Busy Toddler's Guide To Actual Parenting: From Their First "No" to Their First Day of School (and Everything In Between)

First, Busy Toddler's writing comes through as a super relatable mom-friend with no judgement, been-there before experiences, and a funny and genuine sense of humor. Honestly, it felt like I was reading an email from my friend rather than a parenting book! The chapters are short and purposeful, with awesome key "take-away" boxes for when you don't have time to read a full chapter (though it takes probably less than 5 minutes to read a chapter). There are full color pictures, easy bullet points and reusable material lists (most of which are either household items you already have or super cheap from her links!!) and easy-to-implement activities which the kids pick up super easily. My favorite part, aside from all of the above, is that the book starts with babies and moves progressively through to kindergarten prep. With my older kids, I was able to breeze through some of the baby chapters and go right to the activities they were ready for. Even still, advice geared towards the age of two was incredibly helpful for my big kid. The book says "stress-free parenting advice" and that's no joke - I finished the book feeling like whatever storms come my way, it's temporary and everyone will be just fine. I was able to relieve a bit of anxiety over my parenting style because it felt like someone else "got" me. Overall, if I could give it 6 stars, I would. I'll be gifting it to all my friends who have young kiddos or lil beans on the way, as this is what I needed when I was first starting out. Do yourself a favor and buy the book - you won't regret it!

I really dislike self help books - but I really love this one! I have followed her Busy Toddler Instagram so when she released the book, it was definitely an impulse buy — I never preorder, let alone a self help book with no reviews. Fast forward, I get the book and am still skeptical - did I really just buy an activity book where I could just look up this stuff online? Well I gave it a chance and actually read it fairly quickly! I loved the chapters on toddler tantrums, sibling bonding/friendships and of course the activities themselves. The only thing I wish it had was little tabs to easily go back and reference the different sections. I’m going to have to buy little flags so I can go back and reference areas I liked. I’ve already tried a few tactics on toddler tantrums, and it just makes sense and works so well. I love that it’s simple, practical advice written from a humble mom perspective (and not a know-it-all teacher/etc.... because c’mon we are all just trying to figure this out and there’s no one right way!). Buy the book... especially if you hate self help / parenting books. This one is good, give it a chance!

Could not recommend this book enough! As an early childhood educator and mother... this book is a game changer! I have three littles aging from 11 months- 6 years old, this book has something for every age range. Not only does it include vibrant pictures, very detailed explanations but there are real life snippets that really help within parenting through terrific twos, balancing multiple children, kindergarten readiness, and teaching children to be good friends/siblings. I have many parenting books but none like this. The author really put into perspective, parents are human and we all are going through similar if not the same experiences with our children! I will be purchasing this book for a few other moms that are in my circle. I love this book (did I say that already lol, it’s really amazing)!!!

I am already on page 61 and have received so much PRACTICAL advice. This is not a normal parenting book. I personally am a huge fan of how amount of words on each page. No, the pages arent full of tiny words. There is a lot of room on the pages for pictures and space in between the sentences. For me, it makes reading a big book a lot less daunting and actually do able. Small wins guys. I have followed Susie on Instagram for over two years now and have appreciated her and used her activities. I have also used her “curriculum” Playing Preschool. She gives a wealth of real life, practical information in a way that’s very easy to digest. Love this book!

I have been following BusyToddler/Susie on instagram for a while and she is my go to for fun ideas for my 2 and 4 year old. I was excited to find out she was writing a book. It has practical advice and a lot of activity ideas for all ages. I've never read any other parenting books because I find that they can feel preachy. That if you're not doing it their way then you are doing it wrong and you're kid is going to be messed up forever. This is not the case with this book. I think that this would make a great baby shower gift for a new parent because in todays internet society we need all the encouragement we can get and less of the mommy shaming! My only wish is that it had come out 4 years ago!

I’m 65 pages in and I can’t put this book down. Susie does an amazing job of sharing stories of what parenting actually is and offers easy, practical advice. The book itself is stunning and unlike any other book I have seen as it is in full color. It’s like having a friend telling you that you are doing your freaking best. She shares what works and has not worked for her and all the advice comes without the judgement. She is honest, real and practical! Would highly recommend this book to all of my friends with children.

