CLOSED: Book Reviews and Giveaway: Stuff Every Dad should Know and The Art of Roughhousing

Giveaway now closed:
Winners:
The Art of Roughhousing: Emma Cella (legs21)
Stuff Every Dad Should Know: @TweetwithHelen
Congratulations!!
When I was offered the chance to review two parenting books I almost said no. Why? Because I hate the way some books pretty much have the attitude that it is ‘Their way or the highway’. You have to do exactly what they say and if you don’t, you start to feel like a bad, incapable parent. To me each child is different and you should trust your own instincts as a parent, so I generally avoid parenting books as if they are the plague.
However I was pleasantly surprised to find that these books were different and I actually managed to read them through and enjoyed them.
Stuff Every Dad Should Know by Brett Cohen
Ok so I am not a dad, but even I managed to pick up some useful tips from the book. And the tips are written in a witty, humourous way which don’t make you feel like you are being dictated to as some parent books do. I often found myself chuckling away to myself.
The book comes in sections to take you all the way through fatherhood:
  • Baby Stuff
  • Little Kid Stuff
  • Big Kid Stuff
  • Teen Stuff and Beyond
The book covers things from changing a diaper, to ridding a room of monsters, to the talk about birds and bees to meeting the child’s in laws. I was also pleased to see a section entitled ‘Five tips for caring for your wife or partner’, mentioning the most important aspect – support.
You may not agree with everything that is written but it certainly makes entertaining reading with a mixture of serious and fun tips. 

The Art of Roughhousing by Anthony T. DeBenedet and Lawrence J. Cohen
My brother and hubby always used to throw munchkin around and every time they did I almost had a nervous breakdown. I was uncertain if they should be doing it incase they hurt her. So this book was ideal for me to read to get a better idea of roughhousing and put my mind at rest.
This book focuses on how rough play can ‘nurture close connections, solve behaviour problems, boost confidence, and more.’ It gives examples of some roughhousing games with simple illustrated pictures showing how they can be conducted safely. For example, Futaleufu Mattress Rafting – basically sitting on a mattress and going down the stairs!
There are dozens of examples in the book. They include the ages the games are suitable for, the difficulty level and the essential skill required.
The book is a must have for those who wish to conduct some ‘roughhousing’ with their child safely.
Giveaway!!!
I am lucky enough to be able to offer my readers a chance to win a copy of either book. All you have to do is leave a comment below stating which book you would prefer a copy of and why. Simple. 
For extra entries you can:
  • Follow me on Twitter and tweet ‘I want to win a parenting book with @muslimmummies. You can too, enter here http://bit.ly/L1BLXk’.
  • Follow me on Google Friends Connect or Networked Blogs
  • Follow me on Facebook
Giveaway will close Monday 21st May 2012 at 9pm (UK time)
Giveaway open only to UK and Northern Ireland
Winners will be chosen using Random.org
Winners have 48 hours to contact me, and then the giveaway will be redrawn.
Good Luck!

Disclaimer: I was offered a copy of each book for the purposes of a review. However all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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