Toddlerdom approaching - reading advice?

[beonit]

DD has just turned one and I've suddenly realised that toddlerdom and tantrums are fast approaching.

She is already a dab hand at bulldozing other children out of the way to get at the toy she wants and I'm beginning to think I need to read up on how to stop her turning into the sort of little terror that other parents steer their children away from.

My current parenting bible expires at 12 months. Any thoughts?

[Picante]

I don't think there's much you can do to prevent the onslaught of tantrums.

Having been through at least a year of them I'd say I know the triggers (usually tiredness and hunger) and try to avoid those. Notice the signs of an impending one and distract distract distract!

I'm learning now that negotiating is futile, and they just have to get it out of their systems, in as safe a place as possible.

I am learning fast by my mistakes - the main one is that I'm not consistent with how I deal with them. And I give in far too easily!

I'm sure there are loads of books out there but talking to mums who've been through it is a far better resource imo.

[beonit]

Thanks Picante. I know it's inevitable they will happen. I guess I'm just worried about how best to manage them and how not to get wound up and make things worse. Your advice on triggers is useful. Thank you!

[HumphreyCobbler]

Write on a large sheet of paper

"This is just a phase"

put it over your sink

read it every day

[misshardbroom]

I don't really go in for parenting manuals, generally I prefer HumphreyCobbler's approach. That, and gin.

But you might want to get Dr Christopher Green's 'Toddler Taming' book.

I thought it was good at encouraging parents to see the world from their toddler's perspective.

[cosmicdust]

We just watched a video, and there's a book too. It's called "Happiest Toddler on the Block" by Harvey Karp. It is a little crazy, but I like how it acknowledges the kids feelings but seems to stop tantrums....ds is only 12mo so we haven't actually used it yet...I'll be watching this page for other suggestions, thanks for starting this post.