On Becoming Toddler Wise

Book excerpt: The emerging toddler has his own peculiar way. He thinks in the here and now, with no tomorrow in sight. He is not easily moved to self restraint or seeks to secure some future blessings. "A penny saved is a penny earned" is quite beyond his grasp and interest. And all his peers would agree that crying over spilled milk is essential if you're really thirsty--you'll get more milk faster that way! Your toddler will first be concerned with the concrete, not the abstract. Moral qualities such as justice, mercy, and truth are quite beyond his reach, but he does understand these qualities when expressed toward him. His actions and developing speech reflect his self-oriented desires rather than socialized values that will change in a few years. Clearly the adult life, while distinct from childhood and adolescence, is wholly built upon the foundation of early training parents put into their children. It is important to see that a child is adequately prepared from the beginning for a safe arrival in the many stations of life, starting with understanding all the components that make up the little person emerging under your roof. On Becoming Toddlerwise is the guide to help parents achieve understanding of the this critical phase of growth and development.