Customer Reviews

Parenting Your Toddler: The Expert's Guide To The Tough And Tender Years

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have been one of the few lucky parents to send my children to The Toddler Center at Columbia University where author Pat Shimm is the director. I found this school AFTER reading this book. When reading the book I knew I had found the pre-school that would help my kids and, more importantly, me become more socialized humans. The book is written as though you were talking to Pat and her 40+ years of toddler study in the same parenting group. She is a practical, no-nonsense, and encouraging educational theorist / practitioner. She is also a mother and grandmother and NEVER tells you as a parent that you are wrong, but instead reminds you with every page to trust yourself and to enjoy your toddler.

I was able to really find the "joy of motherhood" after reading this book. It changed the way that I raised my children. I stopped trying to be a "perfect mom" and became just me....and guess what: we were all happier for it. and YES: I learned not to tell my toddlers to "share", I let them fight it out over toys (BUT NEVER HIT WITH AN OBJECT), and to have grand adventures on their own (with me watching from a safe distance), I never forced them to eat veggies, and I never denied them TV...and guess what???? Almost like Magic: My kids share, they almost never hit, they prefer books to TV, they are happy to share their joys with me at the end of their days, and yes, they try almost every crazy veggie I put in front of them! Trust yourself, read the book, be a better parent by letting go a bit.

I read this book and it didn't really teach me anything new that I didn't already know. The only thing that stood out to me is something the author suggested that I definitely do not agree with- that you let toddlers of equal size and strength battle it out for toys. Think about it... I found the book "How to raise an unspoiled child" much more helpful and respect the authors approach and credibility.

I really "get" toddlers now, having read this book. it has changed the way I think about my daughter's behavior and I am sure I am a better, more sensitive parent now. It makes a big difference to understand what they are going through developmentally and see things from their perspective. Highly recommend!

Update: Ok, my daughter turned 2 a couple weeks ago, and like clockwork the terrible twos hit! I just re-read parts of this book and learned loads more about what I can do to make this time more bearable. Lots of really helpful (and realistic) suggestions for how to deal with typical toddler "problem" behavior while taking into account the developmental needs of toddlers.

This is the best book ever written on toddlers, with the most practical advice and information. Best of all, it is easy to refer to when you don't have time to read. Pat Shimm and Kate Ballen are geniuses!

This book is not bulky, yet covers a variety of important toddler topics. It has greatly influenced many of my parenting choices. It is an easy read that proves to be an essential for any parents wishing to be informed and assured.

A must have for parents of toddlers. You will refer to it again and again. Contains very helpful advice and really helps one understand their child.