the continuum concept
I recently read this wonderful book called The Continuum Concept - In Search of Happiness Lost by Jean Liedloff. The book focuses on babies and child-rearing, but it is not just for pregnancy - it's also a super interesting examination of people and society, and what the traditional Western upbringing has done to us. It is an absolute must read!!!!!
I had a hard time getting into it at first, but I knew what it was about, so I forced myself to continue. It ended up being an absolutely great read. I wish every mother- and father-to-be would read this, but especially moms. The concepts in this book will save you stress and money on all the "things" people think they need for kids. It will save you time and energy, and make your life and your child's life so much better. I'm so glad I finally read this book. I'm getting around to all my old reading now, and it's so nice! Please read this book if you haven't - you can get it on Amazon, and there is a great website about it too.
What pregnancy or child-rearing books do you love?
22 comments
-
I went to school for nutrition and spent a lot of time studying Ellyn Satter and her book Child of Mine. She is not vegan, but her perspective on child nutrition is fantastic. Her basic rule is great: It's the parent's job to prepare a nutritous meal for their child, and it's the child's job to decide whether and how much of it to eat. It takes out the "you can't get up from the table until you eat your food," which is destructive and ineffective.
-
This book sounds very intriguing. Has anyone seen the movie babies - gives you a look on different cultures. I found myself thinking, I believe I am too overprotective of my child! I have a two year beautiful daughter named Anna. We found the Baby Whisperer to be very helpful in giving us advice from sleeping issues to tantrums. I would suggest this book to anyone. Having children is an adventure and I have a new found respect for all parents. Thank you for the book suggestion
-
-
William and Martha Sears write wonderful books about attachment parenting. I love all the ones I've read, but The Baby Sleep book was the most profound for me - it removed all my guilt about the way I was helping my daughter to sleep (not the 'right' way according to most books) and I was finally able to enjoy having my beautiful little girl snuggle up next to me in bed, rather than feeling like I was a terrible parent. Now at 51/2 she has transitioned to putting herself to bed and sleeping by herself with absolutely no stress :)
-
I read Nurture Shock this spring. I am not a parent yet, but am a teacher and was completely fascinated.
-
Ann, I was under the impression that the book was a parenting book, not a study of other cultures raising their children. I absolutely believe there is a lot to be learned from other cultures. My point is, I would rather ask someone who has children of her own & has been through a similar situation I am going through how she handled it and her own outcome than someone who has never been in the position herself. Did that make sense? I'm sorry, that's just my opinion. I am in no way discounting her research or her findings. Again, I was under the impression this was a parenting book. Now that I know a little more, it sounds pretty fascinating. Bottom line, raising kids isn't the easiest job & having someone who has gone through a certain issue similar to yours, I think, is a great help.
-
Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin is an awesome book about natural childbirth, I would highly recommend it!
-
I agree, Ann, that if we all could learn from eachother in all areas of life, to include raising happy children, this world would be a better place.
Alicia, I'm going to put this book on my "must read" list. I'm now reading Malcolm Gladwell's Tipping Point. Also, Becoming Vegan. After that I don't have any books waiting in the wings. I'll get this next time I'm at Borders. They have wonderful coupons that always get emailed to me. Thanks for the heads up. I love books that changed my thought process and, in the end, my life :)
-
-
I read the continum concept many years ago and it has always stayed in my thoughts and I often reference the ideas discussed in it. I'm not certain why it would matter if the author had children or not - as I recall, its not a book on how we in the west raise our children. The author went and lived amongst a tribe of people where the babies never cry and there is no word for "work" - the people are all very happy. She came up with theories why this was so - why, unlike our children, their children were not fearful and crying. Why, unlike our adults, they embraced tasks and enjoyed even the work part of life. If she had kids of her own, it would certainly not qualify her in any way to be more adept at studying another culture. I feel the way we raise our children - at least in America - is for the most part pretty horrible, and we produce children who grow up to become increasingly unhappy adults. Any glimpse into other cultures where this is not going on is needed - if you have children or not!
-
special needs children is no different of a story. i am a mother of a special needs child with autism as well as a regularly developing child and to be honest, i receive more assistance for my special needs son from people who don't have children and they have helped me more than you can imagine. I respect rivermomx3's opinion but it's important to remember nobody walks in anyone's shoes no matter what cards we are dealt. to be a well versed individual means opening your mind to other's opinions, thoughts and ideas. It doesn't mean you have to agree with them.
-
Hey sweetie!!! I would get myself a subscription to Mothering magazine ASAP!!!! It sure sounds like u are ready to have a baby!!!!LOL! I DO know of an amazing midwife in Ventura!!!!!XO!
-
-
Allow me to clarify-I would rather get advice from someone who has real-life, hands on experience than someone who has studied it in theory. I don't think the marine biologists & astronomers are remotely the same-but that's just my opinion. Obviously there are experts in any subject out there, but for me, if I had any questions about my children, I would talk to someone who actually has them & has been in my shoes.
-
All my friends RAVE about "Raising Godly Tomatoes". I haven't read it yet, but I plan to soon!!! Can't wait!
-
I recently bought 'Children Learn What They Live Parenting to Inspire Indviduals'. This book is based off the poem that was written by Doroty Law Nolte. It is very good so far.
-
This is a response to rivermomx3
I am a child development specialist. I specialize in helping families with children with autism re-establish developmental foundations that were missed the first time around...
Anyway, I myself do not have children yet and have grappled with that very thought..."can I help parents understand their children even if I don't have any?" It took a wile... but the answer is a resounding YES.
not only have I studied child development for many years but I have worked with hundred's of families with hundred's of issues.... this experience has allowed me to bring a lot to a families table in order to help them although I agree being a parent gives you a specific perspective... Marine biologist's don't own sharks and yet they are undisputedly experts.... An astronomer has not been in space to know everything there is to know about stars... a male designer can know a woman's body.. and design incredible things that fit women wonderfully.... I could go on...
I have had the immense pleasure of being a part of many families lives in some of their darkest times... and I LOVE my job because I know I have a real impact...
Thanks for listening... I just feel like this needed to be addressed.
-
Raising Happiness: 10 Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents by Dr. Christine Carter is great! (www.raisinghappiness.com) It's full of fact-based research, but with a grounded and humorous tone and stories from her experience with her daughters.
Dr. Carter is a sociologist at the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley where she also has a great blog-- it's syndicated on the Huffington Post. Today it's featured on the front of the HP Living, (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christine-carter-phd/100000-happier-parents-ar_b_774926.html), where she's asking people to sign a pledge to be one of 100,000 Happier Parents.
Thanks for sharing The Continuum Concept, Alicia! =)
-
I don't think that just because you're not a parent means that your observations are invalid. Just as I wouldn't take advice from all parents just because they're parents, I also wouldn't discount an opinion just because a person isn't a parent, if I found it reasonably valid. And if nothing else, I think another person's reasonable and thoughful observations and conclusions should make you think and reflect, even if you don't agree with them, leading you to a better understanding of your own beliefs and values.
-
The author has no children of her own? I don't think I would take advice on parenting from someone with no children, no matter her 'qualifications'.
-
I am a doula in London. I have supported many women who have used the Continuum Method. The babies have always been grown into happy, confident and independent young children, including my own.
-
My favorite recent child rearing read recently has been Nurtureshock (http://www.nurtureshock.com/), Looks a lot at the science behind childrearing and has many direct clear helpful ways to help you guide and nurture your child.
Available at:
Available at:
Join the Discussion!