Parenting Right From the Start
Laying a Healthy Foundation in the baby and toddler years
All parents naturally want to do what’s best for their kids. But many parents struggle to know what this looks like in daily life. The act of parenting can also plunge adults back into their own childhoods, which may activate uncomfortable feelings, outmoded attitudes, and problematic responses. In the follow-up to her bestselling book Discipline Without Damage, Dr. Vanessa Lapointe shows us why mindful and connection-based parenting is essential to healthy child development.

Published by LifeTree Media, an imprint of Wonderwell
Release Date: October 8, 2019
Available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook
272 pages
$15.99 CAD / $23.99 USD
Build a firm, caring presence in the early years
Dr. Vanessa believes that the conscious focus of all parenting efforts should be nurturing a secure attachment. Supported by the latest scientific research, Dr. Vanessa shows how a strong bond with parents is the foundation from which children learn to regulate their emotions, master social skills, and develop a sense of identity. Yet many accepted parenting practices, such as sleep training and timeouts, disrupt healthy connection.
Parenting Right From the Start will show you how to nurture the vital connection between you and your child as you manage their physical needs and cope compassionately with their emotional growth. Learn how connection helps to grow a young child’s brain and how parents can be in charge without compromising healthy attachment. When you build a firm, caring, and connected presence in the early years, your child will lean into it for a lifetime.
Dr. Vanessa Lapointe
Dr. Vanessa Lapointe is the author of the bestselling Discipline Without Damage and award-winning Parenting Right From the Start. A registered psychologist, she is also the founder of The Wishing Star Lapointe Developmental Clinic. She has supported families and children for more than fifteen years and is a sought-after lecturer. She lives in Vancouver, Canada, with her partner and two sons.
Praise for Parenting Right From the Start
“This book paves the way for parenting that is connected, rewarding, and meaningful.”
Tina Payne Bryson, PhD, bestselling co-author of The Whole-Brain Child and No Drama Discipline
“A wise and encouraging guide to nurturing the life-changing connection between you and your child.”
Ann Douglas, bestselling author of Happy Parents, Happy Kids
“This is the book the world has been waiting for. It is the absolute best exploration of early parenting, gifting parents with so many beautiful understandings of this ancient and sacred dance.”
Maggie Dent, author of Mothering Our Boys and other books
“A brilliant, soulful, and insightful book on the primacy of early years. Connection and compassion shine in Dr. Vanessa’s parenting wisdom.”
Raffi Cavoukian, CM, OBC, singer, author, Raffi Foundation for Child Honouring
“Dr. Vanessa’s book is the one every parent needs to be able to navigate the white waters of parenting. If every parent read this book we could change the world within the next generation for the greater good of humanity.”
Kerwin Rae, creator of the podcast Unstoppable, entrepreneur, and international speaker
“Dr. Vanessa shows us that parents can choose the kind of parent they want to be. Grounded in the science of child development, Parenting Right From the Start is empowering, inspirational, and practical! A must-read for new parents and caregivers.”
Marilyn Price-Mitchell, PhD, developmental psychologist and author of Tomorrow’s Change Makers
Press, Awards, and More
Wonderwell Titles Selected as 2020 Nautilus Book Award Winners
The Nautilus Book Awards have announced their 2020 list of winners. We’re proud to share that our titles are among the gold and silver award recipients.
Parenting Right From the Start Wins a Silver IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award
Parenting Right From the Start by Dr. Vanessa Lapointe has won a silver award in the parenting & family category in the 32nd annual IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards!
Dr. Vanessa Lapointe interviewed on CTV Morning Vancouver
Dr. Vanessa Lapointe, author of Parenting Right From the Start, joins CTV News Vancouver and answers questions on how to keep kids busy and what to do about boredom.
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