A Spy's Guide to Parenting

Christina Hillsberg, a former CIA analyst, met fellow spy Ryan Hillsberg, and together they applied their espionage training to parenting his three children from a previous marriage and their two own kids. Drawing from CIA tradecraft, they teach practical skills like self-defense, effective communication, conflict resolution, and situational awareness through relatable anecdotes. The book equips parents with tools to foster confident, security-conscious children ready to navigate life's challenges.

In 'The Family Firm', Emily Oster uses her background as an economist and business school professor to provide a framework for parents to make informed decisions about their children's education, health, extracurricular activities, and independence. The book introduces the 'Family Firm Toolbox', which includes the 'Four F's': Framing the Question, Fact-Finding, Final Decision, and Follow-Up. Oster emphasizes the importance of a systematic approach to family decision-making, drawing parallels between managing a business and managing a family. The book covers various topics such as choosing the right school, encouraging a healthy diet, and navigating day-to-day family logistics, all with a focus on reducing stress and making better decisions.

In *Expecting Better*, Emily Oster, an award-winning economist, evaluates the data behind conventional pregnancy rules and discovers that many are misguided or flat-out wrong. The book explains everything from the real effects of caffeine and alcohol to the surprising dangers of gardening, aiming to empower pregnant women to make their own informed decisions and enjoy a healthy and relaxed pregnancy. It is organized into sections covering conception, each trimester, and labor and delivery, making it accessible and practical for pregnant women.