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sammueller's review
informative
medium-paced
3.0
I knew this book would have some topics I agreed with/wanted to try and some that I probably wouldn’t. And that was definitely the case. I gave it 3 stars because it was pretty easy to read, she included some humor, and was not overly judge for most of the book. There were some times that I wished she had included more real life examples of ways to handle certain things rather than just talking about the why. But it did give me some good information to think about.
gwynt's review against another edition
1.0
urgh. This book was disappointing. It felt preachy and I can't take anyone seriously who doesn't vaccinate their kids (except for real medical reasons). Also, 3 dates in 6 years?
readingjag's review against another edition
3.0
First of all, Bialik does a great job of explaining Attachment Parenting in an easy to understand way. She is also obviously wicked smart and a scientist, and uses her science background to make a case for the AP way of life. She is obviously very, very strict about her AP parenting. The writing style is readable and friendly.
The reason I only give 3 stars is that much like any other book written by a wealthy celebrity about how to live life, I just get irritated. I'm irritated that someone making $100,000 per episode of television is going to act like they don't have much money or that they get to say that their way is the best way. It's lovely that Bialik and her husband don't have any other caregivers for their children. How nice it would be to be in that position. For many of us who have to work, it's difficult not to take it personally when the author starts preaching about choices.
The reason I only give 3 stars is that much like any other book written by a wealthy celebrity about how to live life, I just get irritated. I'm irritated that someone making $100,000 per episode of television is going to act like they don't have much money or that they get to say that their way is the best way. It's lovely that Bialik and her husband don't have any other caregivers for their children. How nice it would be to be in that position. For many of us who have to work, it's difficult not to take it personally when the author starts preaching about choices.
acstoppelreads's review against another edition
Same stuff as every other parenting book.
coffee_kindle's review against another edition
4.0
I was interested in the topics of this book & found it very informative, easy to read & gave me ideas that I will research further, thanks to the handy resources guide provided at the end of the book
nattyg's review
4.0
A terrific read. Well written, informed, and a recommend for all you to-be parents. I didn't agree with all the things she does with her children, but that's ok. I agree with her reasons for wanting to do it and I loved learning about the different avenues. Just because you don't follow in her footsteps doesn't mean her views aren't valid. I agree that parents should recognize their own strengths and know that they don't have to do it 100% like someone else. Heck, not even parents who fall under the attachment umbrella do it the same. No one parent is 100% like the other. This book is great for showing the ability to think for one's self in regards to raising children.
I am definitely an Attachment Parent and I am perfectly fine with it. :)
I am definitely an Attachment Parent and I am perfectly fine with it. :)
makenziewho's review
3.0
A quick, easy read and a good primer on attachment parenting. Lots of info and anecdotes on birth and breastfeeding, so not all is applicable to an adoptive parent like myself. Some of Mayim's methods may seem a little extreme, but its refreshing to see a mom who is making intentional, informed parenting choices without apology.
laurak23's review
5.0
I borrowed this book from the library because I already practice attachment parenting and wanted to hear Mayim's "take" on the practice. First off, I was surprised and disappointed that she did not read her own book. However, the narration was good and did indeed capture the conversational tone and humor in the book.
I knew from the introduction and part 1 that I would enjoy this book a lot. Again, no surprise since I've been doing my best to follow the attachment parenting tenets for the past 3ish years. There wasn't really any "new" information for me, but it did reinforce a lot of what I have figured out on my own, discussed with others, and read about previously. There were a few things I disagree with her about, but I know she'd say "that's just fine." She repeatedly reminds the readers that not all the parts of attachment parenting will work for everyone, every family is different, and you have to do what works for you.
I really wish that I could share a few chapters with people in my life, particularly the chapter about STUFF. I 10000000% agree; now I just need to convince everyone else in my life! ;)
Also, I wish I was dedicated enough for elimination communication. I admit that when I first heard about the practice, back when I was a teenager, I thought it was completely ridiculous. Now that I am actually more knowledgable about the details (it's not just hippie moms holding their naked babies over bushes to pee/poop), rationale, etc. I am wishing I had done it with my son.
