Book Review of The Penguin India Guide to Child Care, by Dr. R.K. Anand

There are innumerable guides to Child Care on the shelves of bookstores in India, some written by foreign pediatricians, others by our own doctors. This book has features that mark it out as something new and very useful for mothers to be, mothers and grandmothers, husbands and fathers and even for those who are working in the social field, for NGOs.

The table of contents is divided into four parts. The second and the third parts concern themselves with keeping the child healthy by means of correct feeding, immunisation and tips about learning and schooling. Childhood illnesses and related problems are discussed, with knowledge of simple home remedies and hospitalisation. These are dealt with in all books of the same genre.

The first and the fourth sections are the important additions that mark this book as innovative and extremely useful. This is no 'old wine in new bottles' type of effort. At the very outset, Dr. Anand addresses the needs of the pregnant mother and preparation for parenthood. Touching on the ideal age for motherhood, he advises on correct diet and the development of emotional attitudes conducive to parenting. With remarkable insight he describes the role of religion and spirituality as well as the efficacy of Indian traditions used realistically.

He brings to the notice of the reader, the close connection between the body and the mind. He builds on the traditional Indian knowledge of child care and introduces practical information relevant to Indian social conditions. For example, how to, and when to give your child knowledge about sex, how to develop a caring nature by giving the child pet, and even how to help a child cope with death in the immediate family when such an unfortunate situation arises.

An entirely new topic is introduced in the book covering the question of adoption. This will prove to be an invaluable guide to childless couple who are considering bringing home a baby from a foundling home. Indians do not show as much interest in adoption as do many Europeans, possibly due to due to inhibitions that are traditional. That adoption can be very satisfying and a joy for the parents is emphasised in this part of the book apart from how to cope with questions that the adopted child may ask from time to time.

What strikes the reader as absolutely novel and really in keeping with the needs of the times is how Dr. Anand unobtrusively addresses the role of the husband/father as a person equally necessary in the processes of bringing up a child. And last but not the least, is his reference to the child as 'she' and 'her' from time to time in the book. This is in striking contrast to most books that seem to imply that by referring to the child as 'he' they are automatically including the girl! A perfect addition to any home library collection, this is a book worth reading and mulling over for the young and the old.

Nilakshi Jatar

The Penguin India Guide to Child Care, by Dr. R.K. Anand