Okay, okay. So I’m not literally throwing all my parenting books away. But mentally? Oh yes, mentally I’m ditching my high expectations in favor of reality. I got my Real Simple in the mail today and I also enjoy the quote Kerri pointed out:
The most important thing she’d learned over the years was that there was no way to be a perfect mother and a millions ways to be a good one.—Jill Churchill, Grime and Punishment
The truth is that I would absolutely love a perfect, systematic approach to mothering. “Played Mozart today” check. “Allowed baby independent playtime” check. “Rolled ball back and forth to test motor skills” check. The endless rows of parenting books at most bookstores make my head reel and tempt me with false truths of good! better! and best!! parenting techniques.
I won’t quit reading the books altogether. I won’t actually throw away my three baby books, which I’ll still refer to from time to time. I will probably crack open the Dan Allender book I asked for and received at Christmastime. I will graciously and humbly accept any and all books others purchase for me (tee hee). But for my personal sanity, I choose to reject the vast majority of bookly advice.
To see what makes me crazy, go to Barnes & Noble and search “understanding children.”
6 Comments
Lou Apr 8, 2005 4:13 PM
Oh, RT…that’s classic! I started “How Children Raise Parents” a while ago and it seems like a good book…but, I have not compleated it yet like most of my books. =) You are delightful friend…=)
kara Apr 9, 2005 12:19 AM
my sitter SWEARS by the GROWING KIDS GOD’S WAY series. it teaches that god, not baby, needs to be the center of the household. i haven’t read it yet but hear about it every day…
Bethany Apr 10, 2005 3:23 PM
I’m not a parent, so my opinion probably doesn’t count for too much, but I *have* read a lot of parenting books in my day (when I was younger, it was so my mom couldn’t pull any tricks on me). “How Children Raise Parents” is a really good book, from what I could tell. Then again, I would imagine a lot of those theoretical type things go out the window in the face of the practicality of childraising. But I know of a few parents who I believe have spoken well of that book as well (e.g. the Mosemans).
I have this automatic antipathy toward “Growing Kids God’s Way” just because I have heard soooo much about it that. Must be my contrary spirit coming out. :)
bobw Apr 11, 2005 8:53 AM
ugh, Ezzo discussions are often interminable.
Kerri Apr 11, 2005 12:53 PM
And now you know the (possibly only) drawback to having an early, avid reader.
I still had a few tricks up my sleeve that were not to be found in any parenting books….
–Bethany’s mom
RT Apr 11, 2005 2:43 PM
The Koenig clan cracks me up! I don’t think I read any of my folks’ parenting books. Wait a minute… I did love reading this Shirley Dobson/Gloria Gaither book on creating family memories. Of course, I was also the kid in the family who loved to play the “Ungame,” so there ya go.