Resources I think are worth considering
Among the various books on the fundamentals, in my view, this one stands out as the best choice. It presents the material in a clear and organized manner, offering valuable guidance and tips for the first year, making it an easy and memorable read. Unlike most similar books I've read, the content from this one has stuck with me, and I continue to apply what I've learned.
Raising Good Humans: A Mindful Guide to Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Parenting and Raising Kind, Confident Kids
I found this book to be a compelling read for several reasons, but two specific aspects truly resonated with me. Firstly, it provides valuable insights into the challenges parents face as their children transition from infancy to a more advanced stage of development. Secondly, it encourages a non-reactive parenting approach and explains the reasons behind its effectiveness. While this approach may seem obvious, it's often more challenging to implement than one might expect. Additionally, the book prompted me to reflect on my own childhood experiences. It reinforces the idea that there is always room for improvement, offering a vivid portrayal of a more effective way to nurture and raise well-rounded individuals.
Although the title suggests a focus on fathers and sons, I believe the essence of this book can be applied to parents and children in general. Initially, I had some reservations about the book. It occasionally delves into more spiritual themes, which isn't typically my preference, and some chapters seemed overly prescriptive from a father's perspective. However, by the end, I found this to be a profoundly impactful read. Even if you choose not to adopt all of the book's teachings, it effectively underscores the evolving role of fathers and the crucial significance of being present at every stage of your children's life. The book highlights how parents, especially fathers, often underestimate their impact on shaping strong values in their children, emphasizing that this influence is more vital than ever before.
This class comes in several variations, but essentially, it prepares you for what to anticipate in the days leading up to your child's birth and on the big day itself. Personally, I consider it an absolute necessity. While I had previously read about the subject, taking this class, which includes video materials, was truly enlightening. There's a wealth of information to digest before and during your child's birth, and it's crucial to be well-informed about what to expect, potential scenarios, and the choices available to you. The link is for the class that my wife and I attended, you will have to look for a similar one depending on where you live. I recommend attending the class in person vs any other online method.
I sincerely hope you and I are never in a situation where we need to administer CPR to our child. However, being equipped with the knowledge of how to perform it correctly, understanding what actions to take (and what to avoid), and having the confidence that comes with this knowledge can make the difference between life and death. Much like the previous class mentioned, it's advisable to explore similar classes available in your area.