by Nikou

Created on: June 11, 2009   Last Updated: June 08, 2011

Top 5 Books on Parenting Toddlers

Being the parent of a toddler is hard, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. They've just discovered that they're their own little person, and the thought that they can do something even if you disapprove fascinates them. Keeping your patience while gently guiding them to make correct choices can be frustrating at best, and downright maddening at times. As parents of toddlers, we've all been in those moments where you just want to pull your hair out from frustration.

While there are no magic bullet systems to follow that guarantee a perfect angel and an easy ride through toddler-hood, there are some techniques to keep yourself sane while guiding your child to make the right decisions. Please look into the books below, which will provide valuable insight, especially if you are a Christian.

#1 Parenting Your Infant/Toddler by the Spirit, by Sally Hohnberger

This book is number 2 in a series, and deals specifically with the special challenges that arise in the baby and toddler years. With a unique approach to parenting, one that centers on allowing God to parent through you, it has proven a blessing in my own parenting attempts. Parenting takes time, and Sally points this out over and over. This is not a magic bullet, but a system, which, if implemented, will not only alter your child's life, but will radically alter your own relationship with Christ. Highly recommended!

#2 SOS: Help for Parents, by Lynn Clark

This book was written by a psychologist and parent, who approaches this from his background in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The methods in this book are aimed at children ages 2-12, and are fairly simple to implement. Focusing mainly on Time-Out use, which isn't as simple as I used to think, it covers other kinds of punishments, using the psychological terms. It is written for lay people, and works very well with my own daughter, who is 2 1/2 right now. If you have the time, read it through a few times, once to get a feel for it, the with a highlighter, and the third time discussing each chapter with a partner or other person who is significant in the life of your child.

#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,

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