Is it necessary to read parenting books in order to be a good parent?

1. 94

   vespawoolfposted 12 years ago

   Is it necessary to read parenting books in order to be a good parent?

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2. 63

   Anne Pettitposted 12 years ago

   You must seek out good parenting information from somewhere.  Teachers, doctors, books, internet,experienced parents, etc. can all give good advice, or bad advice.  The important thing is to know your child, love your child and look for advice that works for you and your child.
   Some parenting books actually promote physical abuse, so your own judgement is critical.

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3. 59

   gabrielthomas72posted 12 years ago

   No. Nobody can teach you how to be a good parent. Everybody's situation and relationship with their child/children will be different.
   Children need to be shown they are loved and cared for. I try to ensure that my children are given every opportunity to experience as much of life as possible. So that when the time comes, they can be as informed as possible about making their own choices.

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4. 72

   donnaisabellaposted 12 years ago

   I believe that whatever help we can get along life's pathway and even in relation to parenting, then we should get it. Books are to me a major source of information so I seek out good ones and I find they give me more knowledge than I could ever get from anyone.

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5. 61

   MickSposted 12 years ago

   Being a parent isn't a new thing, it's been around since we were invented, good and bad parents have been around since long before the book, and writing.

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6. 79

   cloverleaffarmposted 12 years ago

   No. You can read all the books you want. Reading a book doesn't make a good parent. Good parenting comes from within, something that is learned from your parent or parents.
   I agree with GabrielThomas72! Each family situation is different. You have to decide what is best for you and yours. Someone else can not tell you how to raise a child that they don't even know.
   If you need help, family would be your best choice.

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7. 85

   KathyHposted 12 years ago

   Parenting books can be good when used as a guideline and not as an absolute source of parenting advice. Some of the best advice I ever got when raising our boys came from my Husband's Mom, but I realize that not everyone is blessed with a great relationship with their in laws! Friends and family can be a great resource, online websites can give good information, and parenting books can help as well. It's important not to put too much credence into just one source. Have a variety of sources from which to get parenting advice.

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8. 69

   sassydeeposted 12 years ago

   not necessary but it can be a good source to answering some questions or worries!

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9. 0

   Starmom41posted 12 years ago

   no-  and the main reason for this answer is the books you'll find are nearly all about current trends. 
   As an example, get ahold of one of Dr. Spock's books- and then compare it to some of today's most popular parenting books.  Children are still children, parents are still parents- but you won't find any agreements in those books. 
   
   Go by instinct and common sense instead;  and if you have an important question, ask an older family member or experienced friend.

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10. 56

    breathingposted 8 years ago

    Books are always good option for anything if you can apply the teachings of the book practically. Same is the case for parenting books too. As a parent, you can read the best of the books but it will be fruitful only if you can apply the teachings practically with your children. By trying out different options you can be sure exactly which one is suitable for your child.   
    
    Any parenting book will suggest a few common things. One of them is spending time with children. Most of the parents read parenting books to find a short cut way of nurturing the children. But there are certain things where no shortcut can lead to you to the desired goal. Giving time to the children is one such thing.
    
    Also another good option is to consult with different child counselors and specialists along with reading parenting books. This will help you to get the best results. You can discuss the problems you are facing in nurturing the child and get different types of solutions. Also you can discuss the different options that you have learnt reading the parenting books. After all for your children to grow in stable state, you can at least do to this extent!

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