Recently, a friend was voicing frustration over her soon-to-be three-year-old. I could relate very well. William did not have terrible twos, but good Lord, did I need some intervention when he turned three. All of a sudden, the whining kicked into high gear. I'm lucky we didn't have a lot of full-body-on-the-floor tantrums (though Joseph is going to make up for that, don't worry) but we did have ... I'm drawing a blank. I think I've blocked it out of my memories to preserve my sanity.
Being a first-time parent, I turned to friends, family and books — lots of books.
Here are my favorites:
Secrets of the Baby Whisperer for Toddlers by Tracy Hogg with Melinda Blau
I didn't read the first book, "Secrets of the Baby Whisperer," but wished I had after reading Hogg's book on toddlers. Luckily, the toddlers edition covers a lot of the basics from first book. And picks up at the 18 month age so you can get early benefits from reading it.
The Happiest Toddler on the Block by Harvey Karp, M.D.
Again, I didn't read "The Happiest Baby on the Block" first. But I found this book to be helpful. I didn't do everything it recommends but that's what you should do with any book — figure out what works for you and your family.
Liberated Parents, Liberated Children: Your Guide to a Happier Family
by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
I'm not a total hippie, granola momma ... okay, I'm borderline some days ... but this feel good book from the 70s has brought peace to my home. It helped me react better to Will and learn how to communicate with him that respects both of us. As soon as I finish reading it, I start again because I really want the message to sink in.
The Girlfriends' Guide to Toddlers by Vicki Iovine
Iovine might be the coolest playmate ever ... four kids after posing she still looks good and she's soooo funny. I recommend that every mom-to-be start with the "The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy" and continue from there because Iovine covers the first year, toddlers and more honestly and with wit. Now she's taking us into the teenage years.
1-2-3 Magic by Thomas W. Phelan, Ph.D.
To be honest, I have not read this book. But I do have it to read and I've heard wonderful things about it. I already count with Will (That's one, two ... I'm coming mom) and it works! Not sure if it's going to work with Joseph though so I better get to reading.
These recommendations* are just from my own experiences. Did I leave off a book you love? Please share.
*FYI, if you follow the link to Amazon and buy the book, I might get 10 cents. If you live close to me, just borrow my copies.
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