by Betty Mayes

Created on: June 22, 2009   Last Updated: November 24, 2009

Does this child come with an instruction manual? This is a question many parents would like to ask (some probably do ask). Since children don't come with "how-to" manuals, or books labeled "parenting for dummies," there is help out there. Many books can offer help in making toddler parenting more joyous than trying. Being a parent of five children myself, there a a few informative books that I would suggest. Any of these books can be purchased at

www.amazon.com. Some of these books may also be found in local book stores or department stores. Some may be found in retail chains such as Walmart and Target. Everyone has his/her own parenting book favorites(to each their own). Here are my top five book picks for parenting toddlers:

1. "Understanding Your Toddler(Simply Parenting)" by Mary Ann LoFrumento-This book is the second in the "Simply Parenting" series. It is oriented specifically for the parenting of toddlers. It covers common behavior problems, common toddler illnesses, toilet training tips, sleeping, feeding, and general development for children this age. It pretty much covers everything from A to Z about your toddler.

2. "Fathering Your Toddler" by Armin A. Brott-Parenting books are not only for the mothers, but the toddler's father also. This one is great for the first-timer dads or the seasoned father veterans. It covers everything from toddler development to future life plannings. There is alot of humor in this book to keep Dad's interest.

3. "Raising Your Spirited Child: A Guide for Parents Whose Child Is More Intense, Sensitive, Perceptive, Persistent, and Energetic" by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka- This title speaks for itself. For those of us with children that are "super-sensitive" and highly energetic, this book rocks. It has many well fitted tips for a variety of situations.

4. "Discipline That Works: 5 Simple Steps" by Joyce Divinyi-Discipline problems with your toddler? Just need some good sound advice on ways to discipline your child? This book has it. It also addresses toddlers with behavior problems and other conditions that make discipline so difficult.

5. "Goodnite Moon" by Wise Brown- No toddler book collection is complete without it! I know it isn't exactly a toddler self-help book. However, "Goodnite Moon" or any other book you could read to your toddler is great. The gift of reading to a toddler can not only help with the child's development but give him/her the means of reading pleasure for years to come.

Some people may feel they need instruction manuals for raising a toddler. Although these five books may not say "Toddler Instruction Manual," they may offer helpful insight into parenting a toddler. Some parenting books may not be for the "parenting" aspect of it, but child enjoyment. Story books can help your child develop just as much as a parenting "how to" book. Also, my top five book choices may not be the same as others may be. As a parent of five myself, I feel that these books would make great additions to any parents' home library. Whether you're a first-timer parent or a well seasoned veteran parent, reading can benefit both you and your child for many years to come.

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