Customer Reviews

Practical Wisdom for Parents: Demystifying the Preschool Years

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I admit that I have a bias. I picked up this book knowing the two authors, because my daughter attended the nursery school they direct. Because I knew them personally, I expected to get sensible, useful advice -- with some humor -- and that's exactly what this book provides.

I sat down and read the book from beginning to end, but it's arranged by topic, so it makes a great reference book, too. You can easily turn to "talking about death" or "playing with guns" or whatever.

One thing I love about the authors' perspective is that they aren't therapists, doctors, or specialists who see a subsection of kids. Their insights come from the fact that they've seen hundreds of ordinary kids go through nursery school. So when I read that my 2 1/2 year old should be able to take off her own coat, or give up her sippy cup, I know I can trust that.

There's also interesting material on the emotional experiences of PARENTS with children going to nursery school. I'd never read a discussion of that before -- the crazy mix of emotion you feel when your child marches through the school door for the first time.

Loving parents of young children are beset by anxieties, constantly worrying that they are making mistakes which will resonate down the decades. Here at last is a book which will calm, inform and hearten.

The authors have used their years of experience as educators of pre-school children in writing a book offering sensible advice and perceptive observations. There are no absolutes, no utterly rigid rules. Instead they offer genuinely practical wisdom which will encourage parents to relax and enjoy these most magical years.

Ellen Birnbaum and Nancy Schulman have given readers a precious gift - the sense that everything will be all right and tomorrow is another day. One finishes reading this book feeling a more competent parent.

If you have a young child then buy this for yourself. And if there is anyone you care about who is facing the challenge of parenting a pre-schooler then this is the perfect present.

This is a Must Read for anyone with children between the ages of 2-5. The authors give sound practical advise that will benefit any parent. If you have to pick one book on parenting this should be it.

When I turn to a book for help with my parenting, I don't want some fad or trend or the latest miracle technique for whatever. I want good solid information and advice from experienced competent people. And that's what this book offers. There are no fireworks or gimmicks or marketing hooks--just the shared experience of two preschool teachers who happen to work at one of the most prestigious preschools in the country. When I am having an issue with our toddler, I flip through the book or consult the index to find the section that addresses it, i.e. tantrums, play, sleep problems, sibling rivalry, etc. I always find something valuable. The only quibble I have about this book is that it is a little bit hard to find things in it, and it could be more concise. But I'd rather that they go on too long than cut it too short, as so many parenting books do, giving only a superficial treatment of a complicated issue.

Another book I recommend which is along the same lines and complements this book extremely well is Touchpoints 3 to 6 by T. Berry Brazelton. He also has tons of experience, even more than these ladies, but he's coming at it from the angle of being a pediatrician, and he wrote it with a child psychiatrist, so that also adds an additional valuable angle. It comes in two volumes "Birth to Three" and "Three to Six."

This is an excellent and easy read for parents of young children. It is full of solid, practical advice and loads of wisdom about preschoolers and the preschool experience that I have not seen in other books. It would make a much appreciated addition to most young parents' library - tuck it in with the other books on baby care for a really useful baby shower gift!

This book is an invaluable guide to parents with small children. I don't think we could survive without it. There are just so many questions that new parents have and so few useful resources which both raise the issues important to parents and give sensible ways to deal with them. Thank you, Nancy Schulman and Ellen Birnbaum for your helpful advice, from a no longer anxious parent.

I am ordering a copy of this book after being completely impressed with a copy I borrowed from my local library. I read quite a few parenting books, and this one does what so many do not - provide truly practical advice, backed by specific examples of applying it in everyday life. Kudos to the authors for writing such a useful book that is also quite enjoyable to read.

I just went to a lecture by the authors Nancy Schulman and Ellen Birnbaum, and was so incredibly impressed by them. They really know what they're talking about---not only are they mothers, but they have a combined 51 years of teaching preschoolers and directing preschools. Being able to hear them easily field questions that ran the spectrum from toddlers to 8 year olds was very impressive---they are intelligent, kind, funny women whose advice I would absolutely trust.

I haven't finished reading the book yet, but what I read made sense, and I felt like it cut away all this nonsense parents have had to deal with recently--all the Baby Einstein, Brainy Baby DVDs, music classes for infants, etc. Even more importantly, the book details IN BULLET POINTS how to raise a happy, self-confident, adaptable child----what could be better than that?

I highly recommend this book for parents of children aged 1 - 5.

but very good. No complaints other than it could be even thicker to cover even more areas.

Incredibly insightful with real life solutions to issues every parent faces. The authors do a fantastic job of addressing what appear to be complicated issues (and often times are) and are able to provide solutions in a way that makes sense so that you will always remember what to do and their wisdom will become your own.