Truth about Toddlers

Whatever profession you are in, you usually seem to gather books and articles and magazines that focus on that subject.  It's the same for those of us in Early Intervention.  I have a couple of fabulous books called Baby 411 and Toddler 411 by Denise Fields and Dr. Ari Brown.  Here is a little excerpt from Toddler 411,

The three truths about parenting a toddler

1.  You can't make a kid eat, sleep, or poop on the potty.  Yes, toddlers have a will all their own - and if they don't want to do any of the above, darn it, that's the way it is.  Nope, you have to come well-armed with a series of clever strategies and tricks to work some magic. 

2.  Parenting is the great equilizer.  No matter whether you're a CEO or a working stiff, parenting a toddler puts us all in the same place.  We all have to deal with the same anxieties, concerns and frustrations.  And yes, even the experts (ahem) have had their toddler throw a tantrum when its time to leave the playground.

3.  Monkey see, monkey do.  Long gone are the days when you could behave badly and have your little newborn look up at you with a blank stare.  Nope, your toddler is studying all your moves . . . so if you expect your toddler NOT to throw a tantrum or utter curse words, you have to set the example.

Now I realize that none of those truths are earth-shattering, in fact they are simple truths of raising a toddler.

The book goes on to provide tricks and tips for parenting a toddler.  There are a lot of parenting books out there.  I have tried to focus my time and energy on the ones that are practical and helpful (not the "How to Raise a Genius" ones).  These two books seem to be good reference material and you are not required to read them from cover to cover to find all the secrets.  Soon I hope to post a list of the Staff Favorites.  But for now, what is your favorite parenting book/author?