Ready or Not . . . There We Go!: The Real Experts' Guide to the Toddler Years with Twins by Elizabeth Lyons (30-Jun-2005) Paperback

by Elizabeth Lyons

Excellent Book

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published June 30, 2006

About the author

Elizabeth Lyons is many things: mom, friend, writing and publishing coach, lunch maker, chauffeur, hostage negotiator, author, on-call plumber, tile layer, guitar student, window washer, designer, and on and on.

She demands the right to do things her way -- a way that often defies even the most creative imaginations--and she strives to inspire others to do things THEIR way (once they figure out what their way is!).

Elizabeth lives in Arizona with her five kids, crazy dog, four barely surviving organic gardens and whatever (or whomever) has taken up residence with them since her latest manuscript went to print.

Reviews

[Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted far more on managing TWIN toddlers, but she wasted too much time in the first half of the book on toddler parenting in general. No offense, but there are hundreds of highly rated books out there dedicated to raising one baby at a time or managing siblings born in succession. I still haven't figured out how to bring my twins to the park or to a story hour by myself (my guess is I just can't), but at least the author finally offered tangible advice on potty training two at once and separate vs shared bedrooms...

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I did happen to really enjoy it! :)

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. It’s nice to hear about the experiences of other parents of multiples, what worked, what didn’t, and things to try. It’s nice to glean the chaos going on with other folks and know I’m ok and in good company.

[Carrie Stewart · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot of it feels more like a memoir than a guide and there are some judgey moments I could do without.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book did succeed in answering some of my questions (do I need 2 potties or can I get by with one?) It also addressed some issues I don't have to deal with yet (do they stay together in the same class when they go to school?). I have boy/girl twins who will probably have different friends as they get older. It did not address my birthday party questions (do you have two parties? On the same day?) But I can let that slide. Really, the only thing I didn't like was her advise about marriage. It went on for too long and just got in the way. If you have twins I highly suggest her books, (especially the first one). They are fun to read and full of real world suggestions and experiences.

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was definitely entertaining to read, however, in the whole it really fell short for me. It started off strong and then faded. I felt the author was trying to hard to follow in the footsteps of "A Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy", etc. Her own personal stories were very entertaining, but I found the addition of her "friend's" perspective kind of forced. Much of the advice she gave is not something that I would want to follow. It is also TOTALLY geared for stay-at-home mom's (which is a MUCH harder job than going to work), but because of that, it didn't relate to the issues that I have as a working mom too much. It's a fun read, but not the best.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

My boys are as difficult - and as lovable - as Jack and Henry. They're triplets plus a big brother. It did my heart good to finally discover a household that is almost as crazy as mine and to see how that mommy handles it. There's hope for us!

Can anybody recommend a triplets version of this book? Or a version for a mom who is the bread-winner (Dad works, too)? So many challenges...always looking for useful ideas.

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high expectations for this book, and it didn't deliver. I'm not sure I'd consider her an "expert", it didn't seem like she knew any more than any other twins mom figures out on her own. It was pretty chatty, and not that funny. I sometimes think about the duct tape story, but that's about it.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very humorous, cute read about surviving twins in the toddler years, but I have to admit--some of Lyons stories struck fear through the heart of me! 8 MONTHS OF BABIES RIPPING OFF DIAPERS AND PAINTING EACH OTHER WITH ITS CONTENTS?!? Seriously? I'm terrified!

Lyons has a great sense of humor and a fabulous network of friends that also have twins--both a necessity when raising multiples.

[Louise Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of it is brilliant - potty training, how to deal with them wanting the same stuff, getting out and about with two ticking tantrum time bombs. Other bits - mostly about her marriage and the importance of getting a therapist on speed dial etc. weren't all that useful and the equipment recommendations are all American/not available. Still a good read.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read most of this book, excluding the parts that pertain to 2-4 year olds since my kids aren't there yet. Again, excellent book by a lady who's been there. She's very funny and easy to read, which is a necessity when you're trying to sneak chapters during nap time.

[Katarzyna L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Life with Twin toddlers, and I thought my kids were nuts! :)

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome awesome awesome. I really enjoyed the anecdotes and hilarious been there stories that made me laugh out loud!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but no where near as incredible as her first book of advice.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite there with the toddlers but it is a great resource in preparation!

[Karissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book for mom's of Twins!