Let’s start with the basics!

WHAT: Beyond Books Parenting (BBP) offers personalized support and expert guidance on infant development, emotional attachment, and sleep to parents so that they have the confidence and skills necessary to raise thriving babies. Behind BBP, there is me, Amy Rhodes. I have a Master of Education degree in Counseling from DePaul University, I’m a CAPPA-trained New Parent Educator, and I have over 16 years’ experience in education and childcare. My clients tend to describe me as someone who has “been there, done that” because I’m experienced and bring all that knowledge to the table.

“Beyond Books Parenting offers personalized parenting support and expert guidance”

WHO: BBP is for new and expectant parents. People come to parenthood in lots of different ways! Hetero partnerships, same-sex partnerships, self-partnerships. Through pregnancy, adoption, surrogacy, and fostering. With excitement, anxiety, surprise, hesitation, and wonder. BBP is open and inclusive of ALL ways of approaching and experiencing parenthood!

WHERE: In Chicago and beyond (see what I did there?)!

HOW: BBP offers personalized parenting support through one-on-one consultations and individually-tailored support. The guidance one family needs on sleep isn’t going to be the same as the guidance another family may need. BBP acknowledges that parenting is not one-size-fits all and treats each parent and baby as the distinct person they are. BBP is parenting support just for you!

WHEN: BBP will be open for services in two weeks! I’ll teleconference through Zoom and other video-chatting platforms, meet up in public parks and other outdoor spaces (as weather allows, of course), and – as I’m fully vaccinated and due to get a booster shot in a few weeks – come to the homes of those who feel safe and comfortable.

Why “Beyond Books Parenting”?

WHY: I landed on the phrase "beyond books" while conceptualizing how I wanted to offer parenting support because I know that there's only so much a book can do. And do you really have the time to read all the books? If all you get are conflicting ways of thinking of your baby and if you’re repeatedly told that there's one "right" way to parent, then it only gets confusing and overwhelming and judgmental.

There's no one "right" way to parent. There are wrong ways, to be sure, but no single line that leads you from expectant parent to thriving baby. I want to work with parents to figure out the way that feels right for you, as parents, and your baby. There are the elements that no one prepares you for, there are elements that are far less complicated than books and posts and online groups make it seem, and there are the elements that sound pretty easy when read but are difficult in practice (I’m looking at you, consistency!) I want to partner with parents to help you navigate all that.

Well, there you have it! The basics of Beyond Books Parenting. What do you think? Is this a service you can see yourself using? Are there any topics you’d specifically want to learn about that I didn’t list here?

I’m hoping to create a safe community for any and all that want to join, and I’d love to here from you!