I have a four-year-old son who sometimes displays exasperating behavior, so I was very interested in reading I Brake for Meltdowns: How to handle the most exasperating behavior of your 2 to 5 year old. I told my sister-in-law, mother of a three-year-old daughter (whose behavior I will not classify here on the world wide web), that I was reading it and thought it had some pretty good ideas.
“Is it real?” she asked. “I hate it when people write these parenting books and never tell about real less-than-perfect situations.”
“Well, the author recounted a story where she was so mad that she threw a plate. That’s real, right?”
That got my sister-in-law’s attention and also got me thinking about why I did enjoy the book. It is indeed real. The truth is that preschoolers can be exasperating, and for that matter as the mother of a preschooler, I’m sure that I can be a bit exasperating to him as well. The authors bring their life experiences to the table. Michelle Nicholasen had five children in four years (with triplets in the middle), so she gained her expertise the hard way. Barbara O’Neal is the Educational Director at Arlington Children’s Center, in Arlington, Massachusetts where she partners with families to give their children the best environments possible.
The parenting philosophies presented here are very modern. As far as the role of the child in a family, it’s a bit more child-centered than I practice (she doesn’t ever try to get away with a simple “I’m the parent, that’s why!”), but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t great ideas (or simple encouragement) that any of us in the midst of parenting this precious and precarious stage of life might appreciate. That said, the book does not advocate a family where the children rule, but instead encourage parents to actually be parents by helping you to set limits (which you decide work best for your family) and pinpoint the best method of communication that will work to get through to your individual children. That I really liked.
I also appreciated the clear organization of the book. It does not have to be read through from chapter one to the epilogue. The book can easily be used as a reference. Having meal-time battles? Turn to chapter four. Are you at your wit’s end over potty training? See chapter five. Is your child’s anger out of control? Read chapter seven. Is your anger out of control? Turn to the epilogue.
Each chapter outlines the issue at hand and helps you evaluate the specifics as they pertain to your family. Helpful suggestions for words and phrases to use with your child are given, and the “Been There” vignettes within a box are where the author “gets real.” Then a series of “What If’s” are presented, with the options laid out for you (giving you choices about what to institute for your family or for a particular situation).
Each child is different, and each parent is different. The authors of this book recognize this and instead of prescribing some radical or rigid parenting method, they educate and invite the reader to take what works for them.
Would you like to win a copy of I Brake for Meltdowns? Leave a comment on this post. The winners will be announced in next week’s column.
The winner of last week’s book Washington’s Lady is #82, Heather.
Remember to check in with the new 5 Minutes for Books site each day for new book reviews, recommendations, and giveaways.
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{ 263 comments… read them below or add one }
As a mom of a two year old going into this phase I am more than interested in this book. Thanks Jennifer!
Sounds like an interesting book. Thanks for the recommendation!
Yes, please! My daughter is 2 1/2 and we have our share of meltdowns.
Please sign me up…..I have an 18 month old I think is starting early.
Would love this book!
I have a 2 yr old and would LOVE to have this book!
Thanks!
Wow! This sounds like the book I need! I have a four year old that tends to battle me and I would LOVE some tips! I’d love to win!
As a mom of a preschooler, this would definitely be useful in our house. And the fact that it’s a ‘real’ parenting book with real solutions and expectations? Invaluable.
I’ve got a 2 AND a 4 year old with another on the way – don’t suppose you have THREE copies to give away!? *wink*
This would definitely be useful in our house.
This sounds like a great read
I have 2 year ols twin boys. Nuff said…It’s amazing I still have hair left.
I have two in the 2-5 year old range. I need this book.
This book sounds very nice as i have 2-1/2yr baby & she is very naughty , she throw tantrums for each thing from eating to sleeping.i am also writing my experience as mother on my blog
http://feminne.blogspot.com
i think my blog can also help other mother to nourish their little ones. i am fond of reading books.
I would love to win this book.
try to visit my blog also
Sounds like a great book!
I have a 3 and 4 yo. Any help is appreciated with the dreaded meltdowns!
