20 Tips for Parents

A realistic, practical, and down-to-earth look at dealing with many of the common concerns that parents have in managing the behavior of children from two to 10

Based on his extensive years of work with parents and children, a pediatrician offers his advice on such common concerns as coping with tantrums, dealing with fussy or picky eaters, using discipline that works, deciding on how much TV and when, respecting and understanding children’s feelings, separating behavior from the child’s personality, and loving unconditionally. He also addresses how to identify bad advice and a parenting myths, and how to manage "helpful" advice from family member and friends. Catering from toddlers to early adolescence, the book's main message is for parents to stop trying to be perfect parents, as this often causes unnecessary pressure and anxiety. Instead it advises parents to focus on being a "good enough" parent. Along with a range of illustrative stories and examples from his many years of working with children and their parents, the author shows how a parents’ own upbringing can unintentionally influence some of their parenting decisions. Additionally he dispels many of the common myths that are associated with parenting, and offers sensible alternative solutions that are evidence-based and proven to work.

“Being a parent is not always easy, but advice from books can help, and this book by Kim Oates is a true winner. Oates’ 20 tips are pearls that can help all parents.” —John M. Leventhal, Professor of Pediatrics, Yale Medical School

“This is a terrific guide for parents.  It is written by a thoughtful, practical and caring pediatrician and should be read by all those who have children and care for them.” —Richard Krugman, Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine

“Professor Oates took the most important concepts in child development and turned them into information that is easily accessible for parents facing the challenges of effective child rearing.  Ideally this book would required reading for all parents.”—Carole Jenny, MD, MBA, FAAP, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine

“A guide for parents, new and old, written by a caring pediatrician who has cared for and observed children and their parents for over 35 years. Kim Oates provides gentle reminders for parents with children of any age to love unconditionally, to be present without being overbearing, and to set realistic expectations for both children and themselves.” —Tracy Granzyk, MS, Managing Director-Healthcare Sector, SolidLine Media LLC

Kim Oates is a pediatrician who trained in Sydney, London, and Boston. In 2000 he received the Kempe Award for “Outstanding contributions to the community on behalf of children," the first time this had been awarded outside the USA. He has received many other national and international awards for his services to children including the 2006 Alumni Award from the University of Sydney and the Howard Williams Medal from the College of Physicians for “Outstanding contributions to Paediatrics and Child Health in Australasia”. His other books include Child Abuse and Now You're a Grandparent. Professor Fiona Stanley is the founding director and patron of the Telethon Kids Institute, and a distinguished professorial fellow in the School of Paediatrics and Child Helath at the University of Western Australia.