RIGHT now, Baby Holly is in the midst of Wonder Week 46. So you can only imagine how grateful I was to get hold of the updated, fatter version of the worldwide bestseller The Wonder Weeks book. Yes, the sanity saver book I go on about on this blog, Twitter and Facebook all the time.
Yesterday I read the sections I hadn’t covered in the original version as my fussy baby displayed the three Cs – cranky, clingy and crying. Oh yes, fun times here. The updated version extends beyond the original eight Wonder Weeks to now feature 10 of these fussy, pull-your-hair-out periods in a baby and toddler’s life.
What I’ve loved about the book is it’s a real eye opener to why these cranky pants periods can be so frustrating for babies… and parents. They’re kind of like growth spurts, but for the brain. The book sells itself on exactly what it does: helps you to learn how best to stimulate your baby or toddler’s mental development and turn the hair-pulling phases into leaps forward. It never tries to make you believe it’ll turn your baby into a genius. You’ll need Mozart for that.
I only read the original book each time we were about to embark on another leap to see what the next lot of cognitive growth had in store. So, having now read the entire book, these are the things I loved most about it:
- It not only explains why things are happening, but also what you can do to help your baby through it. It means you’ll enjoy your baby more and learn how to better cope.
- It’s broken into the different developmental leaps, making it easy to digest. Each “Week’’ is also broken into smaller categories. Plus, it’s written with the everyday parent in mind. Even this sleep deprived mama found it easy to follow.
- You’re able to connect with your baby better through the gentle games and activities suggested.
- It’s packed with quotes and experiences of real parents (and let me tell you, they’re pretty honest), making you feel less alone during the challenging periods. The book is like your parenting support and instils you with greater self confidence.
- There’s a My Diary section to allow you to record your baby’s progress.
- The new edition means all those people who wished it was about more than just babies can learn about the developmental leaps right up until 20 months.
- The book reassures you that every baby is different. So if you baby isn’t doing it “by the book’’ or what another baby of similar age is doing, that’s OK.
My favourite line from the book is: “we have shown that every baby is `reborn’ 10 times in the first 20 months’’. Lucky we don’t have to go through the labour part as many times.
The book was written by Dutch author Frans Plooij and his wife Hetty van de Rijt, who passed away in 2003. The pair researched parent-baby interactions for 35 years. When Hetty died, the first draft of the last chapter of this revised book was ready.
While there is an app now available for iPads and iPhones, my only suggestion for the author is for it to be released as an ebook. As a breastfeeding mum, my Kobo eReader is lighter to hold and doesn’t require physical page turning while feeding bub.
If you want to learn more about the book, you can:
- Visit the official site at www.thewonderweeks.com
- Read my Week 26 post The Book That Stopped Me Crying, which includes the Wonder Weeks chart.
- Read my Week 37 post, Revisiting The Book That Stopped Me Crying.
- Buy the book at the Book Depository.
- Buy the book on Amazon.
- Get the app from iTunes
- You could enter the giveaway and score a copy for free.
UPDATE: COMPETITION CLOSED…. To go in the draw to win one of four copies of the new extended version of The Wonder Weeks (ranges in price from $65.95 at Angus and Robertson to $27.62 at The Book Depository) or one of two apps ($1.99 on iTunes), simply tell us three words to describe your baby or toddler right now. The giveaway closes Monday, September 19 at 7pm and a winner will be drawn randomly and announced on this blog and via Facebook and Twitter. Australian residents only. Limit of three entries.
Want extra entries? Then here’s how you can up your chances in the draw. Each task is worth one extra entry, but must be included as a separate comment (or it won’t count).
- Click the Facebook button below and share this giveaway with your Facebook friends. Then leave a separate comment saying something along the lines of “I’ve shared this on Facebook’’.
- Click the Twitter button below and share this giveaway with your Twitter followers (Twitter handle is @ThreeLil). Then leave a separate comment saying something along the lines of “I’ve shared this on Twitter’’.
Comments
69 responses to “The Wonder Weeks review and giveaway (valued at over $260)”
What I wouldn’t have given for this book when my babies were young. It sounds like the biz. No entry for the giveaway for me, but I really enjoyed your review. x
Thanks for the comment, Maxabella. It really is an incredible book. I just LOVE it. I can’t stop talking about it! I only wish I had found it when I had Ella. 🙂
Information sucking cutie!!!!
My bubby is cranky screamy and teething I need help help help 🙁 this would also be great for. Dads I think
I shaRed on Facebook
master and commander
Independent, strong-willed and adorable
Busy, cute, Busy
Shared on twitter thanks
kazedwards23
I think they should hand this out in Maternity Wards . No Entry for me – i have this book a well ear marked copy that it is .
Toddler : Independant , Inquisitive , Beautiful
inquisitive, cheeky, hilarious
I love this book as you know ! Wouldnt mind the app for my phone, sounds like a winner, considering i spend a lot of time on my iphone in the middle of leap 19 feeding my baby all through the night, argh ! My baby at the moment is in 3 words – Beautiful, Annoying, Amazing !
Oh wow! I am a parenting book-aholic and this one sounds amazing. My beautiful boy is a catnapping, smiling treasure. xo
Loud,determined,clingy
Have shared on facebook
Hungry , Cute, & Curious
My baby is a Hungry “Monkey” ( i said to everybody i have a little farmer but i cant found the cow yet )
shared in twitter and in facebook
determined, independent, talkative
WOW this book sounds amazing!! Why have I not heard about it until today??!! Thanks to learning 4 kids for referring me to your page and the book giveaway.
