Top 5 Books on Parenting Toddlers

Speaking from some experience (having babysat quite a few toddlers), yet not quite there yet, my own daughter being a mere six months old... I still can't believe it's been that long since I had her. Anyway, these are books that I have found extremely helpful, and yes, I am one of those people who reads a few years ahead of the help I currently need.

#1 To Train Up A Child by Micheal and Debi Pearl

By far the best book on how to raise children, especially toddlers, but useful at any age. This book deals with just about every eventuality in sparse, humorous text. Deals with the little things, like a fussy eater, to the bigger issues, like gun safety. With plenty of advice from a couple who raised five children in the country, it is the quintessential parenting book, one which I believe no parent should be without. Written from a Christian perspective.

#2 What the Bible Says About... Child Training by Richard Fugate

Another book written from a Christian perspective, this one is longer than the previous one I mentioned, and somewhat more systematical in it's approach. It also is good for all ages, not specific to toddlers. This delves more into the psychological development of the child. With chapters dealing with everything you can imagine, it helps to point you in the right direction, while not always dealing with all the nitty gritty details.

#3 What to Expect the Toddler Years

A mainstream, highly endorsed, book on the toddler years. It goes on a month by month basis as your child grows, telling you what milestones to expect, and what behaviors to look forward to (not that you necessarily are looking Forward to them). Offers advice from people who've been there, done that, in a simple, easy to understand Question and Answer format. With pediatric information, it may be a one stop shop if you can only afford one book for all of your child's needs. It is not Christian, if that is your preference.

#4 The Bible

You will need the promises in here to make it through parenting toddlers sanely. An excellent companion to the first two books I mentioned (actually, they're more companions to this). With this in hand, you can walk, not just through parenthood, but through life with a better disposition in general.

#5 Patience, Humor, and Love

While not a book, these three things are what will get you through parenthood sane and alive. Without these, you've already lost the battle. So lighten up, smile, and enjoy the years ahead. They'll pass by so fast, you won't know where they went.

And remember don't cry over spilled milk. Or juice.

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