Editorial Review

With a title like this, it's no surprise that authors Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish had a monster bestseller on their hands when the book first appeared in 1988. From the subsequent deluge of readers' stories, questions, and issues, they have created nearly 50 pages of new material for this, the 10th anniversary edition. The central message remains the same, and sounds almost too simple: avoid comparisons. But parents know that's easier said than done. The value of Faber and Mazlish's discussions is precisely that they talk you through umpteen different situations and outcomes to help you teach your brawling offspring a new set of responses. The highly informative text is punctuated with helpful summary/reminder boxes and cartoons illustrating key points. It's a must-read for parents with (or planning on) multiple children. But parents of young children who get along fine (so far) should read it too--as the authors make very clear, rivalry is inevitable. The only question is how to manage the rivalry with intelligence and compassion, and on that subject they offer a wealth of good advice. Read more

Reviews (49)

Grown-up kids prove this book's value
I read this book in 1992.At the time, I was the mother of a seven-year-old girl and a five-year-old girl.I began applying the lessons immediately.Now twenty-one and ninteen, my daughters describe us as one of the few families they know where the kids are truly friends.This is very different from my own childhood experience.My children had conflict growing up but I learned how to help them learn to resolve it in a positive way, thereby dramatically reducing the stress in our home.I also saw my kids use the techniques with their relationships with friends!I also have a twelve-year-old daughter and eleven-year-old son that get along really well, even learning to share the television and computer, so it's not just luck with the older ones.I now routinely give this book as a gift to parents of a second or third child.I HIGHLY recommend this to parents of children of any age.

Must Have Book
Excellent book.Well written. Has condensed summaries at end if one does not have time to read full text (and w/kids who has time).Has great cartoons to provide examples and use as refresher.Most important - it provides valuable advice that has proven to already be useful in real life.
Fantastic help!
After reading this book I realized I was doing it all wrong!Once I started implementing the authors techniques, it was amazing how quickly the fighting no longer escalated to "knock outs".My son and daughter were able to resolve some of their discrepancies on their own with very little involvement on my part!I truly recommend this book if you've got fighting kids, which is most, if not all of us parents!Then go on to read by the same authors, "How to talk so kids will listen and how to listen so kids will talk".Both of these books made a huge difference in my house! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Brothers and sisters    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Child rearing    4. Conflict Resolution    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Parenting - General    7. Sibling rivalry    8. Siblings    9. Child care & upbringing    10. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Reviews (1)

The must-read book for sisters
When I review a book, I usually have a copy right next to the computer, so I can refer to key passages and even quote a few lines. But this time I don't because I gave away my review copy right after I read it. I have a friend who's very close to her two sisters and I knew she'd enjoy reading this book. And I just ordered a gift copy to give a professional associate who's very close to her own sister.
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Subjects:  1. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    2. Family Relationships    3. General    4. Self-Help    5. Siblings    6. Sisters    7. Sisters Project    8. Family & Relationships / Siblings    9. Marriage, family & other relationships   

Reviews (2)

Great for kids
My granddaughter loved the explanations about autism in this book. She is 9, and it is written where she can understand more about the behaviors of her brother with autism. She was even going to take it to school for her teacher to read, and some of her classmates.Many adults would benefit from reading it also.

MARCHING TO YOUR OWN DRUMMER
This is an excellent teaching tool that paves the way towards acceptance of persons who display autistic behavior.Autism and its related neurobiological condition, Asperger's are spectrum conditions.Common spectrum behaviors include a myriad of sensory issues such as strong aversions for loud noises; strong reactions to certain smells and tastes and distinctive speaking styles.Many spectrum behaviors overlap and Asperger's, while considered at the higher end of the autism spectrum does indeed share common neuro-sensory ground with autism.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Diet    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Family & Relationships / Children with Special Needs    5. Family & Relationships / Siblings    6. Family - Siblings    7. Health & Daily Living - Physical Impairments    8. Health - Physical Impairments    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Asperger's syndrome    11. Children with Special Needs    12. Family & Relationships    13. Mentally handicapped children    14. Relationships    15. Siblings   

Editorial Review

Franz Wisner had the world by the tail. He was engaged to the beautiful Annie, with whom he shared a passion for conservative politics and a command of quotes from the movie Read more

Reviews (126)

It was almost better than my own honeymoon!
Franz Wisner AND his brother are funny, smart and so very brave!I found this book in the travel section of my local bookstore, but it very much deserves its place on the NY Times Bestseller List (where it's been for 15 straight weeks at the time of this review).Move that book to the front of the store! You will love this book for several reasons:
Good Title: Bad Book
Not witty enough to be funny.Not deep enough to be heartfelt.Not written well enough to have been published.I got a great idea why his fiance dumped him and why his boss demoted him, but I have no idea why any editor gave the 'thumbs up' to this mess.I gave the one star for the title.It was the most interesting part of the book.