This book is filled with amazing advice from handling tantrums to fun activities for young children. I like that the author is realistic about “survival mode” and encourages new parents to give grace to themselves as they transition from 1 to 2 children. Susie provides a lot of simple ways to engage your child and support their development through play. The book is structured in short, easy to read chapters. It is a must read for new parents!

This book is EVERYTHING! Such a fun, fresh and authentic take on parenting. Mrs. Allison made me feel so much better about things that happen in my own house. She helped me to feel less alone and more understood, and she provided so many easy tips that I have already started to implement at home. What a gem this is- so accessible and relatable, and I loved every page. Thank you, thank you!

I’m only on page 67, but I am LOVING every word. Susie speaks to you like an encouraging mentor or dear friend. She brings hope and humor and excellent advice on every page. Every new parent, or parent with smaller children, needs to read this book. It’ll change how you see your kids. It’ll change how you parent. It show you how parenting, no matter what stage you’re in with your kids is a GOOD season, there’s always good to be found. SUCH a great book!

I preordered this book and just received it and have already had a flick through the whole book. My baby is coming up to taby stage, and I can’t wait to try all these activity ideas with him. I follow busy toddler on insta and she is such a great source of ideas for raising kids. Susie Allison is a great inspiration and the kids are wonderful. I particularly loved the cardboard box tunnel slide on the stairs. Not sure if it’s in the book, but will try once I own some stairs! (I live in an apartment 😂)

First, Busy Toddler's writing comes through as a super relatable mom-friend with no judgement, been-there before experiences, and a funny and genuine sense of humor. Honestly, it felt like I was reading an email from my friend rather than a parenting book! The chapters are short and purposeful, with awesome key "take-away" boxes for when you don't have time to read a full chapter (though it takes probably less than 5 minutes to read a chapter). There are full color pictures, easy bullet points and reusable material lists (most of which are either household items you already have or super cheap from her links!!) and easy-to-implement activities which the kids pick up super easily. My favorite part, aside from all of the above, is that the book starts with babies and moves progressively through to kindergarten prep. With my older kids, I was able to breeze through some of the baby chapters and go right to the activities they were ready for. Even still, advice geared towards the age of two was incredibly helpful for my big kid. The book says "stress-free parenting advice" and that's no joke - I finished the book feeling like whatever storms come my way, it's temporary and everyone will be just fine. I was able to relieve a bit of anxiety over my parenting style because it felt like someone else "got" me. Overall, if I could give it 6 stars, I would. I'll be gifting it to all my friends who have young kiddos or lil beans on the way, as this is what I needed when I was first starting out. Do yourself a favor and buy the book - you won't regret it!

I really dislike self help books - but I really love this one! I have followed her Busy Toddler Instagram so when she released the book, it was definitely an impulse buy — I never preorder, let alone a self help book with no reviews. Fast forward, I get the book and am still skeptical - did I really just buy an activity book where I could just look up this stuff online? Well I gave it a chance and actually read it fairly quickly! I loved the chapters on toddler tantrums, sibling bonding/friendships and of course the activities themselves. The only thing I wish it had was little tabs to easily go back and reference the different sections. I’m going to have to buy little flags so I can go back and reference areas I liked. I’ve already tried a few tactics on toddler tantrums, and it just makes sense and works so well. I love that it’s simple, practical advice written from a humble mom perspective (and not a know-it-all teacher/etc.... because c’mon we are all just trying to figure this out and there’s no one right way!). Buy the book... especially if you hate self help / parenting books. This one is good, give it a chance!

Could not recommend this book enough! As an early childhood educator and mother... this book is a game changer! I have three littles aging from 11 months- 6 years old, this book has something for every age range. Not only does it include vibrant pictures, very detailed explanations but there are real life snippets that really help within parenting through terrific twos, balancing multiple children, kindergarten readiness, and teaching children to be good friends/siblings. I have many parenting books but none like this. The author really put into perspective, parents are human and we all are going through similar if not the same experiences with our children! I will be purchasing this book for a few other moms that are in my circle. I love this book (did I say that already lol, it’s really amazing)!!!

