Rating: 
Summary: Hysterically Funny
Review: I'll start by saying that my husband and I have used a very different form of parenting than Vicki uses [We are what she describes as "those Hippies" who use Attachment Parenting and sleep together in one big bed like a "Pile of Puppies" - and we love it]. That having been said, I have thoroughly enjoyed this book [all THREE times I read it - and I'll probably re-read it again sometime when I need another lift]. I laughed until I cried reading this book and it ALWAYS gives me a fresh outlook on whatever stage I'm dealing with. I don't advise using this book as your primary manual to caring for a Toddler. There are much better books out there for that purpose [In My Opinion - "The Discipline Book", "How To Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk", as well as "Attachment Parenting"]. But if you could really use a laugh and help getting some perspective on these hectic, crazy toddler years - this is the perfect book for it. [And what mother of a toddler couldn't use a laugh?!!] I've read all of Vicki's books [and enjoyed them], but this one is my favorite. It seems from reading the reviews that people either love Vicki or hate her. I don't really understand the polarization. I think she's simply a very funny person who doesn't claim to be *anything* more than she is - just one mom who has been there and is sharing one way of coping. She repeatedly emphasizes that she's not a Physician, Psychologist, etc. I don't think people should take her books so seriously - they are meant to be funny, and they succeed brilliantly. One thing that does carry forth very plainly in her books though: Vicki loves children very much and encourages us to parent with compassion. You can't fault her for that - this world could certainly use a little more compassion.
Rating:
Summary: BabyLounge gives 5 pacifiers to Girlfriends' Guide
Review: Vicki Iovine has done it again with her newest, The Girlfriends' Guide to Toddlers. You'll laugh out loud as you learn how to deal with biters and thumb suckers, nose pickers and picky eaters. Chapters covering such things as discipline, the potty, and sleep, use lots of stories of other girlfriends' mistakes and successes. This book is not just an entertaining read, though. It's a fabulous reference book. Well researched, it covers everything from babyproofing to selecting a preschool. Since she's a mom of four, the author gives more realistic advice than the politically correct experts. She knows that sometimes you're going to put your child in front of the TV just so you can get something done, and she doesn't make you feel bad about doing it. The Girlfriends' Guide to Toddlers covers everything you need to know with humor and the knowledge that comes with experience. It's the perfect gift for a one-year-old's birthday. Show up with this book instead of some plastic toy, and the mother will consider you a girlfriend in good standing.
Rating:
Summary: Must-Have for all Toddler Parents
Review: Throw away "What to Expect." Just kidding. Keep or purchase "What to Expect" but LISTEN to Vicki and don't worry about what other books say. I'm a completely stressed single-parent of a 23 month-old-boy who could barely walk 8 months ago but can now run from me full-speed while turning to look at me and giggle in pure delight. I'm stressing about him eating enough (and well), potty training, temper tantrums, hitting and everything else you are and this book helped me relax quite a bit. Isn't that what you really want anyway when you have a toddler? Laugh-out-loud book. I loved Vicki's guide to pregnancy...for that you CAN throw out "What to Expect." Vicki just gives it to you the way it REALLY is. It's a must have. I've given it to all of my friends with toddlers.
Rating: 
Summary: Humor helps relieve anxiety along with specific "how to's"
Review: I really like Vicki's sense of humor. Sometimes in the evening, when we have had a bad day, my husband and I will read an excerpt outloud together and share a good laugh about something that nearly drove us crazy earlier. Vicki lets you know for sure that you are not the only one that has problems with your toddlers. She offers a variety of sensible strategies to choose from. She is not afraid to share in her book some of her own embarrassing, angry moments with her kids; and we find that very comforting. Her book is fun to read with its friendly "girltalk" style that most moms (or dads) with toddlers can relate to. It feels good to know that other kids say and do things that challenge their parent's sanity and that all of us regret what we say and do from time to time. We also recommend a quick-read A-Z guide called "The Pocket Parent" which has a similar compassionate friendly tone. There are a variety of personal short anecdotes (many very funny) from the authors and other parents of 2-5 year olds. However, along with the humor, "Pocket Parent" has way more "meat" as far as specific helpful "how-to's" to such troublesome behaviors as bad words, bedtime, biting, hitting and hurting others, interrupting, mealtime, morning crazies, the gimmes, separation anxiety, and whining. Both books give lots of support, a good dose of humor and sensible advice without being preachy nor condescending.