Don't let the title scare you...
Don't let the title scare you. It's not what it seems!
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Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. General    3. Personal Memoirs    4. Siblings    5. Travel    6. Travel - General    7. Travelers   

Reviews (8)

FANTASTIC!
Cheryl Lage's "Twinspiration: Real-Life Advice From Pregnancy Through the First Year for Parents of Twins and Multiples" is an outstanding resource for expectant parents of twins.She covers all the stages of pregnancy and what to expect, pre-natal testing, birth, and all the real life scenarios that come after the babies arrive.Cheryl writes from real-life experience with wit and humour.She does include cautions about things that can go wrong, but what I really love about it is that she does this in a NON-alarmist way.I had ZERO panic attacks while reading this book, but at the same time, I feel that I have gained INVALUABLE information from Twinspiration.The writing style in this book reminds me of a big sister telling it all how it is.Let's just say that I was freaking out when I found out there are two in there, but now I am ready to face it all head on and I can credit a lot of that to this book.Thanks Cheryl, you have done a great thing with this book!
Not a scary thought in it
Too many books about pregnancy and in particular, multiple births, have scary facts and issues that really make you not want to read them.This book is funny, amusing, and very informative.Some of the things mentioned in her book worth looking forward to... "Turn the computer off", "Baby's first bloodshed (daddy did it!)" and all the oops' and laughs along the way.It makes up for all those horror stories that seem to pervade the pregnancy shelves of every book store.

Must-have for parents of twins
As a new parent of twins, I could not read this book fast enough - flipping pages while nursing, and even sacrificing much needed sleep to read the informative chapters.Lage writes from the heart, making you feel like she is with you through your own twin trials and tribulations.It is so refreshing to read the true-to-life account of her experiences in the early days - the good, the bad, and the ugly.She shares the mistakes and triumphs of motherhood with twins with honesty and a level head.While drawing from her personal experiences, she does not give too much information as to exclude those with different circumstances, i.e. not telling you the exact time her babies started sleeping through the night!
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Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Child Development And Rearing    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Infant Care    6. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General    7. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/Infants    8. Multiple birth    9. Multiple pregnancy    10. Parenting - General    11. Popular works    12. Pregnancy & Childbirth    13. Siblings    14. Twins    15. Family & Relationships / General   

Reviews (4)

FINALLY!! Real Info
Excellent book. I have read many books on toddler twins but I can now end my serach for "THE ONE". This is it. Practical, real life (no fluff), she tells it like it is and adds some very helpful tricks/tips. I couldn't wait until my twins were in bed at night so I could continue reading this book. I didn't rush it. I took my time and really related to each story. It was like I wrote the book, it was what my life is like. I longed to find out if there was someone else out there having the same issues as I was. It gave me a big boost of confidence when I found out it does get easier and what I have to look forward to. I had no idea what to do with my twins when they started taking off there diapers, while they were in bed, and then having accidents. But the book mentioned duct tape and it really works, it has saved me much cleaning and stress!! Thank You Elizabeth Lyons!- Mom of B/G twins 2 yrs old.

Thank you for writing this book!
Any mom out there with twins or expecting twins, this book is a humorous real look at life with twin toddlers!I am a mom who stopped working to "enjoy these precious years" with my twin boys and have been pulling my hair out during this second year.This book allowed me to laugh and validated my feelings that I'm not alone- other "twin mommies" have faced these situations. I just wish I had read "Ready or Not.... Here We Come" during the first year.I hope this author continues to write!

