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!

It's worth it!

A great read with some new perspectives! Dr. Cook lays it out with a unique look at pregnancy, parenting, and partnering. Science, humor, compassion, and love... her story illuminates the classic trials and tribulations we all face with a fresh voice. It's worth it!

I loved this book!

I wish I had this book when my children were born. The narrative of perfection is so prevalent in our culture. Bethany speaks candidly on the balance that all new mothers have to navigate. There is pressure from your own family”s experiences, what medical professionals tell us (which is based on averages), and what we feel in our gut as to what a new baby needs. Unfortunately there is no guide book to the most crucial job on Earth. For What it’s Worth acknowledges the fear of the unknown and gives the new mother permission to gather all the information available and then, listen to their gut and give baby and self what is needed. Such a needed book! Thank you Bethany!!

Fantastic advice and fun to read

This book had me laughing and feeling so seen. Not only does she give invaluable advice but she is hilarious! I highly recommend this entertaining and relatable book, and am grateful for all the wonderful insight!

Sound words for new parents

Dr. Cook shares personal experiences of life as a parent. You will laugh. cry, and find great joy about her experiences. The wisdom she shares throughout the book is priceless and reassuring to anyone who has ever felt they are not capable or unworthy of being a parent.

The BEST introduction to parenting you can find...

...because it's the most honest. Cook's perspective on parenting is fresh and down-to-earth, and if you are expecting a child, you need to hear the nitty-gritty about what is to come--not just what size fruit your fetus is. As a mother of two and a parenting writer for a women's lifestyle website, I'm throwing in my two cents: I found this book to be wholly engaging, thanks to Cook's wit, refreshingly relatable, and moving. The process of becoming a parent is truly transformative. Unfortunately, most parenting books miss the mark--they wax poetic about the beauty and joy of parenthood (there is plenty) but gloss over the fact that change is hard. For What It's Worth is just good advice from cover to cover and any parent who actually wants to know what to expect when expecting should look no further.

A must as you navigate the early childhood years!

Full of anecdotes, this book took me back to my own personal experiences with childbirth, the endless nights of caring for an infant, and navigating the terrific twos.

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!!