Infant-and-Toddler-Development Books

One of the most humane, intelligent, and far-reaching analyses of the impact of parenting on children I have ever read. On a par with Alice Miller's best work.

The objective of this book is to make readers aware of the importance of the first period of a child's life. The back cover refers to `startling new evidence' that violent behaviour is fundamentally linked to abuse and neglect in the first two years of life. But who is the intended audience?

My assumption is that the audience is policy makers and relevant professionals. While the book is relatively easy to read, it is not one that I would choose to give an intending parent. Which is not to say that intending parents shouldn't read it, just simply that by the time that parenthood is on the horizon there are many other more immediate issues to address.

This book was published in 1997. By reference to the life of`Jeffrey' a young murderer, the authors have set out to identify the key factors typifying the profile of a violent and impulsive but not premeditated murder. They do this by examining aspects of Jeffrey's life, drawing on current knowledge in child development, identifying possible contributory factors and, most importantly, identifying areas where intervention may assist.

This book covers more than the `nature versus nurture' debate that so many of us have participated in. It does not purport to have all of the answers, but it does do a good job of raising many of the issues. Parenting is hard work, and it is especially hard for those who have not had the benefit of good role models or practical support. If societies value their children, then we need to work together - across levels of government and professional divides - to support both the children and their parents or caregivers during this critical period. After all, not only is their future in our hands, our future is also in theirs.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

I think this is such an important book. I bought this book several years ago & loaned it to someone to never see it again. However, I decided I needed to buy it again because I feel as an early childhood professional it is a wonderful resource...and really makes one realize how crucial the early years are.

This book very clearly describes the effects of maternal drug use and early neglect/abuse on the child's brain, and later behavior. Very easy to read, includes case studies. Recommend for anyone who works with high risk families.

GFTN draws some frightening pictures and equally frightening conclusions. My attachment to this book is that it is essentially fact-based and scientific. I might not like the tale, but I believe the authors have done a good job at setting forth their case.
And, whether or not one agrees with the authors' methodology. conclusions or recommendations, one must read this book and understand its message.

This is a great explanation of what infant potty training is and it gives specific instructions on how to do it. The books is repetitive in the instructions and I really appreciate that because now that I've read it I feel like I'll know what to do without having to refer to the book over and over again. It also has some excellent resources for people who are doing EC (Elimination Communication).

I only wish I had gotten this book earlier. I am the mother of three kids but have only used this book with my youngest after she started to show clear signs of being aware of her bodily functions at age 10 months. We have not "graduated" yet (to use the terminology of the book) now that she will soon be 2 yrs old, because I have not really been sufficiently keen to go for it 100 %. And the book does not make me feel guilty about that. Reading the book gave me a better understanding of the process and it answered most of my "but...?" questions.
I do not think the method described would have worked with my first-born because we have later discovered that he had a KISS-KIDD diagnosis with pelvic problems. After he was treated (at age 6!) with manual therapy and core muscle training, he gained sensitivity and control of his bladder much later than he would have if he had not had this problem.
But with number two, with whom there is nothing wrong, I think this method would have worked wonderfully and I regret not having this book when he was newborn.
The great news is that it is not an "all or nothing" method! I do not believe in getting extreme about anything, but found it interesting to try (whenever it has been convenient for us) since my baby showed initial perceptibility so I just followed up on that.
Perhaps because I am European and used to being more direct in my language about such issues, I found some of the vocabulary fairly silly - so overly euphemistic. However, I decided to ignore that and focus on the actual message. The author seems like a sensible woman, she is probably not the one who has coined these expressions.

I love this book. It's such an easy read, which is great for a busy parent. I also love the author gives flexible approaches. These days, there is so much advice out there, and some times I feel like I am being lectured by sancti-mommies. Instead, Ms. Gross-loh acknowledges parental concerns, and how to make EC work with many different lifestyles. I really enjoyed reading all the anecdotes from other parents. The book is very realistic, and doesn't make grand promises. It's advice is very straight-forward and relaxing.

This book might be worth it if you already have a more organized book about EC itself and want to hear about it from others. Reading quote after quote from parents who are learning/doing elimination communication strikes me as a waste of time and shows poor editing. The quotes might make you feel good, but they won't help you learn to "catch."

The other reviews were right on in that this method is so important to understand. But my lactation consultant gave me a Pediatrician's book (Dr. Jill Lekovic), and it was truly better (and totally different) than any of the other things out ther (I've read them ALL). She truly educates you about this topic in a holistic, worldly, historical and very knowledgeable way. It makes this book useless and was a much smarter and funnier read.

This book has everything a stressful mom would need. Humor, truth, and more humor. I laughed and cried with this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone with children.

The fact that publishing houses are now multinationals means that most new books are, in essence, washing powder: marketed to meet a particular demographic. And this "author" is responsible for some of the most perfectly packaged bilge in a very, very deep reservoir of bilge. Another depressing foray into her inadequacies as a mother, this book is to be avoided as studiously as her first.