This looks like a great read! My little guy is only 6 months old, but I like to be prepared.
Oh yes, I’d like this book! (Coming from the mother of 3 boyz ages 6,4 and 3!)
I would love to read this book! Thanks for the opportunity!
Im going to be a foster mom in less than three weeks!! could use this book!!!!
What Mom of a 2 and 4 year old couldn’t use this book?
Oh boy this book sounds like a good read to me. My 2 year old and I would benefit from reading this book. Count me in for the contest and I hope to win. Thanks again for a great giveaway and for your great blog.
I am in sooo need of this book I may run out and buy it today!!!
I would love this book!
please count me in i have a 2 year old and i really need this book
Count me in – sounds like it’s a good resource for lots of ages.
I would love to read this!
I can use this book, sounds like it has something that all parents could use.
I Need this book PLEASE!!!
I can already tell I’m going to need all the help I can get in this department – my little one is only 10 months old and we’re already dealing with meltdowns… I’ll take all the help I can get! Thanks for the good recommendation
Oh do I need this book. As mother of 21 month old twins I have lots of breakdowns!!!! Great giveaway!!!!
My daughter is two. She will be giving me the kind of meltdowns covered in this book, according to its title, for at least three more year. I think I need this book.
As a nanny to 3 kids, I definitely should get ahold of this book! I’ve got my fingers crossed
Please!!! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!! Help me with my 2-1/2 year old..This book would be perfect!
I think there is a good chance I will run out and buy a copy today! Or maybe I can hold of for a week to see if I won. Good luck everyone.
Great. This sounds like a good read. Meltdowns are draining.
and what are the comments for
Sounds interesting. My daughter is almost 20 months and I think that she’s entering the “terrible two” stage already.
My kids are 2 and 3, I’d be interested in this one for sure.
I am the mom of a 18 month old who is biting and pinching when she is angry, which always seems to be the case. I’m a bit worried, in all honesty, so maybe this book will help, even though she’s not a 2 year old yet.
Count me in – my oldest is 6 but I also have a 3 yr old and an infant and my 3 year old is wonderful but frustrating! I could use some advice for sure!
I need this! LOL
This is wonderful, thank you!
My kids are almost out of this stage but my brother’s family has two kids under 2. This would be a great gift.
i need this
Are you kidding me? My almost 2 year old is an angel…….until she has one of THOSE tantrums. People never believe it when we tell them she’s mean when she’s mad! I would love to see what this author has to offer in the way of advice!
Hey! Wow! This sounds great. we have a ways to go before the little one is 2 yrs old, but better to start learning now!
We are just beginning to experience meltdowns and I have no ideas how to curtail them, and I have years ahead of me of dealing with this. Please give me back my sanity and let me win this book.
My three year old has been totally unruly lately. I keep trying new things and have yet to find the exact thing that will work! This book could be a great help!
I need this. I have a 3 year old son.
I want to win this for my son. He has a 3 and 1/2 year old. He needs help, definitely.
Very helpful book. I could use it for sure.
I have a little boy who’s turning 4 August 19th and would love to win this.
Sounds like something I could use.
Count me in.
This is definitely a book I could use! As I sit here losing my mind over the behavior of my 4.5 year old!!!
As a mother of a 1 and a half year old who is already beginging to show signs of “exasperating” behavior, I would sure like to win a copy of this book. Count me in!
This book has my name all over it! If I don’t win I’ll be picking it up for sure!
I’ve been trying to think of the perfect gift for our new neighbors who are 1st time homeowners & parents of the sweetest 2 year-old. Being a grandparent myself, I can just guess that this may well be the perfect gift I’ve been searching for! It’s a gift that they won’t outgrow anytime soon either.
I could really use this book…
Great book giveaway. Thanks for offering it!
Include me in on the contest
I remember having a 3yr old have her own meltdown in a mall, laying on the ground, screaming at the top of her lungs, and flailing all over the place.
Now that daughter is having a child. This would be a great book for her to read!
My daughter could use this. She has a 4-yr. old who never stops talking. Thanks!
