Customer Reviews

Double Duty : The Parents' Guide to Raising Twins, from Pregnancy Through the School Years

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am expecting twins and have bought several books on this subject. This was the first book I actually read from cover to cover! It was well organized and informative on the things I felt most important (like how will I shop for groceries with twins?). I reccomend it highly and I believe that it will keep your interest throughout.

Initially I thought this book was great but then realised some of the impracticalities. To suggest that you take your twins to the supermarket using two shopping carts (pushing one in front and pulling one behind you) made me laugh... I can't see how this is possible when you have four little hands grabbing things out of the cart and off the shelves!

There are some really good tips though, such as how to keep the twins amused. Also the section on statistics and twin types was very interesting.

I suggest parents also buy books such as "What to Expect the First Year" by Arlene Eisenberg.

My identical twin girls turned 2 in September. I bought this book when they were about 4 months old. It's taken me a while to get around to commenting as I've been, well, kind of busy although it does indeed get easier. I found some of the information helpful, some obvious. When I read the comment about the possibility of the two babies crying at the same time discussed as: "Actually that doesn't happen too often..." you could probably hear me close the book. Honestly, with the best care and complete attention, it happens OFTEN! They are two people who want ALL of your attention NOW! It's understandable and still very challenging. Would I want it any other way? Absolutely not, but it's still exhausting and sometimes very frustrating. Twins are not double the experience. It is exponentially harder and exponentially sweeter. More hugs and love and more fuss. My answer to this? Take a deep breath and love them more.

If you are expecting twins and only can choose or take the time to read one book, this is the one to buy. As we have a pair on the way, (at a rather late time in life for me, I already have three adult children), I am keenly interested in what is in store for my wife and me in the months ahead. Having now read several books about twins, I would say that Baglivi-Tinglof's "Double Duty" is perhaps the most readable, if not the most in depth, review of events to come. She clearly sets forth what to expect in the pregnancy stage, what to do in preparation, and perhaps just as valuable, what you don't need to concern yourself with on hearing about the upcoming 'doubly blessed event(s)'. She doesn't stop there but also provides a succinct summary of what to expect in the next phases of their lives. You won't regret the practical and straightforward information this book provides. It is also performs another valuable service: calming the expectant parents. So much on the internet focuses on the challenges and potential complications of the twin experience, this balanced view is very refreshing.

As almost all mothers of twins, I have read numerous books on the subject. This book is good for a quick rundown on the basics. It doesn't go into a lot of detail, but offers a few basic suggestions. Unfortunately, my twins seem to always cry at the same time. I have tried the two carts (push and pull), it works, as a last resort. It's organized in a very mother, friendly, reading manner. By that I mean, it's easy to leave off on a page while you chase a child, and then pick up where you left off.

This quick read would be ideal for a tired new mom, who needs the occasional quick reference, however as a pregnant mom with a bit of time on my hands I was left wanting something more in depth. Included are lots of "Top Five" lists, quick and easy recipes, and basic survival advice, but the book still feels like a compilation of simple parenting magazine articles. It's hard to get into depth, when you're covering pregnancy through the school years in 191 pages. I recommend this book only to parents who are looking for a basic, light read that summarizes early life with twins.

I loved this book. My twins are now 4 and this is always the book I recommend to expectant moms of multiples as a starting spot. It's a quick, easy read. Lots of practical info, not stuffy and condescending like some others I read. It gave me the courage to overcome my fears of going out into the world alone with my twins at about a month old. I loved the reference section in the back that led to other great resources to check out. It also made me think of good questions to ask of other moms of twins I met along the way. It is a bit light on medical issues.

I recieved the SECOND EDITION to this book and found it had good information even for a mom on her 4th pregnancy, but first time with Twins. I particularly found the advice on individualism helpful because would have made a lot of those mistakes and not even known how it could have affected my babies. Although I am really interested in more pregnancy related information it was a good book with a lot of good information.

Best twin book out there by far, except for one thing.... it hasn't been updated in almost 10 years! Their tips are great, but their price estimates are way off... Other than price estimates though, the book is still very practical and gives perspectives of those who have raised kids through adult-hood, not just still in the middle of it. i like the fact she talks about birthdays and presents at the holidays and other things you wonder about. Overall, great general guide with helpful hints.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is expecting twins. It is definately written as a guide. I liked the fact that it gave you different perspectives on a multitude of issues. It gives you advise and/or good ideas while allowing you to decide which way is best for you and your twins.