I imagine a lot of first time parents are feeling like I do right now – there’s so much to learn before baby’s arrival. It’s not that I’m completely baby-inept. I know the basics. I have quite a large family (it feels like there’s always a baby around!), and my own Mum was a childminder for many years and I fondly remember helping to look after a 4-month old baby she looked after (who incidentally, had his 17th birthday this week! Crazy). But I’ve never been the decision maker when it comes to a baby before. I’ve never had this amount of responsibility.

And, like most people, I want to try and do it as ‘right’ as I can.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t believe that there is one ‘right’ way to parent and I’m certainly trying not to put pressures on myself to be the perfect parent right away. But I want to know I’m trying my best and for me, that means being well informed so I feel confident in making all the millions of decisions that are to come. So onto the parenting research I go…

Bookshelves research

Let the research begin…

Perhaps I’m slightly hankering after my University days, where I spent most of my time researching various theatre history periods, pouring over textbooks, journals and articles, as I’m approaching my parenting research in pretty much the same way – using a variety of sources from a range of angles and perspectives, always considering reliability. Who knew that term taking the historiography module would come to rear it’s head when facing the challenge of becoming a parent? You see folks, the skills learned in most degrees ARE transferable including a theatre degree – hurrah!

So, at the very start of my research journey, here’s my plan:

  • I’ve identified two contrasting parenting styles: routine-regimented based, and baby-led based
  • I’ve bought The New Contented Little Baby Book: The Secret to Calm and Confident Parenting by Gina Ford to read up on routine-based parenting
  • I’m looking to buy The Attachment Parenting Book (Sears Parenting Library) by William and Martha Sears to cover baby-led parenting
  • Start off by looking into these two contrasting books to see how I feel about both and find out more about where I ‘naturally’ sit or feel aligned to.

And then take it from there…

I’m sure I’ll be updating on the things I learn, agree with, disagree with, feel baffled by as time goes on. My parenting research begins.

If you’re already a parent and can recommend me a book that I might find interesting – please do! Drop me a comment and let me know what book or books you think are essential or interesting reads. I’m all ears (or eyes) at this stage. And thank you in advance.

Binky Linky