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Child Care: As It Has Always Been in The Common Sense Guide to Baby and Child Care by Dr. Benjamin Spock

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Initially published in 1845 by Dr. Benjamin Spock, The Common Sense Guide to Baby and Child Care revolutionized parenting, and thus, the upbringing of an entire generation and those following. As society changed, new editions of the original handbook emerged to fit the lifestyle of the current population. Dr. Spock wrote seven editions of The Common Sense Guide to Baby and Child Care alongside a prestigious pediatrician, Steven Parker, before his death in 1998. I read the ninth addition of the manual, revised by pediatrician Dr. Robert Needleman, which includes modern-day ideas such as eating disorders in teenagers and applying to college. Prior to the first section of the manual, Dr. Spock speaks about the challenges of parenthood: …show more content…

Physical developments of an infant as they grow are discussed, including the ability to walk. According to Dr. Spock, a child should receive plenty of social interaction so they can grow into a “people person;” this can hold much relevance to the course since the United States continued to grow and maintain balance through compromises, like the Compromise of 1850. On the other hand, several diseases and conditions an infant may face and ways to deal with them are presented in detail. I would recommend never giving a child medication that has not been cleared by a doctor beforehand. Toddlers are between the ages of one and two. At this stage, children start to become more independent and outgoing, feeling adventurous (but only in the presence of their parents). They have a fear of separation and are weary of strangers. Furthermore, nap time become less frequent; their nutrition changes as well, with the introduction of cow’s milk and simple finger foods. The “terrible twos” is “actually a terrific time,” through imitation, communication, imagination, and playing. Children become more anxious about being separated from their parents, but also negative and will display more than a few temper tantrums. Preschoolers, ages

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