Naptime Is the New Happy Hour. And Other Ways Toddlers Turn Your Life Upside Down

Customer Reviews

Great second offering!

2008-05-25
I read Sippy Cups because my wife couldn't put it down and kept laughing. I read Naptime before my wife even had a chance to crack the cover. It did not disappoint, picking up where the other book left off. It made me laugh (a lot) and also reminded me (and my wife) that these times are crazy, frustrating, and ultimately annoying. Great read for anyone with a sense of humor looking for a little relief during the day.

what a great find

2008-05-21
This book was in my recommendations list, i took a chance and got it. It was so funny and insightful. a very truthful look and being a mommy to a toddler. laugh out loud funny, but also so good to know that you are not the only one out there dealing with this crazy life. I am the only one of my friends with a toddler, and i had been really having a hard time trying to be supermom and this book got through where my mom, my hubby and 2 therapists could not and that is the only person that expects me to be perfect is myself. So i know i got a little deep there for basically comedy book, but this really snapped me out of those long lasting baby (and toddler) blues!

Do not buy this book. It is terrible! Don't fill your mind with this nonsense!

2008-05-16
I was given this book as a gift to be a source of relaxation and humor and I do not recommend it to anyone. The author's tone is very sarcastic and negative. She is like one of those women who likes to get together and complain about how difficult their life is with children. I have a couple of friends like this and I try to avoid them. I tried to get pregnant for 2 years and I prayed to God that if He would ever bless me with a baby I would NEVER complain about my baby. Also, I just try to get rid of negativism in general. A book can be humorous without being negative. Why would anyone think that complaining about how difficult children can be is humorous? Research shows that optimistic people have less stress, they are healthier, they live longer, and they enjoy life more.

I don't like the author's advice either....her advice typically follows something like "never take your toddler to Crate and Barrel" or "never bring your toddler into a toy store because you will spend too much money." I don't agree with that...I think every situation is an opportunity to teach children. I want to read a book that offers creative solutions -- NOT TELL ME TO AVOID GOING TO CERTAIN PLACES. That is nonsense! I would approach it differently by telling my child that he could pick out one thing in this designated area or (if he was old enough) giving my child an amount (20 dollars or something like that) and telling him he could pick out a toy for that amount. Or, if we were at the store to buy something for someone else, we would keep the focus on his cousin so and so because it is so and so's birthday and we want to pick out something for another person.

Yes, this approach takes a lot more time and patience, but why should we expect children to act like adults if we never take the time to train them? I believe child rearing is a training process and this process starts early. If parents would put in the time to teach their children while their children are young, they would not have so many problems when their children become teenagers and adults. Love, attention, and time go a long way!

As you can see, this book struck a cord with me. I get frustrated when parents blame their children for things. Children need to be taught how to act and what is "acceptable" behavior and what is "unacceptable" behavior. Children are not born with this knowledge. Discipline is part of the training process and the training needs to be clear, meaningful, age-appropriate, and consistent. I like Elizabeth Pantley's books as they follow this method.

If more women had difficulty getting pregnant, I doubt they would take pleasure in complaining about their children (or find it humorous). Enjoy every minute with your child. The days go by quickly and your children will be out of the house before you know it. Children are a gift....not a burden. Please don't fill your mind with the nonsense in this book!

A funny easy read

2008-05-14
I ordered this book after seeing a review on a blog I read. I finished it in a few days! The author says what is on everyone's mind. I was actually laughing out loud reading this book.

A Nanny Weighs In...

2008-05-02
Let me start by saying I take care of children for a living and have been doing so for many years. I've worked with many different types of mothers and many different types of children - most of whom I've loved and cherished. But my favorite employers were the moms and dads who had a more lighthearted approach to parenting. My current employer was reading this book and laughing out loud so many times I finally asked her what was so funny. She showed me the book and told me I had to read it when she was done. Well, I've just finished it and I LOVED it. The author covers so many of the hilarious aspects of raising (and working with) toddlers. I especially enjoyed her take on temper tantrums (they are natural - but that doesn't mean we have to enjoy or indulge them always)and I appreciated her laid back approach to her child. I love that she's not crazy uptight about sugar and television (even though I personally believe both should be in moderation)and I think it's great that she encourages other mothers not to get caught up in whether or not their children are picky eaters or polite to a fault. The bottom line is the book made me laugh out loud in every chapter and I couldn't help but wonder if she needs a nanny! I've got references!!

Funniest book for mom's EVER!!

2008-07-21
This book gives a perfect description of what "normal" moms are. As a mother of three, most days I don't start cleaning or getting dressed unless I have to leave the house or an hour before my husband gets home. The author gives us the OK to do that citing that she is just like us. I think moms worry too much about how their children will turn out if they make mistakes too often. I make them all day long and my kids are fine, as the author states about hers.

The author tells her tales from finding a pre-school that doesn't involve a brief case and punchcard for kids to admitting that having sex once a month is normal after children. This book seemed to speak directly to me and my life. It made me feel like a better mother. Don't miss out on this one, ladies!

Loved it!! I think I loved it even more than sippy cups.

2008-07-03
I think I liked this book every more than sippy cups! Makes me feel like I am not alone out there and personally I love sarcastic humor. Too bad I live on the east coast and can not immediately try to make myself Stephanie's BFF.

Good book!

2008-07-02
There are a zillion of these books about being a mom...and frankly, many are good! This one was, too! I enjoyed it a lot and like so many of these books, it made me feel better about all the foibles of parenthood, and not so alone in it all!

It Was A Pick Me Up Book

2008-06-15
I loved this book. So many things she wrote are things I have thought about or are living everyday. I love my kid, he lights up my life (yeah, cheesy, I know), but he's two. He acts two. It gave me a much needed pick me up. Currently my husband is overseas and I feel overwhelmed and wonder if I'm doing a good job. This book made me feel like even though I'm not perfect, I'm a good mom and I'm not alone.

this mom knows my toddler!

2008-05-29
This book is hysterical! It is a light, quick read. And it amazes me how similar her experiences are to mine! I highly recommend it!