I had smoothie flicked on me from the back seat an hour ago. THAT was exasperating. Thanks for the giveaway!
That sounds like a book I need….
This is just what I need for my 4 year old daughter! Thanks for the review!
Ooh, I could use this with Roo. 2 was fine, but 4 is constantly exasperating with her…
i so need this. my 16 month old i already having melt downs!!
could have used the book this morning!
This would be so helpful! Thanks!
Twitter: TheAngelForever
July 21, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Oh my as a mommy of an almost 5 year old and a 1 year old I could certainly use this. Any ideas and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for the great giveaway
I have 2 granddaughters ages 2 and 3 1/2 and their mothers will LOVE this book. They don’t have melt downs at Grammy’s house though cause I give them what they want and when they want it. That is what GOOD Grammys do you know. And then we send them home.
As the mom of 2 kids under 5 (at least until the older one turns 5 in a week) I can definitely use this book. Thanks for the great giveaway!
Oh I have the PERFECT mother to give this to.
I have a 3 year old, so of course I could use this book. Thanks so much for the opportunity.
I could really sue this. My daughter is 2 and hard to handle, she wants her own way about everything.
Do you have a hidden camera in my house? How did you know that I have a desperate need for some help with meltdowns RIGHT NOW! I’d love to win this one.
This might come in handy here real quick!
Sign me up! If I don’t win it I might buy it…I have a 10 yr old handicapped daughter who’s cognitive delay puts her right smack in the terrible twos developmentally. Thanks for the chance.
I’m a nanny to 3 kidlets under the age of 5. This book would DEFINITELY come in handy, especially when dealing with the sibling rivalries.
wow
I would love this! I was just commenting to someone that I think we’re expreiencing the terrible three’s at our house. Two was nothing compared to three. It’s always good to have some new ideas to consider.
Great Prize !
Would love this!
I used to wonder why they called it ‘the terrible twos’. Two was no problem.
Now that Princess is deep into the heart of three’s I understand terrible. And tantrum. And testy. Yeah, I could probably get some good advice and chuckles and knowing nods out of this book.
the cover is priceless.
I would really be interested in this book as I work at a school and preschool for children with disabilities. Sometimes they display these same behaviors so I am interested in finding the best way to deal with it.
Hi there!
I’ve been reading your site for months now and absolutely *love* it!
I’m hosting a little giveaway on my blog right now. The deadline is July 31st to win a package of six original photo note cards with envelopes. I just started a new Etsy shop. Just wanted to let you know … the URL (with more details) is above. Thanks!
I’d love to win!
That book looks hilarious. I think I need to buy this book for my upcoming flight, so I have something funny to read on the plane, while my baby is nursing/fussing.
I have a 3 year old. I NEED this book!! LOL
I would love to have this book. Thanks!
I needed this book today! Thanks.
Sounds like a great book
This sounds like just what I need!
I deal with MELTDOWNS on a regular basis! this book would be great…thanks :O)
I could use this at my house right now with my 4 yr. old.
OMG! I need this book so bad! I have 2 in that age range!
Oh yes, I could use this book!
What a wonderful prize!
need to have this
This could be helpful for my daughter-in-love and 2yr. old grandaughter – Daddy just got home from a 14 month deployment!
Help me, please! Our church nursery has been so hot this summer that I’ve had to leave the door open and put up a child safety gate. People keep walking by and commenting on the tantrums of an only-soon-to-be-a-big-brother, and I need some more wisdom on how to handle his behavior and my responses. Thank you for the offer!
As a mother of a 17mth old&4 yr old boys,i need this book!!
i would love a copy of this book!!
This would be a perfect book for my niece-she has 3yr old twin boys!
This sounds like a great resource! I wonder if it would work for dealing with other peoples children? Working in the nursery gets exasperating at times, too, lol.
Would be a great read I am a toddler teacher
looks great
I could so use this book! My daughter is 23 months and I think she’s starting a month early. She’s in her crib screaming right now. Bedtime used to be easy – what happened?