Okay, now we're talking!
The second I read that she also duct-taped her twin boys' diapers on, I knew this woman was speaking my language.HONEY, she was saying, YOU ME, WE SAME.And, as I tell my husband constantly, it's always nice to hear survival stories from twinmamas of older twins.
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Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General    5. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/Toddlers    6. Parenting - General    7. Parenting - Motherhood    8. Siblings   

Reviews (6)

A Worst Case Scenario Book for Having a Second Child
If you are going to read only one book on introducing a second child to your family, this is the book to read. It offers advice on what to expect, things to think about and behaviors to watch for.
Nothing exceptional, Just Ok
I wish the book gave more creative solutions. I felt the book gave advice that I could have given myself. On the other hand, at least I felt reasured that I was already doing everything I could to make sure the transition for my son of having a new sibling wasn't any more bothersome than it has to be. It's a simple read. You will pick up a few good points but I just don't feel I got enough out of it.

This book is a BLESSING!!!!!
This book is a total blessing! I'm so happy that I ordered this book before the birth of my second child. I feel so well informed of what to expect from my first born when baby #2 comes home. Every mother should have this book before the birth of their second baby. In closing, I'm glad this book continues into the first year of the sibilings lives together! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Brothers and sisters    2. Child rearing    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Family And Child Development    6. Family/Marriage    7. Parenting - Child Rearing    8. Parenting - General    9. Sibling rivalry    10. Family & Health    11. Family & Relationships / Child Care   

Reviews (17)

Interesting but not exhaustive
Kevin Leman writes a very general introduction to the psychology of birth order and how it affects personality.He is very careful when making generalizations to state that they are only generalizations, trends, predictions.
WOW!
This book amazed me as it explained how people turn out the way that they do.It also explains that there are many different factors in the way that people turn out so your birth order is not totally in control. Dr. Leman clearly shows that we are all idividual beings created by God.

The Best
I'm a first born, and i've argued with many people that parents should have an alternate way other than always having high expectations for me and be like a geni pig for the rest of the family.
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Subjects:  1. Family Relationships    2. Marriage    3. Parenting - General    4. Personal Growth - General    5. Personality    6. Psychology    7. Self-Help    8. Siblings    9. Self-Help / Personal Growth / General   

Reviews (18)

90% awsome, 10% horrible
ok, the first 90 or so pages of this play are great, i like the dynamics, the writting is good, the relationship between the brothers is well portrayed.Now this is a contemporary shakespearean tragedy, so the ending is pretty obvious, and your supposed to figure out what happens pretty early in the play, if you still dont want to know however stop reading.
Gritty Angry Boy Drama
Parks' play is a well crafted drama about two brothers' lives smoothly built around their relationship with 3-card monte.She does a strong job of handling the darker aspects of sibling rivalry, poverty, and family.I mostly enjoyed Topdog/Underdog for its raw toughness and the way the two-character structure brought out the inner workings and different demons of the two brothers.While not the greatest play ever, it is a good, solid dramatic work and definitely worth reading.

Stinky Dog
About the only thing I wanted to do after seeing this was demand my money back. This has to be one of the most unimaginative plays I have ever seen. It reminded me of a really bad Saturday night live parody meets Friday part 2 but at the end the writer tried to make it poingnant by adding a death. I don't know why this was even printed. If I was a tree that lost my life to print this play I would come back as a ghost a haunt the publisher till his dying day. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American    2. Brothers    3. Domestic drama    4. Drama    5. General    6. Plays    7. Plays / Drama    8. Sibling rivalry    9. Drama / General    10. Drama texts: from c 1900 -   

Reviews (11)

chicken soup for sisters
I was bawling by the third story in the first chapter! This book is a real tear jerker.
The Chicken Soup that "Touched Me".
This book really touched me. It taught me to love my sisters whenever they are mean or do bad things. One of these stories was the most awesome story ever! I said that this one girl's sister had cancer and lost all of her hair. When she went to visit her sister she had a hat on that said "having a bad hair day," but when she took the hat off she was bald,she shaved all of the hair on her head off so her sister woulnd't feel bad about having no hair. That was the story that touched me the most.

