Product Description

A handbook of advice on all aspects of life with a second child. Having two children is different from having one in almost every respect. The book looks at the demanding task of looking after two children, showing parents how to handle the time squeeze, feeling over-stretched, tantrums and confrontations, the complicated dynamic of the threesome, marital disharmony and returning to work.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #30061 in Books
• Published on: 2001-03-08
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

From the Author
I was very interested to read Amazon readers' reviews and just wanted to respond to those people who thought my book too negative. Research shows that about 50% of second-time parents find it much easier than first time round and about 50% find it much harder. I very much wanted to look at the experiences of those second-time parents who find it harder. Having been there myself, I know how very lonely it can be (especially with the other 50% making you feel such a failure for finding it anything other than a breeze) and, in addition, wanted to write about the experience as honestly as possible. Judging by the testimonies of many of the women I interviewed for the book, as well as letters I've received from readers since, I can only say in response to criticism, that what some readers have found 'negative', others have found deeply reassuring. I guess this just goes to prove that there's as much diversity in our experiences of motherhood as in everything else in life - and thank heavens for that.

Customer Reviews

Must read for 2nd time mum's
I bought this book while pregnant with my second. I am very happy I did. The first time around I wasn't prepared. No one would tell me the reality of how hard it is and how much your life really changes when you become a mother. From the media to friends who had had children everything was glossed over. This book prepared me for the second time around like I wasn't the first. I've recommended it to several friends.

A reality check worth reading
I too am saddened to see all the negative feedback about this book - I have read it and it really isn't half as bad as it's made out. Forewarned is forearmed and many mums jst aren't prepared for the life changes that come about with first one child and then the completely different dynamic of two children. Why do we women make having children such a competition - never wanting to admit when there is a problem or that we need help - this book clearly displays some of the real issues about having a 2nd child. BUT there are also handy tips for making the whole thing smoother. Now if you completely don't relate to this book and any of the annecdotes in it then you must be the perfect parent - always organised. Personally I don't profess to be that perfect and so find this book a real breath of fresh air. It's almost humourous to know that thousands of other mums are going through the exact same probs as you - like you're not alone. Thank you a most refreshing read.

Worth a second read
I first started reading this when I was heavily pregnant with my second child, & finished it when my baby was a few weeks old. Like some of the other reviewers I found it rather negative. I'd thought from the title and cover that it would be humourous but found it quite depressing. However I did find some of the information really useful. There were lots of things which I wouldn't have connected with the new baby without reading this. For example I realised that some of the parenting problems I was having with my eldest child were classic signs of a child feeling a bit displaced by a new sibling.

I've recently re-read the book 2 years on and found it really interesting to look back and see that lots of what she talks about was very true for my family, and I wish I'd re-read it earlier - maybe when my baby was about 6-7 months. However I do still feel that there could be a little more focus on the joys of having a second child - believe me, there are some wonderful moments that, for me, far outweigh the problems.

I think the strength of this book (& also what makes it a bit of a gloomy read) is that the author does cover pretty much everything that might go wrong when you have a second child, & hopefully for most families only some of these things will actually happen to you, so I think it depends on your personality whether you want to know all this in advance. Some people might find it useful to be forewarned of possible problems. On the other hand I think some will find it quite a depressing read and would rather just deal with things as they arise and not know about problems they might never have to face. Decide on which type of person you are and use that to decide whether this book is for you!