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When my first child was born, I knew nothing about parenting. I was a 23 year old single mother and was living with my parents. From the day my daughter was born, I took my responsibility for her very seriously. She was my responsibility and I had my own perspective on life, which was just a bit different from my parents perspective. In any case, I would listen attentively to their parenting tips and parenting advice, but when all was said and done I would do things my way, and I think that my mother thought I was way off base, honestly, she probably still does. It really doesn't matter though, because it is always good to hear other people's take on things and listen to the advice and their experiences, you can take some information from them, but parenting is a delicate balance between that parent and that child, and that is why it is not such a simple thing to parent a child. It is like a dance, and each child is a different partner and in need of their own style, which you can only adapt so much to, because there is only one you. Sure you can read books, they do help, especially if you can really find one that deals with what you are going through at the time and resolves using a method that suits your personality style. For instance, I was kind of poopooed by people for allowing my children to sleep in bed with me. I was told I just needed to put them in a crib and let them scream until they fell asleep night after night, and eventually it would break their will and they would learn to go to sleep on their own. Well, that may have been true, but I would have needed to be highly sedated to make it through their crying for a half hour or so a night. Now granted, I am not saying that is a bad method, I am just saying for me, I couldn't stand it. In any case, I think that you must find the parenting methods that work best for you, and I really think that there are a lot of good parenting resources to help you through the process. Checking out websites and forums in addition to books and television, I have found out some very helpful things and have gotten tips from some very wise seasoned parents on issues that were relevant to me at the moment. Using all resources available can help to put your mind at ease. Parenting is not easy, not for any parent and you are not alone.