Excellent Read
My First Chicken Soup book that I have read, and this was simply excellent. I laughed, cried, and it brought back all my childhood memories. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christian women    2. Inspirational    3. Motivational & Inspirational    4. Personal Growth - General    5. Religious life    6. Self-Help    7. Siblings    8. Sisters    9. Sociology    10. Women    11. Family & Relationships / Siblings   

Editorial Review

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. Read more

Reviews (14)

Realistic view, good coverage, I feel much more prepared now
I read the other reviews before purchasing the book and was drawn more to it because of the great difference in opinions, either hating or loving the book. I think the book is very good and provides a realistic, balanced view. Instead of being more anxious, negative or even regretful after reading it, I felt calm and more prepared.
Review
some very useful hints for older child when bringing baby home.most of it is common sense, but there are some good ideas i am using.Some of the anecdotes are comical.
Good Advice and Very Easy to Read.
Reading other reviews of this book, I had considered not purchasing this book. But I decided to go ahead and take a chance since many reviews did say that she was brutally honest.
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Subjects:  1. Birth order    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Family & Relationships    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. General    6. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/General    7. Parenting    8. Parenting - General    9. Second-born children    10. Siblings    11. Pregnancy, birth & baby care   

Reviews (27)

Why You Are The Way You Are
Fascinating book that focuses on how birth order influences who you are, who you marry, the job you choose and what kind of parent you'll be. This book talks about the first born, middle, youngest and only children and gives descriptions of the strengths and weaknesses of each. Kevin talks about the first born movers and shakers and their perfectionism. The middle born ''inconsistent paradox', & the product of the pressures coming from different directions, the youngest of the family, which myself & the author is himself, 'Last borns love the Limelight', a clown yet rebellious and spoiled and some interesting facts about only children. This book tells why some different birth orders are compatible & why others arent. 'Secrets to selling to different birth orders also how to let your birth order work for you in business.
Review by Irene Watson, author of "The Sitting Swing."
The best book on the market that makes sense of birth orders and the roles we play in each order.Very insightful for me.After reading Dr. Leman's book, it became more sense to me why I am the way I am.

Fasinating
I bought this book to take on vacation with my extended family and pass it around at the beach for fun and conversation.I had to fight for time to read it solo, and ended up reading it cover to cover in a day or two. It was exactly right on the mark.I liked the author a lot and will definately buy his other books.If you are a first born perfectionist read this book!It has an especially good chapter on parenting first borns as well.Very fun to read, and what a bonus - it is extremely informative and useful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Birth order    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family Relationships    4. Family/Marriage    5. General    6. Psychology    7. Psychotherapy - Couples & Family    8. Siblings    9. Christianity    10. Social, group or collective psychology   

Reviews (3)

SISTERS A HIT
I purchased this book for my niece as a X-MAS gift.
Warm and Wonderful
Saline and Wohlmuth have done it again.The creators of this genre went back and brought us up to date with wonderful essays and images.I loved reading the first edition.The tenth edition made me fall in love again with Carol.

moving moments
I loved this book that my sister gave me for Christmas.She added her own thoughts and a picture on the last page.I was so extremely moved and the stories and photos are representative of sisters everywhere.Daughters andMothers is also a fantastic book.I saw one of the authors and bought onefor my daughter who is 15 yrs old.I had her sign it to both of us.Verysweet! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Brothers and sisters    2. Photo Essays    3. Photoessays & Documentaries    4. Photography    5. Pictorial works    6. Siblings    7. Sisters    8. Collections & anthologies of various literary forms    9. Family & relationships   

Reviews (1)

A LIFESAVER
I am a journalist so I received an advanced copy of this book to review. I have a two year old and a newborn so I assumed "sibling rivalry" was years away. But when my two-year old started acting out (blatantly disobeying, throwing tantrums over apparently nothing), I turned to this book. There is an indepth section on what happens when a new baby enters the scene that has been a godsend. It has been such a relief to know that my older daughter's behavior is not just common, it's to be expected. This book has made understanding and dealing with her tantrums and defiance much easier. I feel confident that if and when the REAL rivalry begins I will be equipped to handle it in aloving and nurturing way. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Brothers and sisters    2. Child Care    3. Child Care/Parenting    4. Child Development    5. Child Development And Rearing    6. Family & Relationships    7. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    8. Family Relationships    9. Parenting - General    10. Sibling rivalry    11. Siblings    12. Child care & upbringing   

Reviews (3)

Not just for those with siblings
Though I don't have siblings the way this book describes, I just gave my daughter the gift of a brother.This wonderful book helped me understand how meaningful their relationship will be, and the photos moved me almostto tears in places.It will make a great baby gift for those having secondor subsequent children.

Everyone with a sibling will relate to this book!
After reading an excerpt from this book, I purchased six copies, one to send to each of my brothers and my husband's sisters.The photographs are snapshots of life in a family that capture the true essence of sharing yourspace with a sibling.Alone they create a message that is funny, touching,reminiscent.Combined with Ms. Quindlen's prose, they become a treasure ofmemories that will have you laughing, crying and nodding your head,"Yes.That is just what it was like!"

