Rating: 
Summary: Not impressed
Review: While I found this book somewhat helpful, I felt it was lacking in advice for single and/or working mothers. I agree with the reader who said that the book did not give much advice when dealing with practical situations. In my opinion, most of this book was just plain common sense. I think this book should have done more to teach parents succesful ways to implement parenting strategies rather than just vomiting them back to us.
Rating: 
Summary: Love your child, love this book!
Review: Almost all of the parents I know say they want their child to grow up to be likeable, successful in a complex world, and capable of close loving relationships.Dr. Sears, a Pediatrician of 30 years, shares the way he and his wife Martha Sears R.N. (also a pediatrics expert), have raised their eight children with these same qualities in mind. With a loving approach tailored to each child's individuality, this couple gets results, while respecting the rights of all concerned. Wise, witty, and wonderful.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing!
Review: I am a strong believer in the general ideas espoused by Dr. Sears (family bed, avoiding spanking, being respectful of children as people, etc.), but I found this book very disappointing. First, Dr. Sears provides many strong recommendations about what a parent should and shouldn't do, but virtually no practical suggestions or examples. Second, in the focus on being respectful and responsive to the child, there is a strong implication that a parent who attends to his/her own needs is practicing poor parenting. I believe that a parent who sacrifices too much of her/his self is often a worse parent than those who have boundaries that are respectful of BOTH themselves and their child. Third, there is a strong and explicit value that the mother is and SHOULD be the primary parent, with the father playing a quite peripheral role. If you want a parenting book that teaches you to be warm and responsive to your child with practical examples, "How to Talk So Kids Will Listen, How to Listen So Kids Will Talk" is a MUCH better choice.
Rating: 
Summary: For Those Who Want Alternatives
Review: This book is an excellent resource for those who want to discipline their children but don't want spanking to be their sole resort. As someone who loves her parents but doesn't like the way they disciplined her, I found the information given to be very helpful. In the introduction, the authors say that the expert on your child is you, and if any of their ideas seem too permissive or too harsh, to go with your instincts. This reflects the "reader-as-capable" tone that prevails throughout the entire book and which makes it a must-read.
Rating:
Summary: Love the child centered approach
Review: I'm a first time mom of a 15 month old, I didn't want to spank, slap, or yell. I was looking for a loving approach. I also could NEVER leave a child to cry, so I felt much relief when I started reading this book! My child is responding well (especially for a VERY active and strong willed child!!) I feel I am enjoying her more, understanding her behavior helps!! My only complaint is about breast feeding, I agree that it is THE BEST, however my child is adopted (I tried pumping to induce lactation but was unsuccessful and feeders leaked etc.) They REALLY should have had better info about bonding/feeding for bottle fed babies!!!!! My style with the bottle was to always hold and rock, NEVER EVER prop the bottle and snuggle close-looking in her eyes and talk or sing. In spite of most opinions that bottles should stop at one, I feel that if breast feeding is encouraged well into the toddler years then what is wrong with a bottle!!!! We still lovingly share the morning and bedtime bottles!!! Follow your heart and your baby!!!!!! I still love the book and refer to it often.
Rating: 
Summary: I do not recommend this book.
Review: It is unrealistic....The authors give off a "holier than thou" attitude....they did not share their mistakes that they made along the way or what they would have done differently....I disagreed with almost 100% of their strategies....I believe that structure is extrememly important in a child's life (although not rigid structure), and I also believe that a child should be able to learn how to soothe himself to sleep - the authors claim that children should never be left alone to put themselves to sleep.....I also believe that the father's role in child rearing is very important, but the Sears' appear to see it as the mother's responsibility....They also discuss how a parent should be so connected with their child that they will be able to prevent the child from crying by tending to child's every need before a crying spell occurs....as if the child's feelings aren't allowed to be expressed or validated!!! That is not healthy! Overall, I think that many parents will finish this book feeling inadequate and like they failed their child....there are many more books on the market that provide a more realistic view of parenting...I apologize for not commenting on any of the positive points of this book...it's moot at this point and the negatives far outweigh the positives....Obviously, I do not recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: It was somewhat useful, but not a cure-all.
Review: I found some of the suggestions useful. For example I was able to minimize getting into the yelling/spanking routine. Others (most) were idealstic and unrealistic. For example, for most situations the authors suggest talking calmly and gently to your child but I that is impossible when a toddler is screaming at the top of his lungs for 30 minutes and can't even hear anything being said! I found that some guidelines were too permissive for our family. I disagree with their advice to apologize to your children when you get angry-it makes parents look weak and out of control. I also think this book could leave some parents feeling inadequate because no parent is calm and rational 100% of the time.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointed
Review: I'm a big fan of the baby book, and I have to say I was really disappointed when I read this one. It's like it's written for people who can't think for themselves. The advice and explanations given in this book were things I take for granted that all parents understand. Either that or I'm a perfect mother- (and I know I'm not.) Buy something else instead- unless you don't really have a clue.
Rating:
Summary: A very child and parent friendly book
Review: I enjoy the advice that the Sears have to offer. They are obviously well intuned to children and their developement. I think the Sears are very adept at understanding why children do what they do. They could use some more concrete examples. Overall their approach is intelligent and kind.
Rating:
Summary: Discipline for life...
Review: I return to this book again and again to help me keep perspective! The Seares remind us of the big picture -- we are disciplining for life, not just the moment -- equipping our children with the skills they will need to discipline themselves and become sensitive, confident, happy adults someday. They encourage us to really know our children and thereby guide the individual child along through his/her unique little stages and temperments. Such a gentle yet firm approach to discipline...a wealth of creative alternatives to the "traditional" discipline practices of our parents.
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