Do you have a toddler that is starting to drive you nuts? Are you in the midst of terrible twos? Then this book review is for you- because I found something that actually works!
My happy babies have become happy toddlers thanks to the advice I gleaned from Harvey Karp in his book The Happiest Toddler on the Block.
When it comes to parenting books, I have read many. Truth be told, lots of the advice out there doesn’t work. It doesn’t take into account normal developmental leaps, sensitive periods or building emotional resiliency.
We already know that what babies and young children need most is love. With the techniques in this book, you can fine tone your parenting skills and leave you relationship with your toddler stronger, and your personal wellbeing better.
Here’s a quick overview of what the book is all about and why you should consider reading it!
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Toddler Frustration
Toddlers can make you so frustrated. They know how to say “no!”. They want to communicate but maybe don’t have the language skills. They get into ev.ery.thing. To top it off, it can seem like every day is a battle.
I picked up the book Happiest Toddler on the Block shortly after Little Boy turned a year old and officially became a toddler.
It turned out that the bratty behavior he was exhibiting back then was just a manifestation of over-tiredness, but now at 18 months I decided to revisit the book, and wouldn’t you know? The advice is working!
Review of The Happiest Toddler on the Block
I decided to pick up the Happiest Toddler on the Block, because we had read the Happiest Baby on the Block, when Baby Boy was a newborn. That advice was excellent and we definitely used the 5 “S”‘s successfully.
Harvey Karp, the author, spends about half the book on positive-reinforcement behaviors, most of which we were already doing.
His advice to curb negative behaviors is based on two key points: the Fast Food Rule, which is repeating back the toddler’s wishes so they feel like they’re are being listened to, and Toddlerease, essentially talking in simple phrases.
Ever since I started using this method, Little Boy stops crying within seconds and definitely less than a minute. Then I can diffuse the situation and we can be on our way!
Needless to say, even though it is slightly more wordy than necessary, I highly recommend the book!
Have you read any books you recommend about toddler behavior?