This book is a must read for anyone with siblings
This book was able to capture the unique relationship between siblings.Going into detail and siting personal examples; Anna Quindlen was able to make me laugh at my own memories of childhood and the relationship with mysibling.The pictures by Nick Kelsh are able to capturethe genuinerelationships between siblings in it's most sincere view without having a"staged" look to it.I throughly enjoyed reading this book andreally look forward to sharing it with my sister as well as reading itagain and again.... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Authors, American    3. Brothers and sisters    4. Family    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family Relationships    7. Family/Marriage    8. Photoessays & Documentaries    9. Photography    10. Pictorial works    11. Quindlen, Anna    12. Siblings    13. United States    14. Child care & upbringing    15. Family & Relationships / General   

Subjects:  1. Family    2. Inspirational    3. Motivational & Inspirational    4. Self-Help    5. Siblings    6. Self-Help / Motivational   

Reviews (6)

Excellent preparation for big sister
I thought this book was great.I understand what previous reviewers are saying about the sister seeming to be ignored, but I think what we have to keep in mind is that she is probably not waiting as long as we think she is - the book is written from her perspective, not the parents'.If mom has to nurse for 1 more minute, it might seem like 30 to a two year old.And personally, I am not able to pour cereal while nursing so if my daughter wants some, she has to wait.
Big Sister Now: A Story About Me and Our New Baby
My husband and I found out we would be having our second grandchild. We went in search of a great book to help our grandson,age three, deal with a new baby sister. We searched a lot of stores and found the best story in the book "Big Sister Now".Even though it was about a big sister, it was easy to have our grandson understand that big sisters and big brothers seem to have the same things happen to them. He now says that his friend Kate has a baby brother Daniel and he Nicholas. is having a baby sister How wonderful this made us feel.
The BEST book for bringing a baby home I've seen!
"Big Sister Now" is on my list of "gotta haves" and "gotta give" to all friends and friends'kids who are bringing second and third and forth babies home to older sibblings. The story is so engaging, the senarios realistic. The character gives a voice and permission to older sibblings who may not know how to positively express what they're feeling. This book is sure to delight, educate and open doors of communication between parents and the older sibbling.
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Subjects:  1. Brothers and sisters    2. Children's 4-8 - Family / Parenting    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Kindergarten    5. Family - New Baby    6. Infants    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Parent and child    10. Preschool Picture Story Books    11. Siblings    12. Sociology    13. Fiction dealing with family issues   

Editorial Review

Alison Smith’s close-knit Catholic family is the very picture of contentment--right up until the day her 18-year-old brother is killed in a car accident. In Read more

Reviews (36)

Childhood games and Heaven
I found this novel a little mundane at times (mainly the events at school) and it wasn't a book I felt compelled to keep picking up. However I did feel that the author captured the closeness of a brother and sister very well and I enjoyed the descriptions of their growing up, building forts and secret places.
Someday...has arrived...
"Someday, I thought, we will tell each other all our secrets. Someday we will return to the beginning, to the Garden of Eden, where Adam first named every living thing, every plant and animal God gave him." (p. 302)
Don't buy the audio CD
This review applies to the audio version, read by the author.Many authors feel that they are the logical choice to read their own works--they wrote it, they felt it, they know where all the pregnant pauses should fall.I can think of many examples where this is true, but not in this case.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Death, Grief, Bereavement    5. Family    6. Personal Memoirs    7. Siblings    8. Thanatology    9. Women    10. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Family Relationships    4. Family/Marriage    5. Siblings    6. Sisters    7. Family & Relationships / Family Relationships    8. Feminism   

Reviews (1)

Why Can't We Get Along
Even adult siblings sometimes can't break long-standing rivalries or anger. Instead of turning your back on the relationship, read this book, and turn a new leaf. The author gives practical communication tips that will free you from the past and allow you to look to a brighter future with your sibling. For anyone looking to improve his or her sibling relationship, don't miss this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adulthood    2. Brothers and sisters    3. Case studies    4. Clinical Psychology    5. Conflict Resolution    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Family Relationships    8. Psychological aspects    9. Psychology    10. Sibling rivalry    11. Siblings    12. Child & developmental psychology    13. Marriage, family & other relationships    14. Psychology & Psychiatry / General    15. Self-Help & Practical Interests