Towards Parenthood

This guidebook aims to assist parents manage the complex demands of parenting. An additional aim is to strengthen the couple relationship and the relationship between parents and infants. Skills in coping, problem-solving, enhancing self-esteem, assertive communication, bonding with your baby and understanding your babys cues are presented.

Decades of research have demonstrated that the parent-child dyad and the environment of the familyâ€"which includes all primary caregiversâ€"are at the foundation of children's well- being and healthy development. From birth, children are learning and rely on parents and the other caregivers in their lives to protect and care for them. The impact of parents may never be greater than during the earliest years of life, when a child's brain is rapidly developing and when nearly all of her or his experiences are created and shaped by parents and the family environment. Parents help children build and refine their knowledge and skills, charting a trajectory for their health and well-being during childhood and beyond. The experience of parenting also impacts parents themselves. For instance, parenting can enrich and give focus to parents' lives; generate stress or calm; and create any number of emotions, including feelings of happiness, sadness, fulfillment, and anger. Parenting of young children today takes place in the context of significant ongoing developments. These include: a rapidly growing body of science on early childhood, increases in funding for programs and services for families, changing demographics of the U.S. population, and greater diversity of family structure. Additionally, parenting is increasingly being shaped by technology and increased access to information about parenting. Parenting Matters identifies parenting knowledge, attitudes, and practices associated with positive developmental outcomes in children ages 0-8; universal/preventive and targeted strategies used in a variety of settings that have been effective with parents of young children and that support the identified knowledge, attitudes, and practices; and barriers to and facilitators for parents' use of practices that lead to healthy child outcomes as well as their participation in effective programs and services. This report makes recommendations directed at an array of stakeholders, for promoting the wide-scale adoption of effective programs and services for parents and on areas that warrant further research to inform policy and practice. It is meant to serve as a roadmap for the future of parenting policy, research, and practice in the United States.

"Paths to Parenthood: Embracing Natural Solutions for Fertility Challenges" by Lucia Gould is a transformative guide that shines a light on the often overlooked natural pathways to achieving fertility. Through Lucia Gould's expert insights, this book explores the holistic essence of fertility, unveiling the potent combination of nutrition, herbal remedies, acupuncture, and mindfulness techniques. Aimed at individuals and couples facing the hurdle of involuntary childlessness, "Paths to Parenthood" offers a compassionate and comprehensive exploration of how to harness nature's bounty in pursuit of parenthood. Delving deep into the complexities of the human reproductive system, Gould provides an enlightening overview of how dietary choices, lifestyle changes, and stress management can significantly impact fertility. With a focus on balance and well-being, the book advocates for a return to natural rhythms and remedies, encouraging readers to explore non-invasive options for fertility enhancement. "Paths to Parenthood" is more than just a fertility guide; it's a journey of hope, healing, and discovery. Lucia Gould empowers readers to take control of their reproductive health through evidence-based practices, personal anecdotes, and supportive advice. Whether you're just beginning your journey to parenthood or have faced challenges along the way, this book offers a nurturing path forward, inviting you to explore the natural solutions that could lead you to the fulfillment of your deepest desire for a child.

The Orthodox Christian tradition is filled with wisdom and guidance about the biblical path of salvation. Yet this guidance remains largely inaccessible to parents and often disconnected from the parenting challenges we face in our homes. Parenting Toward the Kingdom will help you make the connections between the spiritual life as we understand it in the Orthodox Church and the ongoing challenges of raising children. It takes the best child development research and connects it with the timeless truths of our Christian faith to offer you real strategies for navigating the challenges of daily life.

This volume explores the transition to parenthood from a holistic developmental approach, relating to barriers such as fertility problems and traumatic childbirth, as well as pathways such as positive experiences of pregnancy and childbirth. It presents an extended process, beginning with infertility issues, continuing with subjects pertaining to decisions regarding parenthood, pregnancy and birth, and ending with the early stages of parenthood from a positive psychology perspective. The volume draws on theories of resilience, meaning, terror management, and attachment, and considers psychological, sociological, legal, policy, medical, and therapy issues. It relates to the developmental needs of individuals and couples, as well as to the role played by family, society, and the media, offering a comprehensive in-depth evaluation of the latest topics.

From America's leading authorities in childcare comes the definitive guide to having a healthy pregnancy -- and a healthy baby. The Healthy Pregnancy Cookbook guides expectant mothers and fathers through all stages of pregnancy from preconception through birth, focusing on how to enhance the health of mother and baby: How to grow a smarter and healthier baby How your baby is developing, and how you may be changing both emotionally and physically Eating right for two, with a helpful list of pregnancy superfoods Exercise and keeping fit during your pregnancy Concerns and questions you may have about test and technology, genetic counseling, and childbirth options How to protect the womb environment and recognize potential household hazards Advice on working while pregnant Choosing the right healthcare provider and childbirth class The transition into parenthood And much more... Written in the Searses' trademark reassuring tone that makes their books long-term bestsellers, The Healthy Pregnancy Book is the must-have resource to fit the greater demands of today's savvy parents.

