The book claims over 2 million copies sold and it success is well deserved. It is short and is both interesting and amusing. Your kid will thank you for going through it.
Read it in full if you have a chance. It contains many stories and practical pieces of advice. Thus, the below synthesis is far from extensive. Though, it may be enough if you wish to spend time with your toddler rather than with the book.
Adapt to their development level. They are still young.
Small kids live in an egocentric world. Sharing is not natural too them.
Patience is a virtue beyond their reach. Their brain is not wired for it yet.
Don’t say no. They do not understand it the way we think they should.
Skills are learnt. Not inborn.
Encourage curiosity and self-exploration. Kids are wired to discover.
Provide a safe environment. Place out of range what your kid should not touch.
Let them do what they can do for themselves. They need to develop competency.
Show what you want. Kids tend to want to imitate.
Show what to do rather than what not to do. Kids tend to imitate.
Say yes instead of no. They do not understand no anyway.
Teach respect by being respectful. Kids will do the same.
Children cannot be controlled. Though, they may be guided.
Offer a substitute. Propose something else for your kid to play with.
Offer limited choices (all acceptable). Your kid will feel in charge.
Make eye contact then use kind firm action. If you need act.
Beware of bad habits. They may stick.
Don’t talk badly of your kid. Self-fulfilling prophecies are a hard reality.
Don’t use rewards or too much praise. It creates counterproductive habits.
Don’t use screens and technology. The later the better.
Kids rarely misbehave purposely. They merely follow impulse.
Don’t punish. It is counterproductive.
Don’t spank of physically hit. It has serious brain consequences.
Don’t enter in power struggles. It is counterproductive.
Children absorb the energy of feelings. They understand a lot.
Touch, speak and sing. The three are good for your child development.
Hug and provide comfort. It is a very important basic need.
Ask curiosity questions. They encourage interactions.
Parting thoughts
Be patient. They will do things when they are ready.
Enjoy your toddler. Time goes by quicker than we think.
All children are different. What worked for your first may not work for your next…
Other syntheses you may find of interest:
Ce livre est un must read pour tout parent jeune ou moins jeune.
Dans la même lignée j’ai trouvé les livres d’Isabelle Filliozat très instructifs et particulièrement “Au cœur des émotions de l’enfant” qui aide à comprendre l’ascenseur émotionnel caractéristique de nos chérubins et comment l’accueillir.