I think this is a very cute book, easily read, very relatable and the writing is quirky but solid! My thoughts are that while this book is a great read the first time I don't think I will ever read it again.... it is just not one of those books you need to read more than once. I do feel it is worth reading so borrow it from the library on your way home from story time.

This book gives a perfect description of what "normal" moms are. As a mother of three, most days I don't start cleaning or getting dressed unless I have to leave the house or an hour before my husband gets home. The author gives us the OK to do that citing that she is just like us. I think moms worry too much about how their children will turn out if they make mistakes too often. I make them all day long and my kids are fine, as the author states about hers.

The author tells her tales from finding a pre-school that doesn't involve a brief case and punchcard for kids to admitting that having sex once a month is normal after children. This book seemed to speak directly to me and my life. It made me feel like a better mother. Don't miss out on this one, ladies!

I think I liked this book every more than sippy cups! Makes me feel like I am not alone out there and personally I love sarcastic humor. Too bad I live on the east coast and can not immediately try to make myself Stephanie's BFF.

I taught mt daughter to read 36 years ago, when she was 3 years old, using this book. It works. The author explains the biological reason why children generally cannot read, until they are older, and gives practical, detailed ways to overcome the physical limitaions preventing them from learing to read earlier. Thanks to early teaching, and exposure, my daughter still loves to read.

Bought this book for my daughter to use with her son. It's a great reference book that she uses often.

The step by step instruction of this book is a proven thing that the method are really easy and it works.

After just 2 months we notice significant development over her cousin who is 5 months old that never got any stimulation such as; able to focus on objects better, can track moving objects, hear better, and interact much better.

This is the best investment for your child and give her a jump start in live so later on the child does not have to struggle so much later in live.

Down side of this method;
- Really consume your time seriously
- Funding may becoming and issue since you are constantly out of material so fast.

Sounds great....We loved it at first. Then my daughter decided (whom is 17 months) that she was to busy to look at flashcards. Soooo all my hard work is on the shelf for now.

I have been a remedial reading tutor for 13 years and have seen the damage that sight word teaching such as this does--it produces poor spellers and readers who do not enjoy reading and who do not read as fluently as those taught with phonics.

Try instead Sidney Ledson's Teach Your Child to Read in Just Ten Minutes a Day Teach Your Child to Read in Just Ten Minutes a Day or any of Leapfrog's fridge phonics products--start with LeapFrog Fridge Phonics® Magnetic Set then LeapFrog Word Whammer Fridge Phonics® Set, also try Starfall for free.

You can read about how the brain learns, dyslexia, and why sight words are harmful at The Phonics Page, and more information about phonics and dyslexia at Don Potter's Education Page and some free phonetic programs such as Blend Phonics that produce lasting reading achievement.

This is a great resource to have. However, I have found that you need to be open to other methods of discipline. This is quite informative and a great resource to have on your shelf.

Jane Nelson once again provides sound, practical advice for creating a positive energy household. Our 4 year old had us spiralling out of control until we read this book and made some simple changes and became more understanding of her developmental capacities.

Our daughter has just turned three and wow, what happened? We feel like we have tried everything for discipline from time out to consequences and even the "S" word. Nothing really works. My friend recommended this book and it really does help. It's not the end all and be all of all books but it reminds you to think on their level and gives you good ideas for when you are faced with those very tough moments. I must say they suggest a positive time out, which I thought was CRAZY but figured I have tried everything else so why not? It really does work and continues to work. The best part is that I make it her choice and most times don't even have to get mad. I simply say, if you are going to behave that way (explaining the bad behavor, i.e. not playing nicely) please go to your time out corner until you are ready to come back and play nicely and sometimes she goes running in there crying (and then will return letting me know she is done and ready to play nicely) and sometimes she'll stop and think a moment and say, I don't need time out I can play nicely now. It's amazing.

Dealing with preschoolers, as any parent will tell you, is a challenge. How do you deal with this little being, that is both independent and dependent, at the same time? Nelsen, et al, have provided a common sense approach to raising preschoolers.

The ideas that are presented in this book, when used properly, are incredibly powerful. An example of this is recognizing the message being sent by the misbehavior of a preschooler. If you can identify what the message being sent is, then you have a greater chance of being able to redirect the behavior. Of course, you have to be willing to take the time to analyze the behavior and define what you are willing to do in response to the behavior. While the tools provided in this book are very powerful when used properly, they can also be very damaging when used improperly. If you have someone that can read the book with you and provide support, you will be much more effective at implementing the strategies successfully.

This book provides an idea for raising children without using humiliation or punitive measures to get short term changes in behavior. If you are looking for support for the, "My parents raised me this way and I turned out just fine." mentality, then find another book. If on the other hand, you are looking for a book that provides a basis for what I would consider to be an improved method of dealing with preschoolers, then this is your book.

The one thing that kept me from giving this book five stars is that it fails to address immediate safety issues. In many cases the book suggests plans that are implemented after you have had a moment to consider your response. It would be helpful if the authors provided some ideas as to how to respond to potentially dangerous situations without losing your cool and still treating your child as a human being who has control over their own actions.