In this New York Times bestseller, one of America’s premier physicians offers a must-read account of the new challenges facing parents today and a program for how we can better prepare our children to navigate the obstacles they face In The Collapse of Parenting, internationally acclaimed author Leonard Sax argues that rising levels of obesity, depression, and anxiety among young people can be traced to parents abdicating their authority. The result is children who have no standard of right and wrong, who lack discipline, and who look to their peers and the Internet for direction. Sax shows how parents must reassert their authority - by limiting time with screens, by encouraging better habits at the dinner table, and by teaching humility and perspective - to renew their relationships with their children. Drawing on nearly thirty years of experience as a family physician and psychologist, along with hundreds of interviews with children, parents, and teachers, Sax offers a blueprint parents can use to help their children thrive in an increasingly complicated world.

Our parents often have a significant impact on the content of our beliefs, the values we hold, and the goals we pursue and becoming a parent can also have a similar impact on our lives. In Conceptions of Parenthood Michael Austin provides a rigorous and accessible philosophical analysis of the numerous and distinct conceptions of parenthood. Issues considered are the nature and justification of parental rights, the sources of parental obligations, the value of autonomy, and the moral obligations and tensions present within interpersonal relationships. Austin rejects the 'proprietarian', 'best interests of the child', and 'biological' conceptions of parenthood as failing to generate parental rights and obligations but considers more sympathetically the 'custodial relationship', 'consent', and 'causal' conceptions of parenthood and ultimately defends a 'stewardship' conception. Finally Austin explores the 'stewardship' view for practical and moral questions related to family life and social policy regarding the family, such as the education of children, the religious upbringing of children and state licensing of parents.

The author of Punished by Rewards and The Schools Our Children Deserve returns with a provocative challenge to the conventional ways of raising children. Kohn argues that all children have the need to be loved unconditionally, yet conventional approaches to parenting, such as punishment and reward, teach children that they are loved only when they please and impress parents. Kohn cites powerful research detailing the damage this can cause. Unconditional Parenting pushes parents to question their ideas of parenting and offers practical solutions to problems.

Are you ready to embark on the journey of parenthood? Preconception Planning: The Key to a Smooth Transition into Parenthood is the ultimate guide to help you navigate the exciting and sometimes overwhelming process of preparing for a baby. This short read book is packed with valuable information and practical tips to ensure a smooth transition into parenthood. Understanding Preconception Planning: In this chapter, you will learn the importance of preconception planning and how it can positively impact your journey into parenthood. Discover the steps you can take to optimize your physical health and ensure a healthy pregnancy. Optimizing Physical Health: Learn about the importance of maintaining a balanced diet and incorporating regular exercise into your routine. Discover how managing chronic conditions can affect your fertility and what steps you can take to address them. Ensuring Emotional Well-being: Explore the emotional readiness required for parenthood and learn effective strategies for managing stress. Discover the importance of seeking support and building a strong support system. Understanding Fertility and Reproductive Health: Dive into the world of fertility and reproductive health. Learn how to track your menstrual cycle and recognize signs of fertility. Address any reproductive health concerns you may have and explore genetic considerations and family medical history. Financial and Practical Preparation: Prepare yourself financially for parenthood by learning how to budget effectively. Discover practical tips for preparing your home and balancing work and parental leave. Build a support system and learn effective communication strategies with your partner. Seeking Professional Guidance: Find answers to frequently asked questions and seek professional guidance when needed. This chapter provides valuable resources and information to help you navigate any challenges you may encounter. Have Questions / Comments? We are here to support you every step of the way. Feel free to reach out with any questions or comments you may have. : As a bonus, when you purchase Preconception Planning: The Key to a Smooth Transition into Parenthood, you will receive a complimentary copy of How To Be A Super Mom. This additional resource is packed with tips and advice to help you thrive as a new mom. Don't miss out on this invaluable resource for anyone planning to start a family. Get your copy of Preconception Planning: The Key to a Smooth Transition into Parenthood today and embark on your journey to parenthood with confidence and ease. This title is a short read. A Short Read is a type of book that is designed to be read in one quick sitting. These no fluff books are perfect for people who want an overview about a subject in a short period of time. Table of Contents Preconception Planning: The Key to a Smooth Transition into Parenthood Understanding Preconception Planning Optimizing Physical Health Importance of a Balanced Diet Importance of Regular Exercise Managing Chronic Conditions Ensuring Emotional Well-being Exploring Emotional Readiness Managing Stress Seeking Support Understanding Fertility and Reproductive Health Tracking Menstrual Cycle Recognizing Signs of Fertility Addressing Reproductive Health Concerns Genetic Considerations Family Medical History Genetic Testing Financial and Practical Preparation Budgeting for Parenthood Preparing the Home Work and Parental Leave Building a Support System Communicating with Your Partner Connecting with Other Parents Seeking Professional Guidance Frequently Asked Questions Have Questions / Comments?