What a great giveaway! I would love to win this for my brother who has a daughter who just turned 1. She’s not yet into meltdowns, but from experience, I know it will come soon
Sounds very useful!
looks good – thanks!
This book would be perfect for me because my daughter is 4 and we have lots of meltdowns and have just found out she has adhd.
My niece is going through the terrible 2′s! You get the screaming, the biting, the complete meltdowns, and then sweetest little girl. I would love to give this book to my sister.
I have four children five and under — I have no Barnes and Noble or Borders — 700 miles from here is the closest option for books. I NEED the book.
lovely! sign me up!
We could definitely use this book. As a mom of 4 ages being 10, 7, 22 months and another due in October, we don’t really have the time to let our youngest have her little fits. If I can figure out a way to curb her meltdowns so we can spend more time with the rest of the clan that HAS to be helpful!!
Love the sister sites!!
My son just turned two…… the meltdowns have begun! I’m open to any helpful suggestions. Looks like a good book- would love to win! Thanks:)
My son turned 3 last month and the tantrums got bigger and he’s so much more defiant, sounds like I need this book! Thanks!
We surely need this book. NOW!
Boy do I need this!
I have a 2 year old and will have a newborn in a few weeks… a handy reference guide would be much appreciated!
My daughter’s almost two and this will, I’m sure, be SUPER HANDY as she is just starting to seriously test me! I can’t believe how sweet little girls can actually turn into little monsters in meer seconds!
What a great book! I love the pic of the little girl on the cover…I know I used to make the same face and take that same stance!
OMG! I need this book! My daughter is going through the yell louder stage to get what I want and I’m ready to run away or at least hide behind the nearest clothes rack until she turns into the sweet little girl I know she can be!
My son is turning 3 next month and this is just the book that I need!!!!!
I’d love love love to win this! I have a 3 year old and a one year old and years of tantrums ahead.
YES!!!! We need this for our 3 1/2 year old strong-willed twin boys!!!!
As a mom with a 3 year old who spits any sort of liquid all over my living room floor, smears mac and cheese on my wall, and has a meltdown whenever he sees the Walmart sign (because he hates it lol), I could really use this book.
I have a 4 yr old that has major meltdowns constantly throughout the day. At most times I wish I could walk away and then come back and things will be fine. She is the type to spill things all over the house, break things, hit and abuse people and animals and so on. I desperately need to get my hands on this book and learn and read on how to control my out of control 4 yr old.
oh, me and my 2 year old could sure use this!!!
This is a much-needed book.
*raising hand, waving*
ooh, ooh, ooh.
Me,me please
2 1/2 yr old son, trying to potty train, has mom’s stubborn tendencies.
Help!
count me in, please!
oh wow – that sounds great…we are just getting ready for my little guy to hit 2, so know we have a lot of fun in front of us! Thanks
Tantrums, screaming, and just plain ole stubborn attitudes – does this book cover older siblings (and dads
) as well?
Would love to win this for my little sister!
I would love to win this book. My two year old has started throwing himself on the floor sobbing whenever he doesn’t get his way.
Count me in. I have a three year old and a five year old.
I could really use this book. My three year-old’s meltdowns are causing me to have meltdowns
Pick me.
Great recommendation! Thanks for the giveaway offer!
My little grandaughter just started the “terrible twos”, this book would be great for us.
This book sounds awesome! With my 2 yr old and my 1yr old nephew I have daily this book would be very useful!!!
Thanks for the opportunity!
My baby is well-versed in meltdowns already at 15 months. I think this book would come in very handy!
Thanks for a chance to win this great prize!
I would love to read this.
As a mom of a 2 yr old who has entered every possible phase in the past month I would so appreciate this book. The techniques I’ve been trying don’t seem to make an impact so any advice is appreciated!
This sounds like a great read, Thank you for informing us about it.
I would love to win this book. It sounds like a great book to read and learn from.
I NEED this one right about now as I have 3 yr old twins and I definitely need some tools/hints on how to “get through” this! Thanks,
Maureen
This sounds like a great book for most parents. I could definitely use this from time to time.
