Parenting on the Go: Birth to Six, A to Z

Clinical psychologist Elkind (The Hurried Child) offers an astute and easy-to-read abecedary of tips for parenting tots. 135 short essays cover topics ranging from “fears and rituals,” to “music for preemies,” to “zoos for children.” Elkind is especially attuned to questions about the challenges of parenting that were unheard of a century, or even a generation, ago, including: the spike in autism, questions about gender identity, and “mature moms.” However, he does not wholly abandon norms of an earlier era in a embrace of contemporary mores; even though 25 percent of American meals are eaten in cars, table manners are still important, according to Elkind. This breezy but substantive guide will make a terrific baby shower present and will find a welcome place on many a bedside table. [em](Aug.) [/em]