Parenting

All parents relish that very first cry from their newborn baby. Yet as the crying continues it can become deeply stressful. And no sooner have you worked out what your young baby is trying to tell you - often hunger, fatigue or discomfort - than they grow older and the reasons more complex - teething pain, anxiety or simply frustration. In "From Crying Baby to Contented Baby", Britain's bestselling childcare author, Gina Ford, outlines the common triggers for each specific age group, whether it's a five-week-old or a 10-month-old, ... read more

'I can't get my five-week-old to sleep in her cot'. 'My six-week-old resists his naps'. 'My baby is three months old and is still waking up throughout the night'. Sleep is the number one issue that plagues parents from the moment they bring their baby home from hospital. Even the lucky ones, whose babies are naturally good sleepers, wonder when their baby will sleep through the night. Tracy Hogg's incredible sensitivity and ability to read infants' cries, coos and assorted baby noises quickly earned her the admiration and gratitude... read more

'How do I know if my baby is getting enough to eat?''How often do I feed her?''How can I tell if she's hungry?' There are many issues that surround breast- or bottle-feeding and the introduction of solid foods to your baby, and it can be a major cause of anxiety for many parents. Even the lucky ones, whose babies latch onto the breast easily or happily move from a liquid diet to solid foods, have initial concerns over ensuring their baby is getting adequate nourishment. Tracy Hogg's incredible sensitivity and ability to read infant... read more

Although parents are most worried about sleep issues, their anxiety seems to reach new heights when they even think about potty training. This title contains information, including: what do you need to get started; how to prepare; getting your child into a training routine; and, what to do if your little one isn't ready.

An essential handbook for any step-parent or anyone considering joining the ranks of the fastest-growing family group in New Zealand. This is one of the toughest journeys anyone could ever take and the reality is so much more difficult than anyone could imagine. If step-parents replace wishful thinking with sound practical and evidence-based expectations, their journey will be easier. It is possible to get along with stepchildren, build lasting relationships, manage conflict and communicate in a positive way, especially with cl... read more

In her inimitable warm, witty and informative way, Kaz Cooke (aided by her outrageous alter ego Hermoine) provides the real low-down on pregnancy and childbirth, from coping with the body changes to dealing with a newborn baby. New, completely revised and updated!

New fourth edition, completely revised and updated. This new−look fourth edition has been adapted for Australia and New Zealand and is the must-have book for a new generation of expectant parents. Its up−to−date information reflects what′s new in pregnancy and what′s relevant to today′s pregnant women. Heidi Murkoff has rewritten every section‚ answering dozens of new questions and including new by−demand material‚ such as detailed week−by−week fetal development guides in e... read more

Everything new parents need to know about the care and feeding of an infant, from the authors of What to Expect When You're Expecting. The book covers monthly growth and development, feeding for every age and stage, and sleep strategies that really work. Murkoff and Hathaway have rewritten every section of the book, answering dozens of new questions and including new by-demand material. Filled with the most practical tips: how to give a bath; decode your baby's crying; what to buy for your baby; and when to return to work; and the ... read more

Sally Sanders is good at everything she does, or so it seems. Secretly she is afraid that if she can't do something well, or be the best, she will feel like a failure. She is scared that she is not "good enough." As a perfectionist, hitting the wrong note at a piano recital, or not making the soccer team feels like the end of the world!Gradually, through the help of her teachers and mother, Sally learns to have fun and not worry so much about being the best. She realizes that making mistakes is a part of learning, and that doing he... read more

Toodles is a turkey who despises the sound of her "gobble gobble," her spindly legs, and her brown feathers. She just doesn't like herself at all! So she goes in search of a new voice, thinking it will bring her happiness.
In this goofy, fun-filled quest, Toodles discovers that she's just the way she's meant to be, "gobble gobble" and all. Kids will identify with Toodles' struggle with insecurity.
I Want Your Moo is a silly and funny lesson in self-acceptance and self-esteem. And it's perfect to read aloud to kids! T... read more

When is the right time to start talking to my kids about drugs? How can I reduce the influence of peer pressure? How should I introduce alcohol to my child? What can I do to make sure that a party I hold for my teenage child doesn't get out of control? Can you really overdose on alcohol? What does it mean if I don't remember things when I drink? How do I look after someone who has drunk too much? Is cannabis really 30 times stronger than it used to be? Can ecstasy really kill? Do energy drinks make the effect of alcohol much greate... read more

With her children at school, a mother is on to a new stage of her life, playing a new role. The daily challenges she confronts have changed, yet for each one Buddhist teachings of mindfulness, compassion and calm are invaluable. This book explores those teachings through many scenarios, including managing the stress of numerous deadlines, coping with routine and repetition, answering children's tricky questions about how the world works, fitting in with other parents, managing fears and expectations for their children, and dealing ... read more

Teenagers experience loss in all kinds of ways. Whether it's the death of a grandparent, pet or school friend, a teen fatality, a peer with terminal illness, living without a mum or dad, or the death of a celebrity, like everyone else teenagers also struggle to come to terms with their shock and grief. Full of helpful tips, stories and gentle advice, Sometimes Life Sucks helps teens navigate the loss of those they love.

This classic bestseller has been revised and updated for the twenty-first century, offering friendly,practical advice for a new generation of parents with children at the challenging stage of toddlerdom. With today 's parents increasingly pressed for time,yet under pressure to succeed both at work and at home, Dr Green 's reassuring message is to remember that you are normal and not alone. The key to effective parenting, he says, is knowing what to expect and having the self-confidence to see the various stages through. Based on ov... read more

You've seen his show on TV, now read the book it was adapted from. Why is it so hard to be the parent you thought you would be? Nigel Latta, clinical psychologist and parent, has seen almost everything there is to see and offers some hard-won battlefield wisdom. He offers practical commonsense answers and real life examples, logical and realistic strategies, and innovative behaviour modification tools that work in the real world. Written in down-to-earth language, this book needs to be handed out at birth, an essential guide fo... read more

Many parents feel anxious about coping with teenagers - it's not surprising given all the horror stories you hear. Other parents warn us of previously docile and compliant children who appear to have undergone personality changes and become more like mini psychopaths - turning sullen, rebellious and moody overnight. You hear reports of drugs, alcohol, violence, youth suicide, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and road accidents regularly. Parenting teenagers brings a whole raft of new issues and challenges to every parent, ... read more

Over many years of youth work and teaching parenting throughout NZ and Australia Ian and Mary have studied the keys to healthy functioning and fun filled families. They believe that at a time when there is a strong focus on specific topics such as what to do with unruly kids, we need to look deeper. They make a case for reestablishing the idea of growing great families through a strong sense of community. They believe that 'family is everything'. In a world lacking in intimacy but swimming in sexuality we need to offer our ... read more

Plunket has been providing new parents with guidance, advice and support for more than 100 years. This book of indispensable advice from New Zealand's acknowledged experts on childcare is given to every mother of a new baby born in New Zealand.It is updated every year with the latest information and advice. Attractively presented in colour-coded, age-related sections, it also includes special information on child safety, family relationships, feeding and common childhood ailments.