I am already on page 61 and have received so much PRACTICAL advice. This is not a normal parenting book. I personally am a huge fan of how amount of words on each page. No, the pages arent full of tiny words. There is a lot of room on the pages for pictures and space in between the sentences. For me, it makes reading a big book a lot less daunting and actually do able. Small wins guys. I have followed Susie on Instagram for over two years now and have appreciated her and used her activities. I have also used her “curriculum” Playing Preschool. She gives a wealth of real life, practical information in a way that’s very easy to digest. Love this book!

I have been following BusyToddler/Susie on instagram for a while and she is my go to for fun ideas for my 2 and 4 year old. I was excited to find out she was writing a book. It has practical advice and a lot of activity ideas for all ages. I've never read any other parenting books because I find that they can feel preachy. That if you're not doing it their way then you are doing it wrong and you're kid is going to be messed up forever. This is not the case with this book. I think that this would make a great baby shower gift for a new parent because in todays internet society we need all the encouragement we can get and less of the mommy shaming! My only wish is that it had come out 4 years ago!

I’m 65 pages in and I can’t put this book down. Susie does an amazing job of sharing stories of what parenting actually is and offers easy, practical advice. The book itself is stunning and unlike any other book I have seen as it is in full color. It’s like having a friend telling you that you are doing your freaking best. She shares what works and has not worked for her and all the advice comes without the judgement. She is honest, real and practical! Would highly recommend this book to all of my friends with children.

This book is filled with amazing advice from handling tantrums to fun activities for young children. I like that the author is realistic about “survival mode” and encourages new parents to give grace to themselves as they transition from 1 to 2 children. Susie provides a lot of simple ways to engage your child and support their development through play. The book is structured in short, easy to read chapters. It is a must read for new parents!

This book is EVERYTHING! Such a fun, fresh and authentic take on parenting. Mrs. Allison made me feel so much better about things that happen in my own house. She helped me to feel less alone and more understood, and she provided so many easy tips that I have already started to implement at home. What a gem this is- so accessible and relatable, and I loved every page. Thank you, thank you!

I’m only on page 67, but I am LOVING every word. Susie speaks to you like an encouraging mentor or dear friend. She brings hope and humor and excellent advice on every page. Every new parent, or parent with smaller children, needs to read this book. It’ll change how you see your kids. It’ll change how you parent. It show you how parenting, no matter what stage you’re in with your kids is a GOOD season, there’s always good to be found. SUCH a great book!

I preordered this book and just received it and have already had a flick through the whole book. My baby is coming up to taby stage, and I can’t wait to try all these activity ideas with him. I follow busy toddler on insta and she is such a great source of ideas for raising kids. Susie Allison is a great inspiration and the kids are wonderful. I particularly loved the cardboard box tunnel slide on the stairs. Not sure if it’s in the book, but will try once I own some stairs! (I live in an apartment 😂)

This woman is a GEM! And her love for parents is truly out of this world. Her gift is encouraging parents they are the exact right fit for their children- and how to navigate these early teaching years. Cannot say enough about how wonderful, thoughtful and joyful this book is! It has lightened my “mama guilt” load and shown me to embrace the mess and enjoy these fleeting moments.

I've followed Suzy for years on Instagram. She has the best tips and tricks for keeping kids (of any age) engaged in play. She's the real deal; she shows the good, the bad, and the ugly. This book is EXACTLY the same way. She's so relatable, and doesn't make you feel like a bad parent for not doing everything to a T. I keep recommending this book to all my mama friends.

This book is pure gold! Finally a parenting book written by someone who is in touch with reality. Full of amazing ideas and inspiration. This is a must for any expecting parent or mom with little ones!

Smart. Intuitive tips and advice that are super easy to incorporate. I follow @budytoddler on instagram and doubted if I'd find much new info in her book. I was wrong. It was well worth it. As a second time mom who considers herself to be well read on parenting, this book is still valuable!

I bought this for the activities and ended up devouring all of the parenting tips! I’m almost finished with it two days after starting it (which is a lot when you’re chasing around a 1yo). The author actually likes her children for starters. She has small tips to use that make a huge difference. You won’t find toxic mommy culture here! She’s positive AND relevant! Buy this book, you’ll be so glad you did!

