Recommended Reading / Watching / Courses
Pregnancy
What To Expect When You’re Expecting
What to Expect When You’re Expecting has long been the go-to manual for parents-to-be around the world. With detailed week-by-week explanations of what is happening to mother and baby, and advice backed by the latest research – think preparation, diet, self-care and complications – this book reassures parents while it tackles problems and addresses issues particular to today’s technological, multicultural and rapidly changing society – from the use of alternative medicine and assisted conception, to options for labour, delivery and much more.
Breastfeeding
- The Milky Way – a documentary that will make every viewer rethink motherhood and how we treat mothers. It is a film that will empower each woman to trust her body, her baby, and herself in her journey as a mother.
- Breastfeeding past infancy fact sheet – a fantastic summary with references to research on how breastfeeding benefits toddlers and young children nutritionally, immunologically and psychologically.
Parenting
The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting
We all know that perfect parenting does not exist, yet we still struggle with the social expectations that teach us that being imperfect is synonymous with being inadequate. These messages are powerful and we end up spending precious time and energy managing perception and the carefully edited versions of the families we show to the world. On The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting, Dr. Brené Brown invites us on a journey to transform the lives of parents and children alike. Drawing on her 12 years of research on vulnerability, courage, worthiness, and shame, she presents ten guideposts to creating what she describes as “wholehearted” families where each of us can continually learn and grow as we reach our full potential.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER – The authors of No-Drama Discipline and The Yes Brain explain the new science of how a child’s brain is wired and how it matures in this pioneering, practical book. “Simple, smart, and effective solutions to your child’s struggles.”–Harvey Karp, M.D. In this pioneering, practical book, Daniel J. Siegel, neuropsychiatrist and author of the bestselling Mindsight, and parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson offer a revolutionary approach to child rearing with twelve key strategies that foster healthy brain development, leading to calmer, happier children. The authors explain–and make accessible–the new science of how a child’s brain is wired and how it matures. The “upstairs brain,” which makes decisions and balances emotions, is under construction until the mid-twenties. And especially in young children, the right brain and its emotions tend to rule over the logic of the left brain. No wonder kids throw tantrums, fight, or sulk in silence. By applying these discoveries to everyday parenting, you can turn any outburst, argument, or fear into a chance to integrate your child’s brain and foster vital growth. Complete with age-appropriate strategies for dealing with day-to-day struggles and illustrations that will help you explain these concepts to your child, The Whole-Brain Child shows you how to cultivate healthy emotional and intellectual development so that your children can lead balanced, meaningful, and connected lives.
Podcasts I’m Listening To
Kids Books We Love
Toilet Time [training kit for girls] [training kit for boys]
Illustrated storybook for adults to read through with their kids, an easy to follow parent guide with helpful ideas and training methods, as well as a children’s reward chart with stickers.
Favourite Travel Gear
Phil & Ted Traveller Porta-Cot
Traveller is the only travel cot that’s lighter than the baby! Super compact, traveller unpacks to become a comfy & breathable travel cot for home & away, sleep & play, every day!
Built for optimal lightness & strength, traveller is also adaptable for indoors & outdoors, with an additional mesh top for shade. with a unique zip open side & being easy to assemble, traveller is a breeze to use and fun for little ones.
Baby/Kids Things We Adore
This homeopathic remedy is formulated using traditional ingredients. Chamomile and Conchae are claimed to gently soothe and calm discomfort and restlessness in teething babies and children. This product can also be given to restless toddlers to help relax them before bedtime.
The Worlds Most Advanced Sleep-Aid Vaporiser with built in Air Purifier and Ioniser – for improved breathing. No heat, no steam, no condensation.
Established in 1991 by husband and wife team Chris and Coleen Bennet, Bobux is an innovative kids shoe brand from New Zealand. The first Bobux shoe was designed for Chris and Coleen’s daughter Chloe, and the belief in supporting natural foot development in children was central in its inception. Over the past couple of decades Bobux has carried that initial sentiment through their designs. All Bobux shoes are built on lasts that replicate the changing stages of children’s feet. This provides a comfortable fit for kids that allows their feet the freedom to grow and develop as nature intended.
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