> My dad's always saying "There's no book on parenting."

This is both literally factually wrong and basically correct in its underlying message.

There are, of course, very many books on parenting and very many being published every day. What there isn't, though, is something correct, clear, authoritative, comprehensive, accessible, and easily filtered out by the layman from the noise of all the stuff published which meets none of those criteria.

Perhaps more on point, there's no general education on parenting.

For an authoritative source, you might try "Caring for your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5", by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

https://www.amazon.com/Caring-Your-Baby-Young-Child/dp/05533...

It's authoritative though less than comprehensive, and more (though, unless I'm conflating it with something else, not entirely) focussed on physical health.

But, yes, I absolutely do think it's a good one.

> but you can't pay someone to raise your kids.

Actually, you can. It's called a nanny. If you prefer a cheaper version, it's called au pair.

I think there's more implied in 'raising' children than keeping them alive and transporting them to their scheduled activities, which is what I'd expect from a nanny or au pair.

Quite the contrary, a nanny will not just keep them nourished and on schedule, but also provide emotional comfort and educational activities.

It is less frequent now in the west, but in many countries kids are raised by nannies or relatives. Kids get very attached to their nannies- see Mary Poppins. It is a fictional tale, but it shows you how it was also the case in the West.

If your expectations are limted to keeping the kids alive and transporting them, your are thinking about a butler and a chauffeur. I would strongly recommend complementing them with a nanny. A good butler can help you select a nanny if you are not sure on which qualities you should hire.

>Quite the contrary, a nanny will not just keep them nourished and on schedule, but also provide emotional comfort and educational activities.

When my son was younger, we had a part-time nanny (about 15 hours/week) who was simply wonderful. She was always "present", focused on enrichment, and truly loved our son. Even though she hasn't been our nanny for many years, we still keep in touch and occasionally get together.

I've also seen the other side, where a nanny or au-pair is literally just an adult ensuring the kids are alive at the end of the day. Definitely one case where you'd want a solid reference!

Exactly why I suggested asking the butler! Solid references matter a lot

I have also had a great experience - as a kid. There was a strong emotional and learning component. I have very fond memories.

So what would you recommend for potential parents who don't have the years of hands-on experience that your wife had?

Be born with genes for incredible self discipline and emotional stamina, and your kids are likely to be born with those genes as well. In fact, all the books I read said that you have to apply the techniques with total consistency and regularity, or the method doesn't work. That's something I'm utterly incapable of doing.

> In fact, all the books I read said that you have to apply the techniques with total consistency and regularity, or the method doesn't work.

Note that's long been a line used when people are selling stuff they know doesn't work, because people don't do much of anything with total consistency and regularity, so when the inevitable failures occur, you've pre-biased the buyer of your woo to find an excuse to blame themselves, rather than the snake-oil you sold them.

Even if it's not knowing fraud, any parenting approach that doesn't accommodate and specifically address the reality that parents are fallible isn't going to work with real people very well, even if it might work for the mythical beasts it must be designed for.

I have a nanny friend. FWIW her advice is always (paraphrasing):

"Kids are like dogs, you reward and encourage behavior you want and punish and discourage behavior you do want."

Typo:

"Kids are like dogs, you reward and encourage behavior you want and punish and discourage behavior you do NOT want."