Suggested Reading

Many parents want to understand my philosophy of parenting. In short, I believe parenting is about sacrifice. Once a parent decides to be a parent, their own desires must fall into second place. The kids are the priority. I support the parent’s right to be a parent and to make informed decisions about their children. I would hope that those decisions are based on truth and not myth. I strongly support active parenting, e.g. the actual parent rearing the child as opposed to dumping that task upon gradparents, schools or daycares. But, I also recognize that parents today have many burdens that render ideals difficult to achieve.

Many of these books present views and concepts that I believe are both truthful and useful, but, as with all books, I cannot agree with every single concept. Generally, I am supportive of the ideas here. If you disagree or have other book suggestions, I encourage you to email me with them so we can begin a dialogue. Thanks for checking out this list.

– Dr. Watson

	Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child By Marc Weissbluth, M.D. One of the country’s leading researchers updates his revolutionary approach to solving–and preventing–your children’s sleep problems. Here Dr. Marc Weissbluth, a distinguished pediatrician and father of four, offers his groundbreaking program to ensure the best sleep for your child.
	Autism’s False Prophets: Bad Science, Risky Medicine, and the Search for a Cure By Paul A. Offit, M.D. A London researcher was the first to assert that the combination measles-mumps-rubella vaccine known as MMR caused autism in children. Following this “discovery,” a handful of parents declared that a mercury-containing preservative in several vaccines was responsible for the disease.
	Fast Food Nation: The Dark side of the All-American Meal By Eric Schlosser In 2001, Fast Food Nation was published to critical acclaim and became an international bestseller. Eric Schlosser’s exposé revealed how the fast food industry has altered the landscape of America, widened the gap between rich and poor, fueled an epidemic of obesity, and transformed food production throughout the world.
	Hooked: New Science on How Casual Sex is Affecting Our Children By Joe S. McIlhaney Jr. What does a three-pound brain have to do with one’s sex life? A lot, actually. Breakthroughs in the burgeoning field of neuroscience explain the impact of sex on the developing brains of adolescents and young adults. d reaching their full potential.
	Because I Said So!: A Collection of 366 Insightful and Thought- Provoking Reflections on Parenting and Family Life By John Rosemond Easily digestable read in bite-sized daily chunks. From the nation’s leading expert on child rearing, I find this book absolutely excellent. It balances the extremes in odd-ball techniques plaguing children today with a level-headed time tested system for excellent child development.
	The Dorito Effect: The Surprising New Truth About Food and Flavor By Mark Schatzker Eye opening read about the science of food flavorings, fooling us to eat stuff we ought not. Well written and insightful.
	When Breath Becomes Air By Paul Kalanithi Difficult but real experience of the vulnerabilities a young doctor faced when dying with cancer. Touching and heartfelt look at what gives life meaning.
	Cooking With Poo By Poo Saiyuud Diwong The name is hilarious. It is actually the author’s name, but nonetheless a common obsession of Dr. Watson, who can’t quit talking about diarrhea. The meals are simple and delicious. Fun for the whole family.
	Jamie’s 15 Minute Meals – Delicious, Nutritious, Super-Fast Food By Jamie Oliver I really like this author/chef. He has a practical understanding of what composes a healthy meal, and our kids take turns making meals with their mom using some of these recipes. They take a bit longer than 15 minutes, and require some planning to get all the materials. But certainly a great start.