July 14, 2006

The book that helped to guide generations of new parents through the stages of child-raising, Dr. Spock's Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care, was published 60 years ago today. Author Dr. Benjamin Spock was a pediatrician who advised parents and other child-care givers to use common sense in raising their charges. His book sold nearly a million copies annually from the time it was published, and became the top-selling nonfiction book of all time. Espousing a more affectionate and flexible attitude towards child-rearing, Spock did not believe in using harsh disciplinary tactics with children.