Do Parenting Books and Magazines Really Help?

Do Parenting Books and Magazines Really Help

I am convinced that all of the parenting advice that I read in books magazines and blogs isn’t required for raising a “good” child.

This is how it generally goes down in our house.

Noah starts exhibiting unwanted behavior A.

I google unwanted behavior A.

I find 3 parenting websites, 2 blogs, and 1 pinterest board with information on the unwanted behavior.

I then spend the next two to three weeks going down the list of advice trying them all on Noah. He responds well to some and negatively to others and sometimes I might as well be talking to the wall, because you know Lightning McQueen is way more interesting.

Finally one day, BOOM! Unwanted behavior A disappears! Initially I would pat myself on the back and give Eric an “I told you so, reading all this shit actually does work.”

But really? Most of the time it is nothing I did or said. It was just a phase!! He has out grown unwanted behavior A on his own.

But guess what?

I will not stop reading my books, blogs, magazines, and websites.

Because, if I had to sit idly by for three weeks and watch unwanted behavior A exhibited over and over I would bang my head against the wall. At least this way I feel useful. These tips may not be necessary to helping my son grow into the young man I want him to be, but they definitely help the days go by a little smoother. Occasionally I do find something that makes a world of a difference.

One of my favorite parenting books,

Making The Terrible Twos Terrfic by John Rosemond

has a similar mindset. There aren’t a ton of tricks in the book. Mostly it’s just full of understanding why your child has gone completely bonkers! This way you aren’t pulling your hair out trying to figure out why your toddler is protesting and flailing on the ground because you just gave him the sippy cup HE ASKED FOR. You are prepared for this kind of behavior because it has been outlined.

He doesn’t give you 5 surefire ways to stop a tantrum in it’s tracks, instead he suggests creating a place for the tantrum to occur. We do this and it works wonders. That is one of those tricks that does make a world of difference. When Noah starts melting down and nothing I can do will help, I tell him very calmly that I am very sorry he is so upset, but if he can’t calm down then he is going to have to go to his room. Once he is done crying he is more than welcome to join us again. All but one time this has worked perfectly WITHOUT him needing to go to his room. Shockingly, he is able to calm himself down if given the right motivation.

I can tell when I am starting to loose it during these tantrums that it’s time to go back to my parenting books, magazines, blogs or websites and fill up my tank of patience.

Here is a link to my favorite parenting books! Most are kindle editions but can also be purchased in hard copy too. (affiliate links)

What about you? Do you seek out advice on the internet? Do you have a favorite site, blog, or author? Please share links below!