For What It's Worth

A Perspective on How to Thrive and Survive Parenting: Ages 0-2

By: Bethany L. Cook PsyD MT-BC

Narrated by: Bethany L. Cook

For anyone who is - or knows someone who is - expecting or has recently added a new baby to their life and is feeling overwhelmed, underappreciated, or just lost, this is the book for you.

Through humor and brave self-disclosure, the author - a clinical psychologist - realizes that even though she has the “book smarts”, sometimes, the practical application of psychological theory gets lost in translation when it comes to babies and young children.

Dr. Cook weaves together personal and professional stories with proven science through the lens of a “woke” woman. She takes the listener on a multidimensional deep-dive into parenting which is both educational and interesting to the sleep-deprived and marginalized parent. This book is laced with many laugh-out-loud moments which are, in and of themselves, therapeutic and cathartic to all parents everywhere.

©2019 Bethany L. Cook (P)2019 Bethany L. Cook

Not your typical "What to expect" book

This book is part memoir and part practical advice. It is not an outline of what to expect at each stage of your baby's first two years. Dr. Cook is the narrator which I feel lends authenticity to the narration and brings it alive...who better than to narrate your story other than yourself? Despite being a clinical psychologist and bringing some science into the book, she makes her stories relatable with lots of humor and practical considerations to consider during baby's first two years (and pre-baby considerations as well). Book sections are organized well with each chapter having a main point that is summarized easily at the end of the chapter. She also provides information in terms of relationship with your significant other (whomever that is for you) that anyone should consider as well. Even though I am past this stage in my life, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book and was able to relate to the stories and to the points of consideration. I received a copy of the audiobook from the author at my request and am leaving this review voluntarily.

great read

Great read for first time parents! Love her science background and nurturing mindset towards parenting.

“Real Life”

It was very interesting to listen to, love the real life examples and ideas. Gives some perspectives I have not thought about before. The only thing I wish were different is when she references “research shows”... I would love to read more on some of the topics she talks about! Overall, it was a good/easy read. I Recommend!

Forward thinking

Insightful, brilliant, and down to earth!! Touching on key parenting topics, with a wide range of cultural input. Personal and insightful a must have, a shining light for first time parents!!

Fun and easy listen for any new parent

I had the pleasure to listen to this book. It was very relatable to me since I have two young children. This books was filled with scientific knowledge about a young child’s development without judgement. A lot of parenting books make you feel like you are not doing enough and are already failing but the author makes it so relatable by acknowledging her own short comings as she raises her two young children. It was so nice to listen to it I was able to finish it in two days that’s how good and easy it was.
Hopefully she publishes another one for children above 2 years of age.