Stars: *****
I have not read Secrets of the Baby Whisperer but this book was great. Granted, since I read so much, I already knew most of these tactics even before my children were born but it is different actually putting them into practice sometimes.
Chapter Headings: Toddler Whispering, Loving the Toddler You Have, H.E.L.P. to the rescue, R&R (Routines and Rituals), Nappies No More, Toddler Talk, The Real World, Conscious Discipline, Time Busters and When Baby Makes Four.
However, before I go on about what I liked about this book, I must state the one thing that I HATED about this book. I’m not your luv or your ducky. I hate it when people call me hun or luv and it’s even worse through a book when it’s someone you’ve never even met. Every time she said luv or ducky I wanted to hurl the book across the room. When she does a reprint, I STRONGLY advise her to take those terms out. It’s degrading and makes me feel like a stupid girl who knows nothing about the subject of child rearing. However, as annoying as that is, it doesn’t have anything to do with the actual information in this book which is why it’s still 5 stars.
I think the Loving the Toddler You Have chapter is THE most important. A lot of toddler troubles start because parents aren’t accepting the type of child they have and are expecting them to be someone they are not. Tracy Hogg puts children into one of 5 categories, Angel, Textbook, Touchy, Grumpy and Spirited. Depending on which category your child falls into, will depend on how they react to certain situations. For example an Angel toddler will make new friends easily and will have little problem sharing toys and playing with others. A touchy or grumpy child however won’t want to be looked at or touched, let alone sharing toys. However, there is NOTHING you can do to change your child.
All throughout the book, real-life stories are told along with how Tracy helped the family with their problem(s.) Also tips are woven throughout as well. I always find real-life stories much easier to identify with than hypothetical ones.
I STRONGLY recommend this book to ALL parents of toddlers, preferably once your child turns 8 months. Don’t wait.
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