Toddlers and Parents

by T. Berry Brazelton

Life with a toddler can be perplexing. Parents sorely need the practical advice Dr. Brazelton offers for surviving - and enjoying - the struggles and triumphs of their child at this age. In this careful revision of his classic work, he emphasizes the special strains on working parents, the role of fathers, and the needs of toddlers in day-care centers.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

249 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 1974

About the author

Thomas Berry Brazelton was an American pediatrician, author, and the developer of the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS).

Reviews

[Jade Eliasson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely glad I read it! It’s dated and that’s largely where my (3.75) star rating comes from; I’m evaluating its usefulness to a modern family. I found several sections interesting, and I took away some of the following:
-Make the most of the little time you have with your kids when they’re going to daycare — full attention
-lying and stealing is normal at a certain age and indicates learning to differentiate wishing and acting upon the wish
-potty training a boy is going to be wild lol
-precocity has a cost (esp with regard to early literacy, interestingly)
-kids can fall A LOT at this age and unless they literally knock themselves unconscious, they’re fine
-interfering with a kid’s desire to explore or being anxious about their exploration can hamper their development, so just try to keep them mostly safe and… grit your teeth and watch em go!
-firm limits
-relaxation at mealtime and encouragement but not requirement leads to more adventurous eaters

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helped me raise my twin daughters 30 years ago. I reread it because we now have a toddler granddaughter. Still relevant after all these years and fin yo read because some of the case studies are so revealing about gender attitudes of the era.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent guide through the toddler years.

[Helen Lowery · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very helpful book for parents of toddlers ages 18-30 months. Each chapter follows a different child and their parents, and describes the challenges, changes, and growing pains of children. The author offers a plain analysis of why a young child behaves as they do and suggests appropriate responses to various scenarios without being "preachy". Although it seems somewhat dated in parts (published 1974), most of the help Dr. Brazelton offers is still relevant to today's families.

[Lisapins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful, well-written and loaded with practical recommendations. Coming from an academic background myself, I love that the language is 'adult' - this book hasn't been dumbed-down for the masses. Also, proof that just because a book isn't new, doesn't mean the principles can't be applicable in a contemporary setting.

[Mari]

Outdated, and definitely pushing a "stay at home with your kid" agenda. Updated version means it was updated in 1989. It was still kind of fun to read the "day in the life of a toddler" stories and nod along. I just didn't care for how it skewed to the children who were in daycare or stayed with babysitters had more problems -- not necessarily related to their care.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really helped me get in a better place emotionally and mentally.

[Tommyb]

Children,Family

[Charlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Offers a good view into life with a small child. Lots of common-sense advice and amusing anecdotes.