Why I Need You

The birth of a baby is both wondrous and miraculous - often described as the happiest day of a parent’s life. Mixed with joy and anticipation of welcoming a new life into the world is the overwhelming feeling of being completely responsible for the nurturing and well-being of a new human. I wish my daughter had come with an instruction book, writes Gregory Lang, a parent’s manual of endless details describing all possible infant behaviours. Since no book existed, Lang, like millions of others, felt his way along and learned by trial and error. Why I Need You is a record of what he learned - the manual that did not come with his daughter. There were times when I wanted desperately for her to speak to me and tell me what it was that she needed, Lang says. He thinks she might have said I need you to make sure that my bath water is not too hot and to pick me up when I reach for you.