DS will be a toddler soon... What to expect? Can anyone recommend a toddler owners manual?

[Flingmoo]

He's just turned 1. Walking now so seems less of a baby. He's been a very sweet and lovely baby apart from the odd punch, scratch and bite...

What horrors are lurking round the corner for me now he's becoming a toddler? And can anyone recommend any books about toddlers and how to handle them!? I'm clueless... New to all this "behaviour" stuff - until now it's just been simple - milk, food, cuddles and naps!

I found Toddler Taming by Dr. Christopher Green to be very helpful with my oldest son. It's common sense and has good coping strategies and helpful information that allowed me to understand what was going on in my son's head.

I have actually recently given it to my eldest son (now almost 10yo) to read, so that he can understand his (almost 3yo) brother's behaviour a bit better, and so he knows how to deal with it without inadvertently winding him up and creating WW3 every day. DS1 says it is very usual as he can now see WHY his little brother i being a pest or being naughty at certain times. He is learning how to help his brother overcome that, instead of shouting and falling out with him, which but makes the behaviour worse...

"What to Expect The Toddler Years"
and
"The Toddler Owner's Manual"

Don't listen to all the scaremongers. You have a wonderful time ahead of you. Your DS is about to change so much, and learn how to do all sorts of incredible things. The toddler years are amazing

Put everything precious, valuable or breakable out of reach.
Buy some reins.
Ignore minor bad behaviour, praise good.

You are just getting to the good bit!! Main thoughts:
Don't rush potty training, 3 years old is fine and stress free!
Try to see things from their point of view, ie don't deny their experience. if they say 'I scared of that dog' don't say 'oh he's not scary!', ask what they don't like and think of ways they can work around it.
Changing to one nap a day is actually really convenient, so don't worry about that.
Try not to shout or get physical with them, they will copy you and it just escalates bad behaviour. Shouting sometimes will happen though, they really test your limits!
Listen to them, talk to them, get down at their level when you can.
Prepare for lovely hugs and kisses, they are affectionate!
Have fun, toddlers are awesome, entertaining and fascinating little people!