Book Review: Making the "Terrible" Twos Terrific!

Making the "Terrible" Twos Terrific!
Author: John Rosemond
Published: Paperback August 13, 2013 (originally published 1993) Andrews McMeel Publishing

PUBLISHER'S SYNOPSIS:

In a completely revised and updated edition of his classic parenting guide, nationally recognized expert John Rosemond offers practical, tantrum-free methods for raising toddlers and getting them through the "terrible" times from age eighteen to thirty-six months. Focusing on the developmental period spanning age eighteen to thirty-six-months, which renowned parenting expert John Rosemond dubs, "the twos" Making the & "Terrible" Twos Terrific! offers practical parenting advice to ensure that every child's "twos" are terrific.

By offering comprehensive tips on everything from toilet training to developing good habits for bedtime, as well as disciplinary techniques to control aggressive behaviors, Making the "Terrible" Twos Terrific! approaches parenting in a straightforward, accessible manner that is easy for parents to implement and achieve success with their toddlers.

No bribing, meltdowns, nudging, or cajoling are necessary. All parents need is consistent, firm, and loving interactions with their toddler to guide him or her during the developmental years. The methods described by Rosemond also translate to success throughout other life endeavors such as school, relationship building, and even productivity in the distant tween and teen years. To ensure that earthquaking foot stomps, decibel-shattering screaming, and consistently stubborn behavior are not the norm for your toddler, consult Rosemond's Making the "Terrible" Twos Terrific!.

MY REVIEW:

Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

No! No. No, no, no, no, no... A thousand times NO! Just no.

In light of the fact that we have entered "the twos" in my household, I thought this Galley came my way with providential timing. Not that my "terrible" twos have been so unbearable thus far that I needed guidance (thank the powers that be for my generally cooperative munchkin), but any parent that tells you they've got it, thanks-but-no-thanks for your advice, is LYING! We can all use a little insight from someone else every now and then. This book is just NOT the place to look- for me anyway.

In general, the author spends his time criticizing modern mothers (in particular) and parents (in general). Now, most of what he says about the helicopter-parenting and then psychological development stages of the toddler is legit. Don't get me wrong on that. However, it's his editorializing on the terrible, horrible parents who tend to their child's every whim that is just NOT helpful. 

Okay- I get it, some moms (and dads) out there need to stop the constant attention and child-serving. You've made your point, now move on to the substance... Oh- you just want to keep lambasting? Oh- well, then I'll just keep skimming and find the part where it stops. Oh- there isn't one? Well then...

In between the constant pontificating, Rosemond does attempt to provide advice. However, it may just be me, but most of what he offers seems like common sense and second nature-type stuff. I guess for parents who didn't grow up around siblings or other kids, some of what he has to offer might be helpful, but most of the time I just found myself saying, "Yeah, and?" 

Not sure how or why this book has such high reviews elsewhere. In fact, a lot of the reviews that give even 3-star ratings are actually quite negative. I suppose this is one of those times that the star-rating vs. review substance will be deceiving for some readers.  

In my humble parenting/mommy blogger opinion, if you're curious what Rosemond has to say about the "terrible twos", you're better off just asking your own parents or grandparents. Yes, you'll be subject to some lecturing, but chances are what you'll take away will be more useful (and you'll waste less of your precious non-toddler time).