jlconnery's review against another edition
3.0
This book could have been half as long. As other reviewers mention, it felt a bit repetitive. To sum it up, parents tend to spend much more than needed in order to feel like they are successfully raising children. Maybe because they are keeping up with the Joneses, maybe because they doubt their parenting skills and think the solution is to spend more money, or maybe just in general parents don't make the most rational decisions when it comes to spending, similar to the wedding industry?
At times I felt the book was a bit unorganized. For example, I thought the author was trying to make the point that parents bring in "experts" at times when it is unnecessary, but then she shares several anecdotes of how a lactation consultant and sleep expert made a big difference for her personally. Or she shared about a sleep expert who got great results, but did not share any details as to how the expert got results.
There were also arguments in the book that were counter to other research I have read. For example, the author discourages teaching baby sign language. While I agree it may not make sense to spend a lot of money on sign language classes, teaching basic sign language can easily be done for free and from what I've read (and experienced myself), can be beneficial. Teaching a few basic signs allowed my daughter to express her needs to me much earlier than she was speaking, and cost me absolutely nothing.
There were some interesting tidbits, but I ended up skimming quite a bit because of the repetition.
At times I felt the book was a bit unorganized. For example, I thought the author was trying to make the point that parents bring in "experts" at times when it is unnecessary, but then she shares several anecdotes of how a lactation consultant and sleep expert made a big difference for her personally. Or she shared about a sleep expert who got great results, but did not share any details as to how the expert got results.
There were also arguments in the book that were counter to other research I have read. For example, the author discourages teaching baby sign language. While I agree it may not make sense to spend a lot of money on sign language classes, teaching basic sign language can easily be done for free and from what I've read (and experienced myself), can be beneficial. Teaching a few basic signs allowed my daughter to express her needs to me much earlier than she was speaking, and cost me absolutely nothing.
There were some interesting tidbits, but I ended up skimming quite a bit because of the repetition.
lowellette's review
3.0
Not a lot of insights I hadn't considered already, but I found the author's comparison of the American way of parenting to the rest of the world and the lengths to which some parents "outsource" parenting interesting. I admit to being jealous reading of how some parents use sleeping coaches to help them deal with their baby's problems. I definitely would have loved to have that type of resource some nights.
dylan_james's review against another edition
2.0
There were parts that I felt I learned more specifics about consumeristic baby culture, but overall it seems aimed more at a certain type of parent or potential parent that I am not.
bmwpalmer's review against another edition
4.0
http://myadventuresintucson.blogspot.com/2008/05/parenting-inc.html
shilo1364's review against another edition
5.0
This was a fabulously entertaining look at the ridiculous extremes one can go to in the parenting world. Lots of useful info on what not to do ;-). I found the statistics and expense of everything fascinating. The demographic she focuses on is the older (late 30s-40s) upper-middle-class New York Socialite mom - and the lengths and expense she will go to in order to help her toddler 'get ahead.' While none of it really applies to me personally.. it's a great reminder of how most of that stuff is unnecessary, ridiculous, etc. A relief to read, after some of the books dedicated to 'all the things you absolutely must buy.'
kstuppy's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting read. Glad to confirm that our children will be fine without a bunch of overpriced "classes" and toys/accessories. Consumerism in America is out of control. "Stop Shopping!!" :)
kn1tt3r's review
2.0
The author does a great job of cutting through the hype and showing parents the machine behind the baby product industry. What she doesn't do is present much of an alternative. I felt that the book was out of balance - 90% is "isn't this horrible, bad, unnecessary" and 10% is "here's what's good." I would've liked to see more of the good.
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