I felt a little sad when she spoke about her husband. I believe this book came out the same year that they divorced (though it's not mentioned at all in this book). I know that she and her husband remain committed to raising their boys together, and practice co-parenting techniques to maintain this attachment parenting method.
Overall, I am glad I read this, but wish I had known about it/read it before my son was born. Also, I wanna be Mayim's friend. :)
I knew from the introduction and part 1 that I would enjoy this book a lot. Again, no surprise since I've been doing my best to follow the attachment parenting tenets for the past 3ish years. There wasn't really any "new" information for me, but it did reinforce a lot of what I have figured out on my own, discussed with others, and read about previously. There were a few things I disagree with her about, but I know she'd say "that's just fine." She repeatedly reminds the readers that not all the parts of attachment parenting will work for everyone, every family is different, and you have to do what works for you.
I really wish that I could share a few chapters with people in my life, particularly the chapter about STUFF. I 10000000% agree; now I just need to convince everyone else in my life! ;)
Also, I wish I was dedicated enough for elimination communication. I admit that when I first heard about the practice, back when I was a teenager, I thought it was completely ridiculous. Now that I am actually more knowledgable about the details (it's not just hippie moms holding their naked babies over bushes to pee/poop), rationale, etc. I am wishing I had done it with my son.
I felt a little sad when she spoke about her husband. I believe this book came out the same year that they divorced (though it's not mentioned at all in this book). I know that she and her husband remain committed to raising their boys together, and practice co-parenting techniques to maintain this attachment parenting method.
Overall, I am glad I read this, but wish I had known about it/read it before my son was born. Also, I wanna be Mayim's friend. :)
aurigae's review
4.0
Mayim Bialik, the actress known for her work on Blossom and Big Bang Theory, is also the mother of two young boys. She and her husband raise their children according to a "crunchy granola" (her word) philosophy that owes a great deal to attachment parenting (AP). In this book - half memoir, half manual - Bialik discusses the tenets of AP and her own ideas about childrearing and parental priorities.
The chapters that discuss standard attachment parenting techniques - the first 40% of the book - were my initial reason for reading the book. I hoped to find a critique of AP from the standpoint of a contemporary, educated mother, or perhaps a discussion of how to apply AP ideas when the B's (breastfeeding / babywearing / bedding together) are no longer appropriate and/or sufficient. Instead these chapters provide a straightforward explanation of AP principles and anecdotes about Bialik's experiences. Later chapters follow a similar format, with a more eclectic selection of topics.
The good: Bialik is an engaging and thoughtful writer, and this is a quick and fun read. The book is more diverse in its subject matter than standard AP guides, and I came away with some new ideas.
The bad: The tone is occasionally preachy. Bialik's insistence that everyone can make AP work for them if they prioritize it, while seeming to come from a place of sincerity, is a bit disingenuous. Her discussion of birth as an event that would be peaceful and safe if not for the interference of the medical industry is particularly provocative.
The verdict: Fans of Bialik's acting who are open to AP ideas are likely to enjoy this book.
The chapters that discuss standard attachment parenting techniques - the first 40% of the book - were my initial reason for reading the book. I hoped to find a critique of AP from the standpoint of a contemporary, educated mother, or perhaps a discussion of how to apply AP ideas when the B's (breastfeeding / babywearing / bedding together) are no longer appropriate and/or sufficient. Instead these chapters provide a straightforward explanation of AP principles and anecdotes about Bialik's experiences. Later chapters follow a similar format, with a more eclectic selection of topics.
The good: Bialik is an engaging and thoughtful writer, and this is a quick and fun read. The book is more diverse in its subject matter than standard AP guides, and I came away with some new ideas.
The bad: The tone is occasionally preachy. Bialik's insistence that everyone can make AP work for them if they prioritize it, while seeming to come from a place of sincerity, is a bit disingenuous. Her discussion of birth as an event that would be peaceful and safe if not for the interference of the medical industry is particularly provocative.
The verdict: Fans of Bialik's acting who are open to AP ideas are likely to enjoy this book.
danicamidlil's review
2.0
This lost a star when I ran straight into her anti-vaccine chapter. ARGH! "I believe in science, except when my holistic crunchy beliefs tell me that science is silly."
Blarg.
Blarg.