Customer Reviews

The Way of the Toddler

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I liked the author's down to earth approach, made me laugh, and the way in which the mundane is transformed into something really enriching in a concious but not preachy way. It's fun getting to know the author as the book builds on funny day to day toddler stories to start revealing the insights she finds within the small child chaos that constantly erupts around her. This is a Moms book, but as a dad it let me both empathize a little more with Moms and to see more deeply into my own experience with my young (and now not so young) children. Loved it.

Reading through ' The Way of the Toddler '; there are times that I catch myself laughing out loud. Other times I smile and / or nod in recognition. The name can mislead you into thinking this is a book only for moms with young children. But in reading the smaller print under the title ; it gives you a heads up about the spiritual lessons that are throughout this book. And these lessons apply not only to moms of young children, but to all of us. *smiles* I was reminded of the innocence that lives within all of us; that longs to come out and play but is too concerned with what others think. As adults we take life too seriously; instead of enjoying it with all our hearts. Yes, children can be great Zen Masters. *smiles* There is so much wisdom here; not for sticking in your goodie bag for a rainy day...but some real stuff for every day. What a beautiful peek inside Leta's Heart. *smiles*

You know that saying about "making lemons of lemonade" or others about accepting challenges gracefully and positively? Well, the thing is Leta truly lives this without sacrificing her human authenticity or ever giving up on trust, creativity and joy. With a great amount of humor and humility, Leta accepts deeply the notion that our children are here to teach us and in doing so shows how this can make us ever more competent guides for those we are charged to care for. Leta faces cultural pressures about mothering head-on: "I'm not asking to be some kind of Zen-mommy who remains calm, cool and collected not matter what is going on around her, permanently settled in a metaphorical lotus position with a perma-grin on her face..." She engages the ultra-earthy path of mothering -- from biological blow-outs to the two-year-old tantrums -- and proves that at the end of the day, our deepest bond with our children just might be our shared humanity.

As I read this book I laughed out loud because the questions the author asked herself where some of the same I had asked of myself and it was refreshing to discover I was not alone!! This book is a very quick easy read which makes it fun, not a chore. It's nice that it is not a "how to" for parenting, but rather an insightful look into modern day motherhood and its challenges and rewards.

The perfect book for parents (Mothers or Fathers) of young children. The easy to read, insightful, humorous with a dash of the spiritual demension make it a must read for those who are parenting toddlers. You will find it hard to put down once you start reading. It will give you the smile you need when facing those exasperating times when you can not understand why things are happening the way they are. Share it with your mate and your friends they will thank you for the joys the book brings.

Even if your situation or experiences aren't the same, reading this book gives you a bigger picture to the world of parenting and allows you to be imperfect on your way to being a happier more peaceful self. Just try not to laugh while you read this; I dare you!

Reading this book made me feel better about my parenting and hopeful about tomorrow. Hamilton's open style made it easy for me to feel connected to her experience, and through her experiences I learned to accept my hard times with small children better. The idea that these little kids are OUR teachers is an important one, one that makes me more patient with myself and with them. I suggest reading this if you're having a bad day or it you would just like tomorrow to be better than today on your parenting journey.

This book is a humorous, refreshing, and honest look into motherhood, that's a pleasure to read. It's both funny and insightful. The author presents parenting and personal growth on a united front, rather than mutually exclusive endeavors. Very entertaining reading.