Sigh, See, Start: How To Be the Parent Your Child Needs in a World That Won’t Stop Pushing

Pediatrician Escalante (pediatrics, Rush Univ.) has penned a simple three-step guide that helps frustrated, overwhelmed parents, especially new ones, be fully there for their children and their needs. She says many parents feel shame and guilt when they miss or can’t meet unrealistic expectations. Her approach—sigh, see, start—is designed to help parents overcome the “should” game many play in a high-pressure culture that promotes perfectionism. She tells readers to take a deep breath, observe their own and their child’s behavior and patterns, analyze what may help the situation, and then start with one small change to improve it. She asserts that her strategy can help readers reset, rest, let go of false assumptions, stay in the present, or even encourage them to try something new. Key takeaways are featured at the end of every chapter, and worksheets are included.