We have our share of meltdowns with my almost 3 year old little guy! I would love this book!
Yes!! Count me in! I have a 4 year old that’s been giving me fits. And anyone that reads my blog knows exactly what I’m talking about. LOL
the term meltdown is what we use for my 6 year old grandson, as he has autisum.
This book sounds like just what I need. My daughter is 7 and she never acted like my 2 year old son does now. He has meltdowns almost daily. We also have another baby due in December. I know this book would be wonderful for both my husband and I. Thanks for the chance to win.
Oh, I need this today!
Oh yes, please. Anything to get us past the mealtime battle stage!
Sounds like something my daughters-in-law (4 kids 5 and under with another on the way) would love to read and pass along.
Heee – love the cover of the book – great prize!
Seeing as we seem to be entering the Terible Twos, I could use this book.
enter me!
I have a daughter that is going to turn 2 years old in September. She has almost hit that stage, and I would love this book to be prepared, lol.
I liked to win a copy as well.
I want to win
Wow! My niece could sure use this.
I could definitely use this for my 1-year-old…won’t be long before he’s 2 and he’s already starting the tantrums. But I hope it would also help with my 7-year-old’s continuing meltdowns!
Oh my! Meltdowns are something you *never* forget. My kids are a bit old and *should* be past the meltdown stage, but how can I expect them to be when sometimes, even I have an adult sized meltdown?
Best book title ever!
oh, yes, we could use this
Oh, sign me up! I have two children in that age range. Unfortunately, many of the meltdowns around here are my own.
please enter me
would love to be entered.
Twitter: ptownmoofus
July 22, 2008 at 10:34 pm
I do so need this book. Thanks ;D
Sounds like a book every parent should read.
I so need this book….it’s going on the Must read list…my first was pretty easy and laid back…#2 is high-needs, meltdowns left and right!
I soooo need this book for so many reasons.
Sounds like a very helpful book! Please include me…
My daughter just turned three and I did not think I was going to make it through 2. It is just such a patience testing time! This book could definitely help with the 3′s.
Having both a 2 and 4 year old, this would certainly come in handy!
OMG do you have one that would stop the meldowns of a 7 year old boy? Meltdown is mild let’s change that to Nuclear Attack of a 7 year old boy. Would love to read book and see if any ideas would work for him.
enter me
This would be wonderful! I could use all the help I can get when it comes to episodes.
Sounds like an interesting book.
Sounds perfect for my bestfriend to use with her little girl.
i have 4 children 5, 3,3,&1! Sounds like a book I need!
sounds like a lifesaver!!!
me please! we just entered the terrible 2′s and I’m already tired.
We could sure use this book!
I am in need of advice for my 3 year old.
I would love to win this book! I have a 3 year old and 14 month old. Any advice is definitely welcome.
Yes please, we have gone past the ‘why’s’ and I am now in the ‘I really really really really want it’ phase with my 2.5yr old daughter.
I really really really really want this book!
what a great prize!!!!!
I have a 18 month old at home and she has already started to have major meltdowns so i would really love to be able to read this book and find out how other people handle it especially because she is going to be a big sister in january and I am going to have my hands full if she has major meltdowns. Thanks
I could definitely use this! My son will be 2 next month and is already exhibiting terrible 2 like behavior.
I could really use this book and am interested in reading it (even if I don’t win)! I have 2 toddlers….one just turned 4 and the other is 2.5. Between the two of them, some days I think I’m going to lose my mind!
oh this sounds like it would be a godsend
Sounds like a book we all need!
Whew, did I need this book today. Count me in!!
I am new to this site. My first visit! I am interested in learning more. And I’d love to win a copy of the book. Thanks.
Oh, my sister needs this book!!
My daughter could so use this book. She has 5 children and my 4 year old grandchild is really wearing her down and she needs what ever help she can get.
I’ve got 4 kids and could use all the help I can get!!! I’ll hide in the closet and read it.
I could really use this! I have a 3 year old. Thanks.
Sounds like a great read, definitely useful!
