Holiday Gifts For Parents
by Shae

     With the holidays upon us, thoughts are focused on the family. The aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters and parents all gather for the festivities. Most of us are concentrating on the children in our lives, because let's face it, this is their favorite time of year. Well, with all of the thoughts of children, how about a little thought for the parents? There are three wonderful books that will add comfort, humor and magic to the lives of parents and children, alike.

     In the natural progression of pregnancy, may I suggest Natural Pregnancy A-Z by Carolle Jean-Murat, M.D. This wonderful book has every bit of information that you could think of. From, “Oh my gosh! What is that?” to “Gee, you shouldnąt have.” Seriously, this book has almost every definition of everything that you would encounter throughout your nine months of pre-parenting.

    For instance, when opening to 'B', there is the definition of 'backache' and what you should expect and methods of how to deal with it. Also, in this section you will find the definition of 'Baby Shower', not to mention a little bit of gift buying advice from the author. There are also definitions and helpful hints on
how to deal with headaches, breech births, morning sickness, dieting, and pain relief. This book is a certain must-have for first time mothers or mothers who have 'been there and done that'. It is most certainly one of the most organized and highly informational books on pregnancy and what to expect. This book will help you sort through all of the medical jargon and really know what your doctor is telling you. If you wanna know, it's in there.

     To move through the next stage of development, Yoga Baby by DeAnsin Goodsen Parker, PhD, is excellent. The book consists of easy to follow instructions and pictures. The book will take you through the proper way to hold baby, at every stage of development, how to deal with multiple births and how to incorporate all of the family into yoga time.

   Much research has been done on how important massage and touch are to developing babies. This is also important in the continuation of the bond between mother and child. By participating in yoga with your baby, you will find ways to comfort and relieve anxiety along with creating stronger bonds. This is a perfect book for Dad, too. Dads miss out on the physical bonding of pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. This easy-to-follow book will allow Dad to participate in this amazing process. Maybe with a little ingenuity, the exercises could be shared between, Mom, Dad, and Baby. The perfect gift for adoptive parents, also. This type of exercise can be used to build the bond not established during pregnancy. If you have a nanny or specific caregiver, get them involved in the exercises, too. It helps to have everyone who is closely interacting with baby to be involved.

    Yoga Baby will take you through the chakra system, chapter by chapter. You will learn how to keep eye contact, how to ease fussiness, and how to 'read' baby's needs. Each chapter is laid out as to the psychological and physical purpose of the exercise, the posture for parent and baby, and frequently asked questions. Not to mention nice yoga stretches for parent.

    Finally, Mommy Magic: 450 Ways to Nurture Your Child by Adria Manary, will complete this trifecta of parenting info. Mommy Magic is a very creative endeavor of suggestions on how to play, soothe, and humor your child. Filled with the author's anecdotes and those of others, you will find inspiration and joy. This book teaches parents how to bring out the natural power of their children while creating wonderful memories.

    From cooking to illness, imagination to nature - this book has helpful hints on how to manage boredom, how to encourage creativity and even a little section devoted to dealing with tragedy. There are tons of suggestions on how to make holidays more special by offering insightful and creative ideas. For instance, how to make Christmas magical for your children, like getting the neighbors involved. This book reminds the parent of the importance of a child's imagination and how special they really are.

    What I liked most about this book was the author's inspirational stories along with the reminders of the power within our little ones. I found the author made each section very personal and special by adding nice poems at the beginning of each chapter and her writing style is very personal. I found that to be a nice warming touch.

    I am sure that this holiday season, you know of someone in your life that will benefit from at least one of these wonderful books. Start making your list and get out there!!! What are you waiting for?

Shae is a freelance writer living in the Atlanta area.
She enjoys her Spiritual studies and has also written a book for children.
Look for it in 2001. Contact her at 678-462-7304.