Stop Second-Guessing Yourself: The Toddler Years: A Field-Tested Guide to Confident Parenting

by Jen Singer

When it comes to raising a toddler, forget about 'what to expect.' It's the unexpected that transforms calm, collected women into frazzled, fried moms. Days when you're running on four hours' sleep and your toddler is melting down on the grocery store floor; times when you're wondering how to dislodge a small object from your child's nose; or those minutes when you think it surely must be two o'clock…except it's only ten thirty. So much for the blessed moments that moms admit to. Welcome to reality. In Stop Second-Guessing Yourself -- The Toddler Years , award-winning web site creator and blogger Jen Singer offers the same camaraderie, advice, and encouragement she's become known for as the Internet's favorite Momma. Filled with proven real-world parenting tips, moms' true confessions, and plenty of humor, this validating guide will help you survive the toddler years with more confidence. From bedtime to naps, feeding and potty-training, finding the right playgroup to finding mom-time, it's all here and more. It's the field guide to confident parenting that you'll want to keep in the diaper bag, just in case.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

246 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

As most reviewers say - it's mostly common sense, so, not a lot of direction in terms of discipline. But it was reassuring, gave me some ideas, and most of all, made me laugh out loud - a LOT! That in itself made the read worth it.

[Megan Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't particularly surprised by the information in the book for the most part, but it always feels reassuring to hear other parents in similar situations and consider different approaches to handling parenting.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it funny, relatable and helpful.

[Maria]

Advice seemed to just be cliches and “deal with its”!

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like this was a funny book to read just because of the anecdotes, but I didn't learn anything new from it.

[Polly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title of this book is misleading.
Made me laugh out loud in moments.
I appreciated that the author validates how difficult it I'd to have a toddler.
Ihave different approach to discipline than author suggests.
Creative ideas for things to do with toddlers.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is mostly common sense. A few good ideas, but not much substance otherwise. One interesting thing was the statisitc on how long it takes to potty train and I also appreciated her down-to-earth approach to dealing with kids in real life - not just ideals.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read. So funny! Although, a lot is common sense the author writes in such a humorous style that it keeps you wanting to read. Made me feel validated as a parent of a 2 year-old. I'm not alone!

[Jennifer Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS!
If you have a toddler or baby, this is a MUST!

[Kristina Hoerner · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the book had a few good points, it was all pretty common sense and did not teach me things I did not already know.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm glad to know that my son isn't the only toddler that is going through an "I do it" phase. Basic message...trust your gut and your kid will be okay.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

a few good tips, but nothing I didn't already know.

[Bree · Rating 3 out of 5]

A laugh out loud funny book, with lots of sidebars and stories, but I came away feeling there wasn't much substance or knowledge imparted.

[Whitney · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot of common sense stuff. It's got some funny stories and a lot of the polls were helpful to see where I was in line with other moms...but other than that it was just an ok read.

[Ellen C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that every mom needs a book that tells her she's doing fine to read every now and then and I would recommend this book for that.

[Elke Ursin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did get some laughs from some of the stories but overall didn't really learn much new stuff. Pretty much common sense info in this book.

[AJ Conroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few nuggets of practical advice.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not exactly informational, but an enjoyable read that was easy to read a paragraph at a time.

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, yes, most of it was common sense, but I love Singer's writing style, and I gleaned a bit of new information as I read. I don't regret picking this up from the library. ;)

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as helpful as I had hoped.

[Christina Vandall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Not only did it give good advice, it made me laugh. It also made me look forward to/ worry about my daughter getting slightly older.

[Nettie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only just started this book but it is hilarious!

[Elizabeth C S · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't really find any good information overall in this book. I prefer authors with some more education because can find 'mom tips' online.