It’s advice I feel like I can follow without having to be a perfect parent. I feel judged by so many of the parenting books I have read or else like I’ve read it too late. This one has so many tangible action steps. And the activity suggestions are AMAZING!! I’m writing this while drinking a hot cup of coffee bc my three year old is engaged in a Busy Toddler activity. Thank you!!!

I have been following Susie and her blog “busy toddler” for years! She’s a fresh of breathe air with her activities, reasoning behind activities and realistic is a busy moms life, she gets it. Highly recommend!!! LOVE YOU SUSIE even though we’ve never met 🤣😂❤️

This book is very well written. I love the short chapters, color photos and personal experiences. Her suggestions are wonderful and easy to follow. I stuck my toddler in a bin full of rice like she suggested and he loved it. I can’t say enough good things about this book.

Can you have a more smug title? Actual Parenting , come on say that with a British accent and focus on Actual. Also like all the parents who do things differently are not ACTUALLY Parenting. Please gtfo! As far as content in the book , my wife really likes it actually 😅...

I love everything about this book. It’s an easy read (which is a must have if you have little ones!), and the activities in it are so detailed and broken down that you know you can do them with your own kids. I love her content on Instagram, and I love this book. It’s a must have!!

This book is amazing. The author wrote in a great style, which makes for an easy read. The book has tons of real life pictures too! It provides great parenting tricks and makes parenting challenges seem normal! Definitely recommend it! Also, has great activities for little ones.

An amazing “real” parenting book from one of my favorite parenting experts. Her take on raising kids is so approachable and do-able and makes me a better mom! I love that the book combines advice AND activities. And so many fun photos and bullet points- making it easy to read for this tired mama ;)

This will now be my go-to recommendation for parenting books. It supports ALL parents, is super positive, has great strategies AND talks about what to do with your children to keep them entertained, busy, and learning. I can’t say enough good things about it!

I loved this. I’ve read many parenting books and this is in my top 3. Susie is realistic, encouraging, and it’s written in such a way that you aren’t bogged down with statistics and words. She synthesizes it all down for you and teaches you simply. Plus, the lists are amazing! The activities are simple and doable. I can’t recommend it enough.

Great practical information for parents of toddlers and other ages. My favorite thing is that it is written and formatted for mommy brain. Very cleanly laid out and easy to read!!

This book is fantastic. It's a parenting book that I actually wanted to read and finish. I couldn't put it down (that's a first for me with a parenting book!). It's an easy read and provides great suggestions/ideas/activities for both parents and kids. Make sure to get some tabs to mark pages you want to reference in the future. Just buy it!

This book had a lot of great ideas to keep my toddlers busy. I had a taby this time last year during early quarantine days and struggled to keep them entertained. I wish I would have known about these ideas. It's a quick read and the setup of the book makes it easy to go back and reference what you read. Loved this book!

Love the positive and encouraging tone of this book. Also appreciate her sense of humor and all of the activity ideas.

Although I’m a second time mom, this book was a good read! Great sensory bin ideas! We love busy Toddler!!!

From simple parenting tips to fun activities my child can dive right into, this is a fantastic book. Will be ordering more for friends!

I highly recommend this book, it’s easy to read and very relatable.

Loved the book because it's such a good, constructive, guilt-free space to talk about practical aspects of parenting young children. There's lots of tips, tricks, advice and wisdom that only comes from experience.

Great activities for your taby/toddler/kid(s). Great advice, helpful information, fun to read! Buy this Book!

Nothing fancy but true advice to help you raise little ones in today's world. She shares her personal experiences and teacher advice that WORKS

Simple and handy. It got everything you need as a parent. Let’s enjoy our kids’s early childhood . I wish Susie published this book earlier! ❤️

Love this book. It’s helping me be a better toddler parent .

She’s amazing on Instagram and her book says it all!

Really an enjoyable and fun book! Thanks:)

Love everything about it!

