I think at the top of most parents wish lists would be more sleep and less tantrums from their children. We were recently asked to review two books, which could hold the secret to both of these goals!
No-Drama Discipline (The whole-brain way to calm the chaos and nurture your child’s development)
By Daniel Siegel, MD & Tina Bryson, PhD
Sharing some recent discoveries about the brain, that give insights into our children’s needs. The book focuses on how we can discipline children, while still ensuring their optimal development.
Generally children have an innate desire to please their parents and have happy relationships with others. This book gives clear and practical messages that will help you discipline your child in a way that will build your relationship, communicate respect, and reduce conflict and drama. The tips will, hopefully, help you become a more effective parent.
Baby is quite challenging at times and I do find myself shouting a fair bit, which doesn’t achieve anything. After reading this book I feel as if I have other options in my reactions to her behaviour. It reminded me of a quote, which was along the lines of our voice becomes their internal voice.
This is a practical, readable book that I would highly recommend if you are looking for a more effective way of disciplining your child.
The Happy Sleeper (Science backed guide to helping your baby get a good night’s sleep – newborn to school age)
By Julie Wright, MFT & Heather Turgeon, MFT
This book aims to teach parents how to undo ineffective sleep habits and develop mindfulness, to be present in the here and now. Aiming to teach parent how to encourage children to self soothe, without relying on cry it out or co sleeping. This appealed to me, as we have quite a lot to undo…..
The book is divided into age groups, so you can seek help specifically for the age of your child. If you need a refresher or some quick help, you can jump to the appropriate age chapter. There is a chapter on Happy Sleep Habits, Sleep solutions and Troubleshooting. With an additional chapter on sharing rooms with other children etc.
Including a guide to tell you how much sleep your child needs depending on their age. I was interested to see that at almost 2 (the range is 1-3 years) Baby needs 12-14 hours sleep in a 24 hour period. The book also highlights that you child might cope on less than this amount, but it is not about coping it is about optimal functioning and being as alert as possible.
It is a very easy read and all the suggestions are backed by scientific research. We haven’t tried to implement the suggestions yet, as we are about to move baby into a toddler bed and we don’t want to change lots of things all at once. However, we will certainly be trying some of the recommendations when this is out of the way.
Highly recommended for any parent trying to understand sleep better and put in place more effective sleep strategies.
Disclosure: We were sent these books in return for an honest review.
