Need to get a book on toddlers TODAY! which one is best?

[StealthMouse]

Right, I've had enough of my dd she now 2yrs 8mths and this morning she nearly reduced me to tears for the first time.

I've heard of "Toddler Taming"(is that right?) books but I don't know of a specific one - does anyone have any recommendations? I thought reading something liek that might give me some hints and tips.

I've never parented from a book before so this is new to me...

Just posted on another thread that I started a star chart last night with fantastic results.

She got 1 star for good behaviour during the evening, 1 star for not playing up at bedtime, 1 star for sleeping through and 1 extra star for being very good this morning whilst I got ready for work. She knows she needs 5 stars to get a smiley face sticker and if she gets 7 smiley faces she gets a special treat!

I just can't believe the difference - she started to go into one last night about not getting something and I just reminded her about the stars and she stopped instantly!! Amazing! I hope it's not just novelty.

She even got herself undressed last night and this morning without being prompted.

While I was getting dressed this morning (wihtout me even saying anything) she got out a top, trousers, nappy, wipes, cream and socks all in a pile where I normally put them then started to take off her pyjamas. I have to admit to welling up at this point (this earnt her the extra star for good behaviour this morning which wasn't meant to have a star)

I really hope it lasts!

WOW stealthmouse, that's excellent!

No book needed now then?!

Ooh fab Stealthmouse! Be consistent and I bet she'll stay interested.

another vote for toddler taming - very easy to dip in and out of - practical and sensible.

I also liked Toddler taming, and the Libby Purves book. both are rather opinionated but bracing.

star charts never really worked for us. not sure why.
putting stropping toddlers out in the back garden is my current favourite method, ie with their clothes if they refuse to get dressed. it works every time and meanwhile I can get on with stuff indoors!

Depends on your approach but I really like a book called The Social Toddler published by an organisation called The Children's Project, which is more about learning to understand how your child's mind and emotions work so you can avoid getting into situations that are fraught or upsetting for both of you. It's very practical in the sense that it is made up of real situations with real parents and toddlers (all photographed like film footage so you can really see what is happening) and I found it enlightening and helpful - it's a bit like a book form of Little Angels, in fact. YOu can buy it online at thechildrensproject.co.uk (I think) - I also love their baby book - the Social Baby.

Aloha that book sounds really good, I think I'll buy it when I get paid!

As for us - dd got her first smiley face sticker this morning after being the perfect angel last night, she was so excited about getting her star she was asking me if she could go to bed!!!! . I was trying to just finish something so I said yes but she'd have to climb up on her own and I'd be up in a second - in a blink she was up the stairs with the stair gate shut behind her!!! 1 story, 1 lullaby and that was that - back to the old 10 minute routine!!

I hope we keep this up. I feel human again with no unbroken nights - this morning she even stayed in her bed until I went in to her. And she seems so much happier too (possibly as not over tired anymore)

I just can't believe this happened over-night.

I have started to dip into Toddler Taming - I read a few pages on discipline last night.