Looking for Recommendations for Books on Parenting Toddlers

Updated on January 15, 2009
D.M. asks from Frisco, TX
6 answers

My son is starting to display some of the typical toddler behaviors - saying "mine" quite a lot, getting really upset (not a full tantrum ... yet) when we have to take something away from him, climbing on things he shouldn't, etc. He's a great kid, and I'd love to hear what books you found useful to teach you some skills to parent toddlers. I've heard of "1, 2, 3 Magic" and the "Love & Logic" books, so I'd welcome feedback on those specifically as well as any others you loved.

Thanks so much for your help!

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S.L.

answers from Dallas on

Beyond Baby Talk (excellent if you have speech concerns)
The Magic Years
Parenting the strong-willed child
and yes 123 magic does work magic! it even works on adhd kids! i highly recommend that one because you can even just use the basic method and it works. kids learn the rules, warning, and consequences. such an easy concept, but sometimes hard to do. oddly enough, we are tempted to start it on our babyied 5 yr old who wants his way too often. so yes i believe in it.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.G.

answers from Dallas on

what to expect has a toddler version.
happiest toddler on the block
toddler whisperer
positive disapline
try checking them out at the library...

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P.W.

answers from Dallas on

Love and Logic worked for me.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.B.

answers from Dallas on

I started reading all the parenting books when I was pregnant with my first almost 6 years ago and the best by FAR is the Love and Logic series. It is very useful w/toddlers and even as young as 8 or 9 months old. Just common sense, no screaming or anger which I think is great. I think it teaches kids how frustration and anger should be dealt with (mostly by example). It helps kids figure things out on their own and despite what many think, yes, a 9 month can figure things out, too! It's all about raising responsible, respectful kids. I can't say enough good things about it. I've said it a hundred times just on this website alone, but it truly takes a load of stress out of parenting and helps you just enjoy your kids. I still have my rough moments with my boys (3 & 5), but I can honestly say I enjoy their company and I think there is a mutual respect that we have for each other even at this age.

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K.K.

answers from Dallas on

I HIGHLY recommend:
"Happiest Toddler on the Block" (get the DVD not the book....I had to see the modeling of this strategy to get it, but it works wonders....amazing---no, life with a toddler does not have to be bad---just learn how to communicate to them as Dr. Harvey Karp demonstrates....really works and has done wonders in the communication in our family.)

Love and Logic series---early childhood package has great resources and we also purchased the Painless Parenting DVD.

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M.F.

answers from Dallas on

Love and Logic is great, but the book isn't much help for toddlers (really, there's no help for toddlers -- it's just going to be awful til he's about 4 -- but I don't want to discourage you...). We took a love & logic class for early childhood and that was really helpful.

I've heard great things about happiest toddler on the block, and the principles are basically the same as love & logic, but presented in a way that I think parents can grasp more easily.

In fact, a lot of good parenting books are based on the same principle as love and logic:
clear, simple instruction; firm boundaries and consequences (not firm punishment, but firm as in consistent responses); and don't waste to omuch of your breath -- talking is pointless.
Just know that having these skills doesn't mean your kid won't throw fits or embarass you in public. That will still happen -- it's the nature of a toddler or preschooler. It just means you will have some good tools and skills for how you respond to those inevitable situations.

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