Baby Whisperer to the rescue (again)
When Livi was an itty bitty baby, “Secrets of the Baby Whisperer” was one of my bibles. (Here are some of my favorite childbirth books and newborn books.) It helped us learn to recognize her cues, respect her needs and get us on a solid routine. I highly, highly recommend it.
Of course, you get to a certain point where the same strategies don’t really apply. Like, when your child decides they really like the word “No.”
“Livi, time to change your diaper.”
“NO! I nice and clean.”
“You need a fresh one. I can tell! Come here.”
“No. No. No. No” (running away)
While some things are still super easy and fun, some basic things have become a battle, and I’ve hated to hear myself negotiating and rationalizing with her. (“Come here for a fresh diaper, or we can’t get dressed and go anywhere. We’ll be stuck here at day and can’t go play with your cousins.”)
We’re officially in the land of “Terrific Twos” and I’ve found myself stumped lately when the “no” parties begin.
Once again, baby whisperer to the rescue. I just started reading this last night, and have found some lovely tips that I’ve used today (and have worked!).
I appreciate the fact that the author adamantly discourages spanking and encourages respecting the child while teaching them to behave well, especially when it comes to social situations and other kids.
Livi likes to stand on the couch, and we have to tell her to sit down on her bottom every time -one thing I’ve known with kiddos is that you have to be consistent about everything, or they learn they can get away with it- and today, using Tracy Hogg’s tip, I said, “If you can’t sit on your bottom, you can’t be on the couch.” She sat down. It was amazing.
I’m already sucked in and can’t wait to finish it. Have you read any amazing toddler parenting books? I like to read as many as possible and pick and choose which pieces to implement.
We had a few hilarious quotes this week, but here is the only one I can remember, because it made me laugh so hard:
Livi (looking at my mom’s Christmas tree: Look! Mama, it’s an angel.
Me: Who do we know that’s an angel?
Livi: ELVIS.
What?!
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Hahaha please don’t stop posting Livi’s hilarious quotes.
Thanks for the book recommendation. My son is only 14 months but I feel this could be some use to me already. Going to look into picking up a copy.
Ugh…. the battle of the couch. I spent a good half hour last night “being consistent” with her about that. Lots of ups and downs (literally AND figuratively).
Thanks for the review! In the past couple weeks we have started to have a lot of mini tantrums as part of the “twos” so i am looking for suggestions and ideas.
Two’s are tough but three’s are worse 🙂
I heard the f*ing fours are even better 😉
Please, God, no!
I have to say those were the worst for us with our daughter! We are now 5 and things are getting sooooo much easier!
True but I didn’t want to scare you that much – and you took the words out of my mouth 🙂 it’s fun right? At 4 they’re pretty sassy because they want to be all grown up.
My boys are 10 and 8 now. Every stage is unique but fun in its own right.
Love all of the updates!
Hahahaha! ELVIS! Thanks for making me laugh. 🙂
Hahahaha, that’s hilarious!
My favourite from my cousins back in the day, was when I asked them what a Democrat was…and they said ‘someone who makes bagels’. Haha, what!?
hahaha! amazing
Elvis? Where/when/how did that ever register in her mind? Hilarious!
we’ve been listening to the “Holly” station on XM, and they play a lot of Elvis Christmas music. I told her “this is Elvis! Uncle E LOVES Elvis” so she knows who he is. She’s also a huge fan of Elvis sandwiches (peanut butter, banana, honey)
I find myself reaching for a parenting book every time I reach a point where I’m stumped and need “new ammo.” Not to be a fighter, but just things my go tos when I’m not sure what to do.
Like when my son turned 18 months, I hit some roadblocks and picked up “Superbaby.” While I didn’t love the book overall, it did provide some phrases to use that actually worked (“as soon as you put that toy away then we’ll have a snack” instead of “I’ll give you your snack when you put your toy away.” That little switcharoo worked amazing…until it didn’t anymore around 2.5). I also read the book “Einstein Didn’t Use Flashcards” around that time, which I loved.
Around 2.5, things stopped working again, so I read “Happiest Toddler on the Block” (loved the one for babies), which I didn’t love so much and “Peaceful Parent, Happy Child,” which was also just eh for me.
I feel pretty stumped with a 3-year-old and have been hoping it gets better around 4 (in a few months), but the comment above didn’t encourage me too much there!
Now, my one-year-old I can deal with. 🙂
it’s funny how that happens haha. i’ll definitely check out superbaby 🙂
Thanks for the book recommendation! I loved The Baby Whisperer when I was first working on sleep with Hunter. I’ll have to look into the toddler version when the time comes too! LOVE the Livi quotes! 🙂
hope it helps! it’s one of my faves 🙂
I love Harvey Karp’s Happiest Toddler on the Block, there arelots of ideas for one-year olds all the way up to four. I keep it by my bedside table so I can keep reviewing it and checking in!
i can’t believe i haven’t read that one yet!
I cannot recommend the book, “Parenting With Love and Logic” enough! Saved my life 🙂 We are hitting the fabulous fours…boy howdy!
i’m excited to read that one- thank you!
ELVIS!!!!!!! This kid is too much!!!!! I dont even know her and I love her! She is adorable
I have a 2 1/2 year old and have been reading, Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood: Practical Parenting From Birth to Six Years by Jim Fay and Charles Fay. I am going to check out your suggestion as well. Thank you!
I’m excited to start reading that one! I looooved Tracy when Tripp was a baby. I need some new ammo right now because my patience and energy are at an all time low as I hit 8 weeks. :-/
YES – I got the Mom’s on Call Toddler Book and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Moms on Call is what we used for scheduling and sleep training. I was thrilled that they had a toddler book that dives into very specific situations that happen all the time.
The best part? They include daily schedules for toddler and baby to help ensure that you get one nap a day where both kids are sleeping. It’s totally worked so far for us with Emmalyne (just over 2) and Bryn (1 month). Just a thought since I know Baby #2 is on your radar!
I don’t have kids of my own, but as a kindergarten teacher I’ve read a couple parenting books recently that have definitely changed my perspective on discipline and even just adult-child interactions!
Check out How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish FOR SURE. It’ll help with toddler-age all the way up adolescence! I also read Mind in the Making by Ellen Galinsky, and was very interesting from a child development stand point. 🙂
I also second the above comments for Parenting with Love and Logic. I haven’t read that edition, but Teaching with Love and Logic is one of my faves. :):)