Actual Parenting by Susie Allison is a breath of fresh air in the parenting section of your local bookstore! I have read almost every parenting book out there and this one is unlike any other. Susie’s realistic look at the ups and downs and stages of parenthood helps parents feel a little less stressed and have a whole lot more fun as they raise their kids. I love that this book is not only filled with engaging stories and real-life parenting photos, it is also like that handbook that we all wish we were given as we left the hospital, filled with practical tips and easy activities to help get through the hard chaotic days. As an experienced parent of four kids, I wish I’d had Susie’s positive and down to earth perspective back when my first kid moved into the taby stage. “No one is watching” and “You’re the right parent for your child” along with several other encouraging tips is just what young and experienced parents alike need to be reminded of during this age of so much parenting guilt and mommy wars. This is the book that I’ll be sharing with all my girlfriends at their baby showers going forward. Everyone needs to have Susie in their head reminding them to get in that photo and stop comparing their family to everyone else.

My daughter is going to be 2 next month and last night was HARD for us. I’ve noticed myself not being the kind and patient mama that I try to be recently and after bedtime last night I cried and prayed for patience and compassion again. I realized that while her tantrums are frustrating to me, how frustrating must it be for her, to be so upset over ‘little’ things that easily and often? This morning at work I came across this audiobook on Audible which I had downloaded a few months ago and forgotten about. I swear EVERY WORD was exactly what I didn’t know I needed. It’s like she put into words the realization that I had in my head but couldn’t express. This book and the understanding of my little girls true frustrations and the effect my reactions have on her was truly humbling. I listened at work, on my drive home, and in the shower after work, and can’t wait to finish it tomorrow! I have already ordered a physical copy for my ex husband in hopes that it will help him and his girlfriend to empathize with our daughter during the times she’s at their house. I’m also going to order another copy for my mom, who watches my daughter when I’m at work. I seriously couldn’t recommend this book enough! Thank you to the wonderful woman who wrote this amazing book!!

If you love Busy Toddler you will love this book! Susie’s humor shines through as she wraps her readers in a collective hug as if to say we are all in it together on this parenting journey. This book is a great resource for new parents of young children looking for helpful tips and guidance. **Disclaimer: I received a free copy from The Innovation Press. All opinions are my own.

I love how Susie gives advice that is actually practical and useful but she never makes you feel bad and instead makes you laugh! This book was hilarious and I learned so much. This is a must-have for any new parent(s) and/or any parent(s) stuck at home with young children, especially during a pandemic. The chapters are short and broken up with infographics and lots of photos. I love that the whole thing is in color. Highly recommend!!!

From the first page, I felt seen, and I loved all of Susie's real-life, practical advice. This is my new go-to baby shower gift--every parent should have a copy!

Required reading! I already love the @BusyToddler activities on Instagram, but Susie's low-pressure parenting philosophy is especially encouraging in our current era of Pinterest-perfect social media. I loved the mix of positive advice and easy activities for all stages from baby to toddler to preschooler. Even though some sections feel (sadly) irrelevant during the pandemic (pour one out for Adventure Days with friends), these past months of isolation have reinforced the importance of play and building sibling relationships. Many of her ideas have been covered on her Instagram platform, but seeing it all in book format made me realize how much she has helped to shift my perspective on parenting over the last few years, and that is truly invaluable!

Best parenting book I’ve ever read! Easy to read, relatable, full of practical advice/ideas, and great suggestions. I loved the bits of advise and strategies for dealing with tantrums, behavior etc., as well as all the activity ideas. Great resource for any parent of young kids, even if you’re not a new or first time parent.

I’ve read a few parenting books and this one takes the cake for sure. Not only does Susie give great advice for diffusing toddler tantrums and helping your kids grow to be contributing members of society she does it in a way that is not judgement. And all the activities she’s included are amazing! Can’t say enough good things about this one!

Wonderful book and a great resource for parents! Full of easy activities and practical advice. It's like getting a pep-talk from your unflappable, fun mom-friend. Highly recommend for parents (and grandparents) looking for real world advice and fun things to do with the kids. Activities are great for kindergarten readiness or to supplement early virtual learning too!

What a relief this book is! It's well-organized, judgment-free, and packed with totally manageable activities to keep your busy toddler engaged and learning. The author also tells funny and relatable stories and shares down-to-earth tips for managing life with kids. Love this author and her blog!

I learned about this book from following Susie on Instagram. She’s brilliant. This book has helpful information and great ideas. I appreciate that her activities are easy to set up and low cost. Highly recommend!