I think this book might have been more useful if I was not pretty sensitive myself. As it was, I think I got more insights about myself as a kid than I think this book might have been more useful if I was not pretty sensitive myself. As it was, I think I got more insights about myself as a kid than I did about raising two HSCs. I think the descriptive information presented here is much better than the proscriptive stuff-- some of her suggestions start to get into helicopter territory, and some are just plain bad ideas (make your kid and their bully hang out? no thanks). I'm glad I read it, it had some useful observations, but it wasn't some kind of lightning bolt that will change everything. ...more
The star I deducted is not really the authors' fault-- I just wish there were more data on this subject! The authors, to their credit, are very clear The star I deducted is not really the authors' fault-- I just wish there were more data on this subject! The authors, to their credit, are very clear about what is scientifically/statistically supported versus what hasn't been (or can't be) studied. I appreciated their clarity and straightforwardness. There were definitely parts of the book that made me uncomfortable, but really, that's why I read it-- to figure out how to address my own discomfort and help my kids grow up feeling confident and secure. I can tell I will probably have to go back and reread sections when the time comes (as currently the little ones are still quite little), but I am so glad to have this book as a resource!...more
This book, for me, was the perfect antidote to all the other books and websites I read while pregnant. Ironically, every time a Serious Baby Book sentThis book, for me, was the perfect antidote to all the other books and websites I read while pregnant. Ironically, every time a Serious Baby Book sent me into panic about what was about to happen to me (particularly since I had a scheduled c-section and several of said Serious Books were rather intentionally frightening on the topic) I would pick up Let's Panic and feel much better.
It has also provided hours of entertainment for both my mother and mother-in-law when they come over to help with the twins. Then again, I share a fairly whacked sense of humor with both these wonderful ladies.
Certainly not for everyone (particularly if you don't like cursing or discussions of babies that involve things other than "oh they're so wonderful"), but this book really was a great fit for me. A welcome addition to my parenting library!...more
Beautiful art and some incredible (also batshit wacky) ideas. Definitely an enjoyable read. I may up the rating later after I've read more of the seriBeautiful art and some incredible (also batshit wacky) ideas. Definitely an enjoyable read. I may up the rating later after I've read more of the series-- as it is, this six-issue compilation doesn't cover quite enough of the story, as it's quite busy introducing all sorts of bizarre and fascinating characters and worlds. Also points for one of the best first-lines I've read in a book possibly ever, maybe with the exception of Tom Stoppard's Arcadia....more
I have read this book over the first three years of my kids' lives. It was a bit of a slog toward the end, since the important stuff is repeated quiteI have read this book over the first three years of my kids' lives. It was a bit of a slog toward the end, since the important stuff is repeated quite a bit. I found this book most useful when I was a new parent and suffering from a profound sense of "what have I gotten myself into?!" Satter's division of responsibility has been very helpful in both helping me to parent my kids, but also in giving me permission to not stress about food as much as I would have. The guidelines are good and helpful, though he devil is in the details especially for older toddlers and preschoolers, I'm finding now. Still, I think this book have me a good grounding for both the nutritional and developmental aspects of kid-feeding and for that I am grateful!...more