Rating:
Summary: Hysterically Funny
Review: I'll start by saying that my husband and I have used a very different form of parenting than Vicki uses [We are what she describes as "those Hippies" who use Attachment Parenting and sleep together in one big bed like a "Pile of Puppies" - and we love it]. That having been said, I have thoroughly enjoyed this book [all THREE times I read it - and I'll probably re-read it again sometime when I need another lift]. I laughed until I cried reading this book and it ALWAYS gives me a fresh outlook on whatever stage I'm dealing with. I don't advise using this book as your primary manual to caring for a Toddler. There are much better books out there for that purpose [In My Opinion - "The Discipline Book", "How To Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk", as well as "Attachment Parenting"]. But if you could really use a laugh and help getting some perspective on these hectic, crazy toddler years - this is the perfect book for it. [And what mother of a toddler couldn't use a laugh?!!] I've read all of Vicki's books [and enjoyed them], but this one is my favorite. It seems from reading the reviews that people either love Vicki or hate her. I don't really understand the polarization. I think she's simply a very funny person who doesn't claim to be *anything* more than she is - just one mom who has been there and is sharing one way of coping. She repeatedly emphasizes that she's not a Physician, Psychologist, etc. I don't think people should take her books so seriously - they are meant to be funny, and they succeed brilliantly. One thing that does carry forth very plainly in her books though: Vicki loves children very much and encourages us to parent with compassion. You can't fault her for that - this world could certainly use a little more compassion.
Rating:
Summary: Great!
Review: This book is a must read for every parent. The information is written in a breezy style that busy parents will enjoy.
Vickie dishes out her no nonsense advice like a true girlfriend. By: Debbie Farmer, parenting author of 'Don't Put Lipstick on the Cat!'
Rating:
Summary: Must-Have for all Toddler Parents
Review: Throw away "What to Expect." Just kidding. Keep or purchase "What to Expect" but LISTEN to Vicki and don't worry about what other books say. I'm a completely stressed single-parent of a 23 month-old-boy who could barely walk 8 months ago but can now run from me full-speed while turning to look at me and giggle in pure delight. I'm stressing about him eating enough (and well), potty training, temper tantrums, hitting and everything else you are and this book helped me relax quite a bit. Isn't that what you really want anyway when you have a toddler? Laugh-out-loud book. I loved Vicki's guide to pregnancy...for that you CAN throw out "What to Expect." Vicki just gives it to you the way it REALLY is. It's a must have. I've given it to all of my friends with toddlers.
Rating:
Summary: Helps you breathe again
Review: If you spend any time around other mothers, you'll know how much of an imperfect parent they can make you feel like. Their child can talk, walk, use the potty, and flambe' all before your kid can find their nose. It's a relief to have Vicky there to tell you that as long as you love your children and give this parenting thing your best shot, you're winning the battle. It's nice to know you're not the only imperfect parent out there and that your children will still grow up just fine.
I'm relieved that I don't have to fight with my son over his pacifier habit and I don't have to stress about potty training him at a time that is obviously way too early for him. Thank you Vicky for making me realize it's ok to listen to my own intuition on what's best for my children.
Rating:
Summary: toddler wit is happy
Review: If you have a toddler, this is a great book to read for hairy days when you are wondering why you ever even had a kid to begin with. Not too serious but good humor to make even the most frusrated mom laugh. If you feel like you need something more, I also love a book written by family expert, Jodie Lynn. In Mommy-CEO, you will get tons of tips for toddlers and preschoolers and beyond. Together these books are a great match. Vicki for humor and Jodie for a little more on how to tips for getting through life with your children as a regular mom. I love both authors -- they are great girlfriends to have around who don't talk back. :)
Rating:
Summary: Cant stop laughing
Review: I bought this book when I daughter was 20 months old. I shared it with my mother and my friends. It is amazing because it makes you laugh. You just love to read it because it is real life and funny!! I would recommend this to anyone who wants a light-hearted book.
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