Looking for toddler parenting books to help you prepare for and conquer the toddler years?
Parenting a toddler should be an olympic sport, especially if you’re a first timer. One day you’re snuggling this sweet little baby and then all of a sudden your home has been taken over by an adorable Tasmanian devil. As one of my good friends so aptly put it, it’s a massive change from just caring for your baby to actually parenting. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by parenting a toddler or want to prepare for the approaching toddler stage, I have three must-read toddler parenting books for you. These books transformed how I view the toddler stage and gave me the tools to parent a toddler with calm and confidence.
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The 3 Must-Read Books for Toddler Parents
1. How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2-7 by Joanna Faber & Julie King
This book is called a “survival guide” for a reason! It is full of actionable tools, easy to understand explanations, and relatable (and often hilarious) stories. Its told by both authors but also includes stories and examples from real parents in the authors’ parenting workshop group.
The first half of the book walks you through “The Essential Toolbox” that includes tools for handing emotions, engaging cooperation, resolving conflict, and providing praise and appreciation. It also includes a chapter dedicated to tools for kids who are differently wired, written by one of the authors who has children on the Autism Spectrum.
The second half provides examples of “The Tools in Action” and covers just about every challenge any parent of young children has ever faced. Picky eating, hectic morning routines, sibling rivalry, (not) following directions – you name it! They even include a final chapter on how to troubleshoot if you’ve tried everything and the tools aren’t working.
This book is a must read for anyone with a toddler, preschooler, or young elementary schooler. Get the book, you won’t regret it!
2. The Montessori Toddler: A Parent’s Guide to Raising a Curious and Responsible Human Being by Simone Davies
I found this book when I was looking to learn more about the trendy toddler buzz word “Montessori” everyone seemed to be raving about. I’ll admit, I knew next to nothing about Montessori other than it was minimalistic and promoted independence. I started with the audiobook but soon realized the physical book is a much better tool – don’t make my mistake!. After reading this book, I not only feel like I understand the hype behind Montessori principles but can confidently put them into action.
The book layout is truly what drew me in. It’s written in easily digestible sections, and peppered with visuals and illustrations that bring the author’s explanations to life. With its step-by-step guides, checklists, and examples, its written more like an easy reading manual than a parenting book. The author covers everything from everyday routines to Montessori-focused activities to navigating milestones and challenging behaviors. The end of the book even has an easy to use appendix that is chock full of extra resources.
Whether you’re looking to incorporate a couple Montessori practices or go all in, this book is the perfect place to start.
Want a starting guide to Montesorri toys and activities for toddlers? Check out my article on 22 Montesorri Activities for One Year Olds!
3. Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans by Michaeleen Doucleff
When I first heard about this book, I thought it sounded hokey – what could ancient cultures really teach me about parenting in today’s world? Turns out I was dead wrong.
This book has profoundly changed the way I view parenting and family cooperation. It taught me to to work with my child and gave me productive tools for a more harmonious family life. I’ll admit, I don’t resonate with all of the author’s perspectives, but the wonderful thing about this book is it not an all or nothing approach. You can easily just incorporate what fits your family.
This book has centuries worth of tried and tested parenting strategies and techniques. The author and her three year old daughter actually lived with families in three countries known for raising phenomenal children. The author shares each culture’s parenting philosophy and techniques to give the reader a full toolbox of tips and tricks for toddlers.
It all boils down to the author’s simple acronym, TEAM, which stands for Togetherness, Encouragement, Autonomy, and Minimal Interferance.
If you find yourself lamenting “there’s got to be a better way” when parenting your toddler, this book has your answers!
Parenting toddlers is not for the faint of heart and there are so many different styles, strategies, and techniques you can use to navigate this stage. It can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be!
What I love about these three books is that they’re common sense ideas with practical application. There isn’t a whole lot of theory and fluff that you then are left to figure out how to apply. These authors understand what it realistically means to be a good parent. Each gives you actionable information often with step-by-step strategies you can start applying today. Who doesn’t love that?
These books truly transformed how I approach the toddler years and I hope they do the same for you!
