Kids Don’t Come with a Manual - Book Review & Giveaway

Recently I was asked to review Kids Don’t Come With a Manual: The Essential Guide to a Happy Family Life by Carole and Nadim Saad. I haven't actually read a parenting book since baby was six months. I read plenty of books in pregnancy and a couple after baby was born, one of which was particularly useful and answered all of my questions of those newborn days and beyond. Once I reached the six month mark I felt I no longer needed to read parenting books apart from the odd one connected to weaning or first aid. If I had a problem I tended to talk to friends or family instead. 

Now my little one is a toddler, and a very determined one at that, knowing what the ‘right’ thing to do is in certain situations can be confusing. Do I say ‘no’? Do I distract him every time he does something he shouldn’t be doing? Should I just let him do that thing because he’s too young to understand why he shouldn’t be doing it? Or should I insist he doesn’t do it? The introduction mentions the dilemma that many parents face today. "With so many contradictory beliefs clamouring for parent’s attention, it’s no wonder that we are left feeling even more confused (and sometimes even guilty) about the 'right’ way to parent."

With seven chapters, Kids Don’t Come with a Manual covers everything from parenting styles to effective team work to dealing with the biggest parenting challenges. The book uses the latest research from child psychology, neuroscience and education with the aim of encouraging parents to maintain strong and loving connections with their children so they in turn become happy, fulfilled and confident adults. Instead of nagging, shouting or 'giving in' this book offers guidance on topics such as diffusing whinging and arguing, why certain strategies work as well as descriptions of real life examples. It helps you, the reader, understand what type of parent you are and how your own upbringing has a strong impact on the way you parent. There is also a ‘voice of a child’ summary showing what your child may actually be thinking during a tantrum, for example. The trouble shooting section at the back covers the top 20 parenting challenges with advice on a range of topics including tantrums, whining and wanting constant attention.

Although this book is aimed at slightly older children I am so pleased I have read it now. It answers a lot of my questions and brings home the fact that none of us are ‘perfect’ parents. Being a parent can be challenging but this book has a wonderfully positive ‘balanced approach’ guide to parenting and I’m sure I’ll be using this book for years to come.

For your chance to win a copy of the book (worth £12.99) please fill in your details below. Good luck!

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