latenac

Funny and a breath of fresh air, Mar 23 2004

Although What to Expect and Dr. Sears are nice books, what was missing for me was a book with "just the facts" no discussion of parenting styles or anything along those lines, just "if baby is crying it may be b/c of x, y or z." And this book provides that in a simple, clear and amusing way. It's what we used when we prepared to give a bath for the first time to our newborn. It's listing of games and exercises for development has been useful. And it has provided much needed laughs at times. I love the discussion of stuffed animals and how the model will not believe that stuffed are not alive until 10 or 12 years of age. I'm not giving it 5 stars b/c I wish it dealt with… Read more

poorly organised, mostly unhelpful., Mar 11 2004

I find this book for the most part extremely unhelpful. The index is poorly organized. It always takes at least 10 minutes for me to find anything that I'm trying to look up. And then when I do the section often doesn't deal with what I'm trying to find out about. I do like the milestone sections at the beginning of each month. I also find it's overly alarmist views on anything vaguely different annoying. I had the same problem with What to Expect When You're Expecting. Basically it's a good guide if you wish to be overly cautious about your child and even then lots of info is missing.

Researched, funny satire, much like The Daily Show, Mar 3 2004

I thought this book was extremely funny. Although a little more left wing than John Stewart tends to be, it's the same sort of humor that leaves you saying, "It's funny b/c it's true." And then you're left with a grimace as you it hits you some of these frightening things are true.