Twice Blessed : Everything You Need To Know About Having A Second Child-- Preparing Yourself, Your Marriage, And Your Firstborn For A New Family Of Four
Editorial Reviews
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Less time, more demands, jealous siblings, displaced spouses, bigger bills, and bigger automobiles: given all these cons, why on earth would any sane couple consider having more than one child? Author Joan Leonard deals readers a rather loaded deck of cards as she succinctly describes the joys--but mostly the burdens--of "welcoming" a second child to the family. Despite its sweet title, this little book takes a rather acrid look at the unique challenges second-time moms and dads encounter. Luckily for the reader, Leonard presents plenty of advice from pediatricians, gynecologists, family therapists, and parents who have been through it themselves. Topics cover changes couples face during pregnancy, birth, and all of baby number two's first year.
A confessed firstborn herself, Leonard openly admits she did not enjoy being knocked off her proverbial pedestal when "The Other One," her own baby sister, arrived. Perhaps that's why this former contributing editor to Parent's Magazine and author of Tales from Toddler Hell seems to take such glee in reporting the many stresses and strains caused by adding to the family. Don't expect any gloppy, saccharin-tainted anecdotes from Leonard's contributing parents, either. Their "Tips from the Trenches" offer important food for thought about maternity leave and treating your spouse as a mate rather than as a business partner. Some of Leonard's own advice about appeasing the oldest child--like asking if the newborn can wear his or her outgrown clothes rather than just making it happen--lean a little too far toward spoiling. Most helpful are Leonard's chapters on assessing the first labor and delivery and taking steps to ensure a better one the second time around and her final chapter on effective family management. --Liane Thomas
Review
"In many ways the challenges of a second child are greater (and more complex) than those of the first! This book can help!"--Richard and Linda Eyre, authors of Teaching Your Children Values and How to Talk to Your Child About Sex
"As a mother of four, I can say that this book really zeroes in on the issues that are different after the first baby. I especially love the you-are-there reality of 'Tips from the Trenches' at the end of each chapter!"--Paula Spencer, author of Everything Else You Need to Know When You're Expecting and Parenting Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth
"Having a second child is a whole new ball game. Joan Leonard's humorous and heartwarming tales and tips help to prepare those brave and fortunate enough to do it all over again!"--Dr. Ruth Peters, author of It's Never Too Soon to Discipline, Don't be Afraid to Discipline, and Who's in Charge?
"Reading this book has made me feel twice blessed-- once from the touching and expressive account of life in a family of four, and twice from the sensitivity and insights about life itself."--Myrna B. Shure, Ph.D., author of Raising a Thinking Child and Raising a Thinking Preteen
"Joan Leonard has emotional perfect pitch when she writes about being a mom. Neither sentimental or cynical, she describes modern life with children in all its complexities, celebrating the manifold challenges and profound rewards with humor, wonder and awe."--Roberta Israeloff, author of Kindling the Flame, Lost and Found, In Confidence, and Coming to Terms
"Joan Leonard has written a gentle, nurturing, and no-nonsense guide to the world of being 'twice blessed.' She pays homage to the courage, love and sense of humor it takes to embark on a family of four."--Leah Komaiko, author of the bestselling Annie Bananie and Am I Old Yet?
Twice Blessed: Everything You Need To Know About Having A Second Child-- Preparing Yourself, Your Marriage, And Your Firstborn For A New Family Of Four,Joan Leonard,Golden Guides from St. Martin's Press,031225430X,Birth order,Child Care/Parenting,Family & Relationships,Family / Parenting / Childbirth,General,Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General,Parenting,Parenting - General,Second-born children,Siblings,Family & Relationships / Family Relationships,Pregnancy, birth & baby care
Book Contents:
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