The Mighty Toddler: The Essential Guide to the Toddler Years

by Robin Barker

This is the most comprehensive guide available for parents of kids ages 1 to 3. This author's humorous and common sense advice keeps parents sane and smiling.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Reference

566 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Robin Barker, retired registered nurse, midwife and child and family health nurse, is the author of Australia’s baby care classics, Baby Love and The Mighty Toddler. Close to Home is her first book of fiction.

Robin lives surrounded by her family in Sydney, near a famous beach where she swims out beyond the break several times a week.

Reviews

[Robin Barker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am the author of this book. I am only giving it two stars because this is the US edition published in 2002 and it is out of date.
The Mighty Toddler was first published in Australia in 2001 and since then I have done 2 editions and numerous revisions. The last edition was in 2009.
I was persuaded to do a US edition in 2001 a decision I now regret as The Mighty Toddler has not sold well in the US. Consequently, this edition keeps being dumped on the Australian market for a cheaper price. I know that many Australian readers end up with this edition not realising what they are buying.
My US publishers, Rowman & Littlefield, will not agree to publishing a new edition but nor will they let it die. It seems it ticks along enough for them to keep reprinting it.
This is extremely frustrating for me and I advise all potential purchasers of my books to look for the Australian 2009 print book edition of The Mighty Toddler, published by Pan Macmillan, Australia or the 2014 e-edition published by Xoum, Australia.

[Anthony Eaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

THis might seem like an odd choice for my review list, but it's one well worth putting up here, I think.

First of all, this book has continually been a godsend. Not because you read it and then know everything-you-need-to-know about parenting a toddler (you don't) but because it's one of those books you can pull off the shelves during those moments when everything is going wrong (ie: 2 year old screaming his / her head off, bashing it on the floor while simultaneously throwing his / her dinner, biting anything within range, and throwing yoghurt at the wall. In a supermarket. In front of your parents.) and find, if nothing else, the reassurance that you're not doing anything wrong.

Unlike a lot of the other baby and toddler 'how-to' books on the market, Barker is in no way didactic or judgemental, but simply takes a down-to-earth approach to pretty much everything. Which, when it's the middle of the night and you're second guessing yourself, is a very handy resource to have on tap.

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish Robyn was my grandmother.
This book wasn't as helpful as Baby Love, mostly because I haven't needed as much help with the toddler stage. But I love the little bites of insight and wisdom, and practical commentary on how the world has changed for women and what that means for parenting.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are better books for specific issues like making toddlers sleep, eat, or become independent. And some sentences are vaguely offensive. But as a one-stop-shop, this is a good option.

It makes a good reference book for those who would rather avoid the wilds of parenting sites, and read cover-to-cover (as I did, as the parent of an 18-month-old) it’s very validating. No, we’re not imagining it: toddlers are bloody hard work, and yes, their mightiness is inspiring, infuriating and bloody adorable.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A common sense, empathetic, sanity saver

[Rupert Hogan-Turnbull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and practical advice written in an engaging and at times entertaining way. Reduces stress levels comprehensively.

[Danya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Robin Barker. Logic, commonsense and non-judgemental.

It's great that she offers a range of solutions, the pros and cons and lets you decide what suits you/your toddler/the wind direction on any given day.

The structure and index are also brilliant, because it always seems to know what you want to know about in any given situation. A brilliant sequel to Baby Love (aka the baby bible).

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A no-nonsense guide to the wonders of toddlers. A great overview of lots of common toddler issues with advice on how to manage various toddler behaviours. Growth, behaviour, food, potty training, child care, health and more are all discussed objectively (the author's viewpoint is clear, but all of the facts and arguments are presented) and with a touch of humour. I enjoyed reading through it and I know that I will refer back to specific sections whenever I need a little reminder.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t read baby love so lack the ability to compare but it doesn’t matter. This book is full of sensible and sound advice. It’s not fancy, revolutionary, creative or out-of-the-box and that’s exactly what I appreciate about it. I relied heavily on advice from Australian early-childhood nurses in the first three months of my child’s life and it is immensely reassuring to again be able to lean on the words of an author who has decades of experience in that occupation.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very comprehensive and common sense guide that I am sure I'll refer back to. Robin Barker presents a lot of different viewpoints, strategies and ideas in a fair and non-judgemental way, leaving parents to choose strategies that work for them and their child.

[Meghan Douglas · Rating 3 out of 5]

More sensible and calming advice from early childhood expert Robin Barker.

[JoJo Kirkman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent book, I recommend this book to any mother with a toddler/toddlers.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Easy to read, sensible & I especially like how she is non-judgemental while still providing sound advice. Highly recommend.

[Ebony · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not nearly as helpful or comprehensive as 'Baby Love'

[Ashe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sequel to the bible

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I look back at this book for advice. Like Baby Love, not preachy, just helpful.

[Kirstie]

Ugh.