Child Development

New Book Alert: A Parenting Lifesaver You’ll Actually Want to Read

Prof Claudia Gray’s new book Real Parenting & Paediatrics is the must-read parenting guide every South African parent needs.
Prof Claudia Gray’s new book Real Parenting & Paediatrics is the must-read parenting guide every South African parent needs.

Every parent knows the feeling: mystery fevers at midnight, screen-time battles, toddler tantrums, teenage mood swings, and the endless “is this normal?” panic.

Enter Prof Claudia Gray, paediatrician, allergy expert, academic powerhouse – and mum of four – who has written the book parents have been waiting for: Real Parenting & Paediatrics: Your all-in-one guide from tiny tots to teens.

Packed with relatable advice and backed by science, the book cuts through the noise of “Dr Google” to deliver trustworthy guidance you can actually use.

What’s Inside the Book?

Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of parenting guides. With checklists, stories, and easy-to-follow advice, it covers:

  • Developmental milestones, nutrition, sleep and routines
  • Allergies and how to spot them
  • Toddler fevers and red flags that mean “call the doctor”
  • Screen-time survival tips
  • First aid and safety basics every caregiver should know
  • Emotional and mental health support for children (and their parents)

“It’s not about overwhelming parents with jargon,” says Prof Gray. “It’s about being that calm, trusted friend you turn to when parenting gets tough.”

Why Parents Love It

Medical colleagues are already praising the book. Dr Nokukhanya Khanyile-Lenake calls it “a lifeline in a format that’s easy to read and understand.” Prof Debbie White adds, “An absolute must-read for all new caregivers navigating parenthood.”

The tone is warm, practical, and rooted in decades of experience – making it as reassuring for first-time parents as it is for seasoned caregivers.

Meet the Author

Prof Gray is one of South Africa’s most respected paediatricians and allergy specialists. She regularly shares expert advice on SABC’s Espresso Show, eTV News, Cape Talk, Smile FM, Radio 702, and more. Her global research work and academic credentials are impressive, but it’s her compassion as both a doctor and a mother that shines through in her writing.

“She gets it,” say parents. Sleepless nights, endless questions, and the daily juggle of raising resilient kids – this book reflects her lived experience and professional wisdom.

Written by
Charis Torrance

Charis Torrance has spent over a decade and a half in the magazine world, with bylines at House & Leisure, Marie Claire, Sunday Times Neighbourhood, and FAIRLADY. Now she’s landed in the editor’s chair at Baby’s and Beyond – the perfect gig to dive deeper into her newest role: mum life. Between chasing deadlines, wrangling a chaos gremlin (read: toddler), being a saintly partner, and carving out a sliver of ‘me time’, Charis is living proof that multitasking is a sport, which she may or may not be winning.

Click Cover To Read Online

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