Book Reviews
Yvette O’Dowd has been a passionate reader since childhood. Her first pregnancy in the early 1980s saw her consuming the local library collection of books about pregnancy, childbirth, child development and child care. Having ignited a life-long interest in these subjects, Yvette went on to work at Merrily Merrily Enterprises [the retail arm of the Nursing Mothers’ Association of Australia (now known as The Australian Breastfeeding Association)] from 1995 - 2000. This included the recommendation and sale of books on breastfeeding and human lactation, parenting and related titles to both parents and health professionals.
From 2008 - 2013, Yvette ran The Breastfeeding Centre In Dandenong, Victoria - the Victorian Branch Office of the Australian Breastfeeding Association. Here she curated and maintained an extensive library of books available to both members and volunteers. When establishing the Southern Natural Parenting Network in 2014, Yvette had a vision of a collection of books available to members and the wider community, establishing a community library on wheels available at meets and events. Yvette’ family are resigned to her extensive personal collection! (Thank goodness for the digital revolution!)
Yvette also has a passion for children’s books - particularly picture books - and her collection expanded as her family has. Books for children about babies are of particular interest. Stay tuned for review soon!
Browse Yvette’s recommendations:
Toddler Tactics
This book helps parents navigate the unpredictable world of toddlerhood with empathy and clarity. It covers tantrums, sleep, eating, toilet learning, and independence, offering practical strategies for guiding children respectfully through this intense developmental stage.
A Loving Weaning
This gentle guide supports families through the emotional and practical journey of weaning — whenever and however it happens. Winema Wilson Lanoue offers a compassionate, respectful approach that honours the parent-child bond, encourages responsive timing, and provides affirming stories from a wide range of weaning experiences.
Because I Said So
In this thoughtful and accessible book, Sarah Ockwell-Smith dismantles traditional authoritarian parenting methods, arguing for a shift toward connection-based, emotionally intelligent approaches. She explores the origins of obedience-focused parenting, its long-term effects, and offers practical tools for raising confident, cooperative children without coercion.
The Gentle Discipline Book
This book offers respectful, effective strategies for guiding behaviour in toddlers and young children — without shouting, punishments, or rewards. Sarah Ockwell-Smith explains how to handle tantrums, defiance, aggression, and boundary-pushing with empathy, age-appropriate expectations, and calm consistency.
Unconditional Parenting
In Unconditional Parenting, educator and author Alfie Kohn challenges traditional approaches to discipline and behaviour management. He argues that rewards and punishments — including praise — can undermine a child’s intrinsic motivation and sense of self. Instead, he advocates for parenting based on unconditional love, respect, and thoughtful guidance.