by Tina Lehman

Created on: February 01, 2008

Pregnancy is a time of great change in a couple's life. There are many things to prepare for, including learning to cope with the pregnancy itself, childbirth, breastfeeding, and infant care. Hours can be spent concentrating on these important things, so sparing expectant parents the additional strain of what will face them in two years' time is probably best.

Toddler behavior is complex, and dealing with these tiny people on a daily basis is exhausting. One day they will love peas. The next day they throw them at you. A bump on the head will results in giggles one minute, or streams of tears the next. Why? Who knows. Predicting their actions is virtually impossible. And chances are once you begin to get things figured out, they will change.

Toddlerhood comes after parents have been parents for a couple years. This is critical. By this time parents have developed the patience that is necessary to parent a toddler. This patience will gradually develop through dealing with your toddler daily, and cannot be taught in a class. Established parents also tend to worry less than new parents.

Parents of babies need an entirely different base of knowledge than parents of toddlers. Pregnancy should focus on learning how to cope with more impending issues than toilet-training, sibling-jealousy, and pacifier-weaning. Frankly, the prospect of becoming new parents will be less frightening that way.

Additionally, every toddler is different. Some are very strong-willed and spirited, and need extra patience and special guidance. Others are passive, or more laid back and will require an entirely different set of parenting skills. Unfortunately it is impossible to know before they are born, into which category your toddler will fall. As your baby develops, their personality will begin to emerge. This is the time at which parenting classes should be considered. In many instances, they will prove to be unnecessary.

I tend to be a 'cross that bridge when we come to it' kind of person. Parental classes on toddler behavior should be offered to parents of toddlers (perhaps along with a little therapy or free drinks). Offering them to well-intended expectant parents is just cruel.

Learn more about this author, Tina Lehman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.