Sunday, March 18, 2012

My very first GIVEAWAY!!!!

Being a new parent I'm constantly inundated with parenting advice, whether solicited or not. It's hard to learn and "choose" what style of parent you will become until you are actually placed in that situation. At least that's been my experience thus far. I've heard a lot about attachment parenting from friends and articles I've read, and when this book came out I was so excited to read it! Truth be told, this is the first time I've actually read a "parenting book."

Touchstone/Simon & Schuster agreed to send me a copy to review and provide a copy for one of my lucky readers. So let's jump right in! 

Let me first start by saying, the idea of attachment parenting can be viewed as extreme to some people, but in my opinion, any method of parenting can have have those tendencies. There are basically 8 principles that are the basis for Attachment Parenting, as Mayim describes in her book. What I think that's great is she comes right out and says "...no one does all eight perfectly, nor do you have to subscribe to all of them to benefit from these principles". This was at the beginning of the book, and probably what got me most excited to read more. In trying to figure out little B with what he does, why he does, when is he going to stop doing it etc. I became very overwhelmed. As my Type-A personality started to shine I wanted to "fix" him. I would get frustrated when he wouldn't do what I wanted him to do. Namely, sleep at night, and nap consistently during the day. Now, when I look at my situation objectively, I'm crazy. Certifiably looney-tunes to expect my little 5 month old baby to be consistent at anything except being inconsistent. :) I started to research sleep training, as is quite popular with this age group, and couldn't find one that I felt really worked for our family.I decided I needed to broaden my horizons and maybe, just maybe, stop focusing on how often he's waking up, and just revel in the fact that he's an overall happy, developmentally "normal" baby. I think she says it best by saying "But this is not a parenting book...Parenting books make me feel that I am failing and inadequate since I can't--or wont--get my baby to (fill in the blank). I guarantee you that I don't know how to raise your kids, I know how to raise mine." That statement right there made it easier for me to open my mind to a different perspective and realize that this author was not telling me what I must do, rather some options to consider when making my own choices.

Attitude shifting was another thing I really like about this book. Mayim voices some opinions and lifestyles that work for her that are not necessarily a good fit for my family. She makes it a point periodically to say that just because it's working for her family does not mean you have to do it. It's merely keeping an open mind about other options out there for parenting. I will admit, she even got me somewhat intrigued about natural childbirth! Not sure if I'd have the guts or dedication to try it, but she presented it (as well as other touchy subjects) in such a way that it sounded doable if that's the direction you wanted to go. Her synopsis on gentle discipline was not an all-encompassing book on how to discipline your child, but rather an overview. At certain points throughout the book she also gives you places for additional resources if you want to follow up on a subject. SUPER handy for areas where you may want additional information. For me, it was discipline, and teaching kids without pressuring them.

Overall, I was glad I read the book. Did I agree with 100% of her practices? No. Do I plan to replicate her entire lifestyle in my daily life? No. Do I plan to take pieces of what she has had success with and modify them to fit our family's needs. You bet your pretty little face I will (and already am). I feel if Mayim were standing right here and I was to tell her that, her response would be "Great! You understood my book then!" She writes in a way that makes you feel like she's a friend having a conversation about parenting. She backs up her reasoning with science (She has a PhD in Neuroscience!) and lays a great foundation to answer almost any "why" question you can come up with. I found the book incredibly engaging and even got Polish Prince excited when I read a few passages out loud! I'm very glad I had the opportunity to read it and definitely recommend it to anyone looking to broaden their parenting repertoire! 

One lucky fan is going to get their free copy! Enter below! 




a Rafflecopter giveaway



*This is not a paid posting. Thanks to the company for the complimentary review and giveaway items.*

18 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great read! I hope I win! :)

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  2. I am looking forward to reading this book, thanks for the recommendation, kathy

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  3. Love, love, love your review! Just the kind of "parenting" book I like to read...one that doesn't make you feel like an inadequte, terrible mom! Thank you so much Kristen for taking the time to share this with us! Now I just want that book even MORE! Xoxo Tanya

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  4. ?? How do I like the blog post? Do you want a LIKE box for Facebook on here? You will need to go here to make one: https://developers.facebook.com/docs/reference/plugins/like/

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    1. Oops! I changed it to +1 until I figure the facebook part out...thanks Bridget! :)

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  5. I'd love to read this! Great job on the blog mama!

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  6. Love this giveaway and would love to read the Neuroscience piece of her take on attachment parenting!

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    1. It's so interesting! She talks a lot about trusting your instincts and your body and "primal brain". Fascinating! :)

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  7. Awesome! I'd really like to have a more AP style of parenting.

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  8. Commented on Finally, some cloth love! post and I would love to read this :)

    Elaina Wright

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  9. I would love to read this book! Mayim is my new parenting Hero! lol :) I commented on your post "Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes"! :) I found your blog from Thrifty Nifty Mommy and glad I did! :)

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