Three words to describe my baby girl…? i would have to say… What a character!! She is a funny little munchkin, a delightfully happy baby, and a pure joy to be around.
Thanks again for your words of wisdom re the book, I will be sure to check out your other blog entries 🙂
I have shared on Facebook 🙂
aaaaaaannd i have shared on twitter too 🙂 Thank you!!
Teething, cuddly, learning
I have the iPhone app and would love to see the actual book. Ask Moxie writes a lot about this book which is how I discovered it.
I have never heard of this book till I saw you mention it on Facebook the other day Kel, it sounds interesting, I sort stopped following milestones etc when my first didn’t hit some of expected ones at the “right times” she did them in her own time and is just the same as every other 2 year now, it was tough going when she wouldn’t walk until 21 months! She however hit the “smartie pants” and “I can do everything” milestones with not trouble
So this intrigues me and I would be interested to read it….
the baby is currently, rolling, sitting up and she is also a giggle pot, smile-aholic and grabbing everything and anything and putting it in her mouth bubba 🙂
Thanks for the great giveaway Kel!
inquisitive, independent and determined!
I have shared on facebook.
What a great book! Wished I had this one when my babies were babies 🙂 Our youngest is now 6 years old and he is always telling me that he is “Big Boy”! When they were little I used to say “Where is their instruction Manual?” !! So wished that i had the book “The Wonder Wheels” 🙂 It looks brilliant. Thanks for sharing your giveaway.
Cheers
Lisa
Beautiful, hairy, lovely
I have shared on facebook 🙂
Smiley, screaming, changing
Shared link with my Mother’s group on Facebook.
BOSSY, independent, frustrating
Facebook shared
Tweeted. 🙂
I have loved (and loathed at times!) reading about the Wonder Weeks. They explain a lot and it is reassuring to know I’m not just sucking at parenthood, but boy can those weeks be testing!
Three words to describe my boy right now? Walking, walking and more walking!
I’m glad he’s finally found his feet, but I wish his feet weren’t following me to the toilet. Hehe 🙂
Tweeted 🙂
And shared on FB 🙂
Mid terrible twos!!
Due any day!
Gorgeous, Loving, Hilarious
I shared on Facebook
My toddler is
Independent, Clever and Awesome
I love this book, it is brilliant and got me through some tough times. I was lucky enough to have a friend’s copy to borrow but as my toddler is past the weeks now, its gone back. I would still love to win a copy for my husbands nephew and his wife, they are due with their first soon and I know she would love this book.
Thanks for the chance!
darn it, I forgot to say the 3 things my toddler is (even though its not for us?) – gorgeous, exhausting, wonderful
Cheeky but sweet!
PS – LOVE THIS BOOK. I would love the updated version since we have another on the way. It saved my sanity a few times and helped me have better perspective as a mom. Thanks for recommending it to others! 🙂
I tweeted too! (@Jaredandrebekah)
My little one is … active, inquisitive and adorable 🙂
Wow, three words is so hard – I can think of about 50!!
Um….
Smooshy, dribbly, stinky
😀
I’ve tweetied and FB’d too 🙂
Playful, expressive & entertaining = my twin boys, 13 months old
I’m not entering, because I’ve passed those stages (I hope!) but just wanted to say what an awesome giveaway, and good luck to everyon!
Inquisitive, loud, determined
xx
Cheeky, daredevil, happy
shared on Facebook
Shared on twitter @Gizmomum
[…] Plooij Ph D, guest posting. Frans has been so incredibly generous already, allowing TLP readers to win copies of his latest, extended version of The Wonder Weeks book and iPad/iPhone apps (closes September 21, […]
My toddler is Inquisitive, articulate and thoughtful!
I’d love a copy of this book. It was mentioned to me a little too late with my first child and like you I think If I’d had it it would have stopped my tears.
Even if I’m not lucky enough to win a copy, I think it’s a must buy when our next child decides to come along.
I have the 2008 ed of this book & it is so useful. Used it with Mr3 and now with Mr6mths. I recommend it to all first time parents as an incredibly useful tool to gain insight into what’s going on in your baby’s mind and body as they develop.
Mr3 is inquisitive, active & a conversationalist!
Mr6mths is rolling, teething & ticklish!
Posted to twitter @vampSaam
Conincidentally, I was talking about this book to a twitter friend with twins a few days ago. Have sent her the link!
Hi Saam, Thanks for your entry. Just to let you know, until 6pm tonight you can enter to win a 12-month subscription to Pinky McKay’s Parenting By Heart program/site. On her site, she’ll be interviewing The Wonder Weeks’ author Frans Plooij at 7pm tonight. There’s no pressure, but here’s the link incase you were interested in entering: https://threelilprincesses.com/2011/09/win-three-12-month-memberships-to-pinky-mckays-parenting-by-heart-program/
Snuggly, milky, darling 🙂
Asleep, relaxed & content
Shared on Facebook
Shared on twitter
stubbornly independent toddler
Would love this book for bubba #2
“No” “Go away” “Bibbit”
That last one is CrashBoy for biscuit. He is a handful right now!
*BOSSY!
*BUSY!
*CHATTERBOX!
Hungry, tired and gorgeous
Charismatic, unstoppable, TEETHING!!!!!
I’ve shared on twitter
I’ve shared on facebook!
[…] so much interest in The Wonder Weeks review and giveaway, I thought I’d continue posting as Baby Holly passes through each fussy period. Besides, it’s […]