From One Child to Two: What to Expect, How to Cope, and How to Enjoy Your Growing Family

I thought this book had some great ideas. The suggestions may seem like common sense, but you might not think of them with everything else going on in your life. The book was right on in regard to the sleep disturbances of the older child once the baby arrives. Knowing it was common made haddling them a little easier, for me anyway. I agree with the comment that it is written for the Mom - which is disheartening in this day and age. Unfortuately, most baby books are and it drives my husband crazy! The advice is still sound though, just look past the "shes" and "moms". Maybe they will change this in the next printing.

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. For example, Ms. Dunn offers advice on discussing the upcomming birth with the first child. She writes: "Even a child under age two picks up when you are talking about the baby with other people. So it makes sense not to be secretive or mysterious about the baby. Mystery can cause worry." She then offers advice on what you might talk about with your first child. In a second example, Ms. Dunn discusses the first weeks with a second child in the home. She writes: "Even if your firstborn's behavior is driving you to distraction, it's important to give her all the love and attention and cuddling you can spare now. That doesn't mean overindulging her or letting her break all the rules. It does mean trying to put yourself in her shoes and look at the world through her eyes." She then discusses some of the typical behavors, both good and bad, of the firstborn during the first weeks that the baby is introduced into the household. I found this book to be a great resource, one that I expect to reference over and over as I encounter issues while raising two kids in the household. After reading through her book, I have more confidence in introducing the second child to the family and less anxiety about what might happen to the familial dynamic.

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!

My first son will be 14 1/2 months old when his little brother is born and I can't seem to find much advice on how to prepare us all for this. I got a lot more out of this than the Meg Zweiback book though. If you are having a second baby when your first child is 3 or over you will get even more out of this book. However, this book is not only for how to prepare in advance for your growing family. It has a lot of usefull information in it which I'm betting I will come to rely on as the boys are growing up. It presents scenarios that are sure to come up as your children get older and gives advice on how to deal with them. All in all, a pretty good book for addressing concerns you may already have and preparing you for some you probably haven't thought of yet.

Very useful, research- and clinical practice-based advice on all the issues around having that second child. Succinct, many examples, and helpful summaries of tips at the end of each chapter.