I’m sure I NEVER had a meltdown like my grandson has when I was a baby
) Sounds like a very useful book.
How did my adorable toddler grow into this TWO YEAR OLD!!! I could use all the help I can get.
This would be very useful right now
I need this…I have a three year old and a one year old! AHHHH!
Wow. That author does sound real. I LOVE it! With a 4 year old son, and a daughter on her way to 2, I’d love some insight from a down to earth, real mom. I’m in!
Hmmmmm . . . we could all use some expert guidance with our little ones! Sounds good to me! (However, please don’t tell my 2-year-old that I want some technical training! hee, hee)
We have two boys, 2 and 4, and this book would really be helpful!!
Wow, this looks to be invaluable!!
Thanks for the contest. I am sure that I am going to need this book soon enough, lol.
I have a very stubborn 4 year old so I could definitely use this book!!
Sounds like a great read!
Sounds like a great book! Wish I had it for my first kid!
Sweet niblets!
I would love to win this book! Thank you for offering this contest! In return – here’s a little something to check out – the WOM Manual II – ways to spread the word about your business, website etc. – and it’s free on the internet. Thanks again!
I need this for my 3 year old granddaughter!
enter me please
Who couldn’t use a book like this? Thanks!
looks interesting, I have a terrible 2 myself
This book looks great…I’m going to be working with kids in the future, and I would love to have some tips.
Sounds like a good and useful book!
My 3 year old who is diagnosed as PDD-NOS has some hum-dingers! I would love some encouragement and help with these meltdowns. I know some are age appropriate and some are due to his limited resources but I would love to win this book and learn more coping mechanisms.
Perhaps my 3-year-old will be scouted by Disney . . . she is QUITE the drama queen.
My daughter is 2 and we just started with temper tantrums. I am sure this will come in handy very soon.
I would love this book to help me with my 2 1/2 year old. His older brother has nicknamed him “MOD” … Master Of Disaster!
Thanks!
Looks like a helpful book!
I would like to be able to give this to my friend. Thanks!
Love to win this. My son baffles me!
i want to win
Thank you for the chance to win.
woo hoo a book about my son… lol
Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Looks like a great book! I would love to win! Thanks so much for the giveaway!
OMG do I need this! I have a two-year-old and a five-year-old. I would love to win this for some tips and tricks. Thank you so much for the great cotest.
I have a toddler and this would be great
What a great book
PLEASE COUNT ME IN ON THIS AWESOME GIVEAWAY
My granddaughter is a nearly perfect 3yr old. I would love to win this for my daughter to help her deal with the rare exasperating moments.
sounds great!
I really could use this I have a 4 year Old who just goes out of control.Talking just makes it worse and smacking his behind doesn’t either.Really would love to win this book maybe it could help me.
Would love to win this book.
this is just to cool
I think this book could be very useful.
as a preschool teacher I could sure use this!
Being a teacher, I could use this.
I would love, love love to read this!
I could use this!
I have a 5 yr old and a 2 year old. The teenagers are worse.
This would definitely be useful in our house.ty 4 the great contest!:)
Man, do I need this book sooooo badly!
My three year old could peel the paint from the walls with her screaming sometimes this book would be great to read or if all else fails to use on her hiney ( just kidding) lol.
Grandaughters 2 1/2 and 4 need can cook up their own “meltdowns” quite nicely, BUT add 6 year old grandson to the mixture and he gets that pot boiling every time. Daughter-in-law could definitely use this book.
This would be great for my daughter-in-law. Her second baby is due in two months & her other baby is not quite one.
Keping your cool; whn all else melts down with a child; any book helps to recount those thoughts when everything else comes tumbling down during the child meltdown; while parent has the cooldown; many thanks SW
sounds like a great book hope i win
I could really use this to help me deal with my daughter’s meltdowns.
Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!
I would love a copy of this book! I am desperate! i read everything I can get my hands on & NOTHING has helped! My 4 yr old has at least 6-8 major meltdowns a day. I am worried because it is also having an effect on his 16 month old brother! Someone please help me!