Customer Reviews

Chaos 2 Calm: The Moms-of-Multiples' Guide to an Organized Family (Book & CD)

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Tonia Tomlin's day job is a Professional Organizer, a job that prepared her well for the advent of the incipient birth of a baby, an event that alters life styles of couples time wise, financially, and emotionally (good and bad!). But when that expected child is seen by ultrasound to be more than one (twins, triplets, etc etc) the impact can be staggering. That is where Tomlin's keen sense of organization skills hits the target. In this very well designed book Tomlin takes the concept of birthing more than one baby through multiple phases - not the least of which is the way the parents work as a team from day one (an ultrasound scale of revelation), preparing for togetherness during each trimester to preserve the bond that will likely be tested with the arrival of the 'group'.

But Tomlin only begins there, cementing the relationship of the parents by dedication to the concept of extended family unit, and marches us through the responses of friends and family to this news (warnings about gifts and loans are well taken), creating charts of responsibilities for feeding/changing/laundering/tending so that both partners have equal time and responsibilities, shopping lists both before the new ones arrive and supplying the cupboards and refrigerator and diaper supply afterwards, posted lists of contacts important to the care and management of the enlarged family, and nearly endless information about where to find the best bargains for supplies and for personal items.

She guides us through the need for keeping journals, so as not to let the days/months/years slip out of memory, and endless copies of forms that the reader would otherwise have to research to find - how to get copies of all birth certificates that are required to enter into plans that many companies and stores have for parents of multiples. In other words Tonia Tomlin lets the shock of multiple births settle by instilling an appreciation of organization of the everyday complexities of coping with the chaos. This is a no nonsense gift of a guide to assist couples in not only dealing with life beyond two, but all the while nurturing the all important lives of the original two - the tired but happy parents. Grady Harp, October 11

Getting organized and staying organized in life is hard enough, throw kids in the mix, and its almost impossible. This book would help any family or household get a hold on staying organized and on top of things (when its so easy to get behind). Being a mother of multiples myself, I recommend this book to anyone who is wanting to see the end of cluter and longing for a much more maintainable household.

Truly, this is a book that any mother can read. It's got info on what every parent needs to do regardless of how many babies you are bringing home, but it also has important info for those of us who were stressed by the fact that God blessed us with more than one baby. I would get for all my pregnant friends, especially those expecting two or more. I also liked the pre-made forms and checklists. Why reinvent the wheel?!

If you are having twins... this is a must read! Even if you are just having one baby, it will be so helpful!! Having a baby is a very stressful time-- and everything in your life feels out of control, but with the helpful advice in this book, you can regain your sanity! There are so many things in the book that I never would have thought to do! It would make a great baby shower present for anyone you know who is pregnant!!

This book is chock-full of practical advice, handy worksheets and product recommendations for families with twins and multiples. There's even a CD with the forms, agreements and sample schedules in the book so you can print them out and use them over and over again. You'll learn things like how to set up an efficient nursery, plan a shower, find good daycare, make your house safe for your babies, travel with twins, and even adapt a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Unique bonuses include a sample letter you can send to companies to receive complimentary products offered to families with multiples, a caregiver agreement form, and a schedule for signing up volunteer helpers! It makes a great gift for expectant or new parents of twins and multiples.

I was hoping for something that would release my inner Kate Goseling, but none of the info extends beyond the basic common sense things you would come up with on your own. I only bought it on impulse to plump up an order for free shipping, and regret it. The information provided is thin, interspersed between obviously paid product placements and numerous useless forms. And it looks like it was typeset and designed on a Mac Plus back in the early days of desktop publishing.

Tonia has done an excellent job in taking one of the most chaotic times in a family's life and putting some order into it. The book tells you ways to start great habits for your children and your marriage that will last a lifetime. She has already done most of the work for you by including many forms and schedules that are extremely helpful in keeping your day from becoming a disaster. We have raised our family using many of the same tools that she suggests and it has had a positive impact on our marriage and our ability to enjoy time with our children.

Tonia Tomlin's book Chaos 2 Calm is immensely helpful. It gives thorough, practical advice on how to prepare yourself and your home for your babies before they are born. It also provides the tools to create a peaceful and organized environment after your children arrive. I particularly enjoyed the section on employing a nanny and the forms to assist you in screening and hiring. Tonia's view on organizing the entire family, including making time for yourself and spouse, helps keep things in focus when you feel like they are spiraling out of control . This book is a MUST for all new and expecting parents - those expecting multiples and those expecting just one!

This book applies to anyone with kids. It is a fabulous tool for first time parents or parents with more than one child. As a former NICU nurse and the mother of three kids, I wish I had had all of the helpful hints and "good- to-know" time saving and organizational tips in this easy to read book. The forms on the CD are great. I have already used the Emergency Contact and Activity Schedule forms. I am sure I will refer to it again and again.

What an absolutely ridiculous book. This was given to me as a shower gift. The person who gave it to me saw it on Amazon, and thought it would be great because of the reviews. She told me she skimmed it when she received it, and was embarrassed to give it to me. How does such a useless pile of paper even get published. there is nothing helpful in here. I think a teenager with no parenting or relationship skills what-so-ever must have written this. Do yourself a favor, and just don't! Ridiculous!