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"This Book is My Bible!" 12 Parenting Books we Couldn't Live Without

Type in the word "parenting" on amazon.com and over 3,300 titles pop up, indicating that there are literally thousands of choices of books for parents. Most contemporary parents probably own dozens of parenting books, but often there are one or two books that become a parent's "bible."   It's the book that is filled with common sense, offers clear, understandable advice, helps you over the rough spots as you raise your children, and somehow anticipates what you need to know.  

We asked parents, grandparents, teachers, and other early childhood professionals to name the parenting book that they couldn't live without.   Here are the results:

1. 1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 by Dr. Thomas W. Phelan.
"A great guide to discipline." -- Mother of boys, 5 and 8

2 . Children the Challenge by Rudolf Dreikers, M.D., with Vicki Solz, R.N.. "I still like and recommend this book for its good practical parenting advice. It's old (first published in 1964) but it still rings true and is helpful with the day-to-day." -- Mother of two young adults and a pediatrician

3 . Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care by Benjamin Spock, M.D., updated and revised by Robert Needlman, M.D.   Used by three generations of parents. I love his emphasis on using good common sense and trusting your own instincts as a parent." --   Mother of 4, grandmother of 4, and a former preschool teacher

4 .   Einstein Never Used Flash Cards: How Our Children Really Learn and Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less by   Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Diane Ever, and Roberta Michnick Golinkoff. "This was published recently (2003), so I didn't use this when I was raising my children, but I've been enthusiastically recommending it.   Not only does it emphasize the importance of play, but it also explains how a child's mind actually learns.   It's very easy and enjoyable to read and throughout the book, it provides "teachable moments," which are simple games 'that will showcase emerging skills.'   Both parents and teachers will find this book fascinating, reassuring, and very helpful." -- Mother of 4, grandmother of 4, and a kindergarten teacher

5.   Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth, M.D. Mentioned by several parents as invaluable.   "As new parents, Dr. Weissbluth instilled in us a strong belief in good sleep habits beginning at birth. It helped us get our baby to sleep better as an infant and also as a toddler. Dr. Weissbluth's stern but practical advice provides much needed sleep guidelines for parents, covering sleep requirements for infants to teenagers." -- Mother of a 3 year old daughter

6. How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish.   This book builds on the work of Dr. Haim G. Ginott, author of Between Parent and Child. "They taught me how to 'play back' to my children what was upsetting them without being judgmental or fixing the situation.   I first used the techniques when my kids were preschoolers, but they still work on my teenagers. It's the book   I keep giving to my husband to read and re-read." -- Mother of a daughter, 14, and sons, 19, 17 and 11  

7.   The Moral Intelligence of Children by Robert Coles. "An insightful book which captures key elements in helping shape a child's character so he or she   develops into a good person." -- Director of a mental health agency

8.   On Becoming Babywise by Gary Ezzo, M.A. and Robert Bucknam, M.D..   "Its theory balances the parent's desire for a schedule and the baby's demands for eating and sleeping.   Also teaches how to get infants to sleep on their own, without the need of nursing or a bottle.   As a result, my girls were sleeping through the night by two months." -- Mother of 10-month-old twin daughters

9.   Touchpoints: Your Child's Emotional and Behavioral Development Birth to Age Three by T. Berry Brazelton, M.D.   Also, Touchstones 3-6. "Very calming and reassuring with a good guide to developmental milestones.   Helps parents feel empowered." - Mother of an 18 month old daughter and expecting a second child

10.   The Wonder of Boys by Michael Gurlan.   " Explains how boys and girls process information differently. A wonderful resource as I raise my boys." -- Mother of boys, 2½ and 4, and a director of a preschool

11.   Your Child's Health: The Parents' Guide to Symptoms, Emergencies,

Common Illnesses, Behavior and School Problems by Barton D. Schmitt, M.D. "A terrific 'middle-of-the-night' resource to guide what symptoms are typical, when to call the doctor immediately (or later), and other highly useful advice." -- Mother of a son, 11, and a daughter, 8