1,2,3...The Toddler Years

I have a toddler! It's crazy...I catch myself calling him a baby, but he really isn't. He toddles. He walks, runs...he's 13 months old. Waaaaa...my baby is getting too big.

Anyway. Since I now have a toddler, I decided I needed to read up on this new creature in my home :)

First stop: "1,2,3...The Toddler Years" by Irene Van der Zande with Santa Cruz Toddler Care Center staff.

I would say, that as a mother, the first 5 chapters were particularly relevant.
- Let Me Choose
- My Feelings Should be Free
- Stop me when Enough's Enough
- I Can Understand More Than You Think
- Let me Work it Out for Myself

It was a great reminder that my little guy is his own person, that he has ideas, feelings, urges, likes, dislikes, you name it - separate from mine. That I need to start acknowledging and respecting his desires and exploration while setting safe limits. Also good to remember that he understands more than I think her does!

It's hard to let them work it out when they get frustrated, but lately he's even more frustrated if I try to intervene. The hardest part is setting limits, following up on saying no, even as he smiles at me. This book gave some great tips and talked through some examples.

The rest of the book seemed more aimed at caregivers, still great information, but didn't hit home nearly as much as the first five chapters. I love their philosophy, however, and it gives me hope that when I send A to pre-school, that I will be able to find some loving and experienced caregivers. I just wish I lived closer to the Santa Cruz Toddler Day Care Center!

It's a good, quick read for those of us with a new toddler! Always good to get new ideas and perspectives on raising kids :)