Hope and Healing
“The Mother of All Baby Booksis an amazing resource that all new mothers will love.
Brilliantly presented, the book is both practical and inspirational, and no topic is
left unexplored. Ann Douglas is the kind of savvy and reassuring guide that you’ll
want by your side as you embark on the monumental journey into motherhood.”
—Cecelia A. Cancellaro, author of Pregnancy Stories: RealWomen
Share the Joys, Fears, Thrills, and Anxieties of Pregnancy from Conception to Birth
“The Mother of all Baby Booksprovides excellent advice for topics that are easily
overlooked during the pregnancy/baby adventure. The real life examples do a
superb job supporting these topics in addition to giving you creative ideas on how
you can implement these helpful suggestions into your life.”
—Sandra Gookin, co-author of Parenting For Dummies,and
Parenting For Dummies, 2nd Edition
“There’s nothing like another ‘Mother’ to help you navigate the amazing first year
with a new baby. The Mother of All Baby Bookshas advice for almost everything
you’ll encounter.”
—Paula Spencer, “The Mom Next Door” columnist,
Woman’s Day Magazine;author of Everything ELSE You Need to
Know When You’re Expecting
“A major thumbs-up goes to The Mother of All Baby Books—a fabulously written,
comprehensive guide to baby care that is definitely a must-read for any parent or
caregiver. Full of real-life experiences and wonderful tips, this book answers all those
nagging little questions that plague parents, as well as providing scads of valuable
ideas on how to do a bang-up job of baby care. It covers the whole spectrum-
everything from getting prepped for the magical moments (meeting/greeting your
brand-new baby), to brass-tack practicalities, such as choosing a baby carrier. (I’ll
definitely keep this book close at hand for my own new-baby questions this year!)”
—Jennifer Shoquist, M.D., author of Potty Training For Dummies
556185 FM.qxd 4/14/04 8:53 PM Page iv
“Ann Douglas has done it again! Like her pregnancy books, this new baby-
rearing guide is comprehensive yet easy to read. Parents will find answers to all
their questions, from big decisions (‘How do we choose a pediatrician?’) to minor
matters (‘Which wallpaper for the nursery?’), from age-old anxieties (‘Is my baby
eating enough?’) to contemporary concerns (‘Should we bank the umbilical cord
blood?’). Plus, the book is reader-friendly and fun, with its practical suggestions
reinforced by lively anecdotes from savvy, experienced parents.”
—Tamara Eberlein, coauthor of When You’re Expecting Twins, Triplets,
or Quadsand Program Your Baby’s Health
“As the old saying goes, ‘Babies don’t come with instruction manuals.’ Well, Ann
Douglas’ The Mother of All Baby Books is really the next best thing! Covering
everything imaginable—from newborn care to bathing basics, babyproofing your
home to coping with sleepless nights—you will find ways to nurture this amaz-
ing new little person in your life while still keeping your sanity. Ann’s wise ideas,
researched information and real-life tips will help you make this time even more
magical and memorable.”
—Nancy Price, Editor, GeoParent.com, ePregnancy.com and
ePregnancy Magazine
The Mother of All Parenting Books
“I found this book to be unusually insightful on psychologist issues, whether how
to deal with your preschooler’s bossiness or an older child’s ‘attitude’ problem.
Douglas also offers sane advice on how to maintain those loving feelings for your
mate even when you’re being torn in too many directions by the early years of
childrearing. Her coverage is comprehensive without being stuffy, easy-to-digest
without slipping into simplistic solutions. Sure to become a cherished reference.”
—Susan K. Perry, Ph.D., author of Playing Smart: The Family Guide to
Enriching, Offbeat Learning Activities for Ages 4-14, and Fun & Games Expert,
ParentCenter.com [and Love Advice columnist for AOL’s Netscape.com]
This book has allthe answers that are missing from other parenting books! It’s
honest, complete, well researched . . . and not preachy. Finally, a book I can hand
to parents with confidence that they will not end up feeling guilty.
—Dr. Cathryn Tobin, author of The Parent’s Problem Solver
“Expert advice is good. Firsthand knowledge is even better. And the best is Ann
Douglas, my favorite fellow-mother-of-four parenting writer, who puts experts
and expertise together to help you answer the questions you’ll ask yourself again
and again between the preschool and preteen years: “Who ARE these people liv-
ing in my house?” and “Now what do I do?”
—Paula Spencer, “The Mom Next Door” columnist,
Woman’s Day,and contributing editor, Parenting
556185 FM.qxd 4/14/04 8:53 PM Page v
A comprehensive book covering all the basics in which Ann Douglas is engaging,
funny and direct. Most importantly, she offers solid, practical parenting advice
based on a wealth of research and personal experience. And she doesn’t shy away
from tackling the more difficult issues, approaching them with a refreshing sen-
sitivity and honesty.
—Stacy DeBroff, author of The Mom Book, 4,278
Tips for Moms!and founder of www.momcentral.com
The Mother of All Parenting Books is a comprehensive guidebook designed to help
moms and dads cope with the day-to-day demands of parenting. Because this
very practical book is written in an easy-to-read, parent-friendly style, it is the
kind of book parents can turn to again and again.
—Nancy Samalin, best-selling author of four parenting books including
Loving Your Child is Not Enough and Loving Without Spoiling
Whether you are parenting toddlers or preteens, Ann Douglas turns parents into
confident experts. She performs amazing feats of imparting her vast wealth of
knowledge in a casual, yet oh, so comprehensive way. The Mother of All Parenting
Booksis for parents who want to be secure and sure of themselves in all aspects of
raising their children—from how they feel about being parents to techniques for
disciplining and keeping lines of communication open. If you have questions,
Douglas’s book has the answers.
—Susan Newman, Ph.D., author of Parenting an Only Child:
The Joys and Challenges of Raising Your One and Only
556185 FM.qxd 4/14/04 8:53 PM Page vi
556185 FM.qxd 4/14/04 8:53 PM Page vii
the
mother
of all
parenting
books
556185 FM.qxd 4/14/04 8:53 PM Page viii
556185 FM.qxd 4/14/04 8:53 PM Page ix
the
mmootthheerr
The Ultimate Guide
to Raising a Happy, of all
Healthy Child from
Preschool through
pthe Preateensrenting
books
A N N D O U G L A S