Guiding Parents Through Their Tasks (Press, 2 November 1985)
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Summary: Guiding Parents Through Their Tasks (Press, 2 November 1985)
Published on 2 November 1985, the review by Ralf Unger of Penelope Leach's book, "The Parents’ A to Z: A Guide to Children's Health, Growth and Happiness," highlights its comprehensive nature aimed primarily at assisting new parents. The book spans 736 pages and is priced at $19.95 for the paperback version. Unger notes that traditionally, parents had the support of extended families to navigate child development. In contrast, current encyclopaedic guides play a crucial role in replacing that support. Leach's approach is described as largely focused on providing broader insights into normal developmental stages along with potential difficulties rather than exclusively detailing medical conditions. While she briefly touches on a range of physical disorders, her coverage lacks depth in this area – for instance, adenitis is quickly covered in just a quarter-page, while more complex issues like anorexia nervosa are elaborated upon over 17 pages. The book includes a range of subjects, from basic first-aid guidelines to adolescence, which encompasses skin care and discussions about sexual health. Unger points out that the sections on everyday parenting topics, such as selecting a babysitter and communicating about topics like death and drug abuse, are where the book shines. Leach offers creative activities to engage children during times of illness, presenting ideas like building a sandpit from sugar to elevate the fun aspect of parenting during challenging moments. The review stresses the reassuring tone of the book, suggesting that it can help alleviates parental anxieties by normalising children's varied responses to developmental changes. Parents are comforted in the knowledge that crises like febrile convulsions are often temporary. However, Unger casts doubt on the book’s potential for significant long-term impact on parenting styles, contrasting it with the legacy of Dr Benjamin Spock's influential works. Overall, while "The Parents’ A to Z" serves as a valuable resource for discussions between parents and children on sensitive subjects, it may not revolutionise child-rearing practices across generations as its author might hope.
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