There was a spot in the book that I didn't particularly like. It was about co-sleeping. Although it was claiming not to be putting down co-sleeping, it was definately inferring that it was better not too, I felt that it was putting the undertone suggestion that it wasn't the best thing. That children need to be able to self sooth etc...We are strong advocates for Attachment Parenting, and very researched in this area, and those related topics around it, and it is not correct to assume a child won't learn to sleep on their own, if not put in an alone situation, or that they will some how miss out on skill's like calming or soothing themselves, if you don't push them more quickly towards independence. Children will grow independent, on their own time table, and because of the attachment you unselfishly allow when they are young, which is not pulling away the security they need, they become more grounded, having been allowed to mature on their own, and reach towards independence step-by-step when they are ready, they grow up feeling secure. When children grow up feeling secure, that were not rushed into sleeping in their own bed, or forced to stop Breastfeeding before they are ready, etc... These people grow up more secure and independent than otherwise. Our Daughter just turned Three and still sleeps with me, and i'm in no hurry to move Her anywhere, and She's a very happy person, and, with no issues, and growing more and more independent on Her own, anyway, everyday : )

This does NOT mean that we put down any other Parents for anything they are doing, or whats right for them. Thats not what I mean. We have Friends that Parent in all different ways. I just wanted to say my peace about the co-sleeping, for some Families like us, it works, and has turned out to be a great experience, and I don't agree that it is some how any kind of a negative. For us it's a definate Positive!

I recommend these books (Your ONE Year Old, Your TWO Year Old, Your THREE Year Old, Your FOUR Year Old, Your FIVE Year Old, Your SIX Year Old, Your SEVEN Year Old, Your EIGHT Year Old, Your NINE Year Old, Your TEN-to-FOURTEEN Year Old. These books were writtten by Louise Bates Ames, PhD, Fances L. Ilg, MD and Sidney M. Baker MD of the Gesell Institute of Human Development. They are NOT a "how to" book for parents -- but rather provide a perspective of life from the child's various ages. I found the books to be of such value that I purchase the entire series for new parents. Somehow I forgot to purchase these books for my niece when she started her family. She expressed some concerns about her seven year old son's behavior (that I knew from experience to be that typical of seven year olds). I purchased the books from the series that will help my niece from here on. She LOVES them! I have a feeling she will use them and pass them along to other parents. My original set are part of my permanent library. I highly recommend these books for your permanent library as well!

There is something gratifying about having your parenting instincts justified by official child experts. Most of parenting is a gut-based exercise but this sort of books gives parents a few tools and tactics to help deal with the age of two. The more we know about the mindset and developmental nuances of our children, the better we can be to them. This little book is full of interesting points about the psychology of a blossoming 2 year old. Concise and insightful. I totally recommend it!

I love this entire series, but they are SOOO dated (first published in the 70s!) Great advice is sprinkled in with references to mom staying at home while dad works, the MOTHER's responsibility to get the baby on schedule, etc. If they would only update this series with an eye towards two-career families or families in which the father takes a more active role, I think more readers would be able to digest this very good information without gritting their teeth at the outdated (and now sexist) references to parental roles.

This is not one of those "do X to solve your child's Y problem." It basically just lets you know what is going on with your 2 and 2.5 year old. The researchers observed 1000's of two year olds over several years and this book is the culmination of their research - in an easy to read format, as well. They do offer general advice - take it with a grain of salt because some of it is REALLY outdated. But the insights on what is going on, what to expect, what's "normal", and the list of toys and books appropriate for two year olds is invaluable. AND, at under 150 pages it is a quick read (since most parents of three year olds don't have much time to do so).

The editors really need to revise this book to reflect modern times. It assumes every mom is a stay at home mom and every family has 2 heterosexual parents. The kicker was when it suggested that some moms get together with their kids and develop playgroups, and how they were starting to see it as a trend. Oh, I almost forgot about the suggestion about how moms should try putting their children in part time child care for the day to give themselves breaks. Again, this assumes every mom is a stay at home and "Father" is the primary breadwinner.

The book was a waste of money. I strongly suggest you stay away from this - at least until it gets edited for the 21st century.

I'm a list person. Baby Lists is chock full of useful advice, information and recommendations in a format that's easy for a "list person" like me to understand. Baby Lists goes step by step through every baby product you could want to buy. It lists what to look for to get a safe product and gives you things to think about and consider when picking out products. It lists only the top brand choices for car seats, strollers and other big items as well as top choices for small items such as health care products, bath time products and products for nursing mothers. Unlike many books that give general information Baby Lists gives specific information about each product. It's a very hands on type of book, packed with lots of essential information and things to think about both before and after your baby arrives. If you're expecting or need a great prebaby shower gift this book is definitely worth checking out.

A friend of mine told me about Baby Lists. I told her I bought so many books already and didn't think I needed another one. I didn't feel like sifting through more chapters on pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding again. She told me Baby Lists was not like other books. She said Baby Lists doesn't mention any of those things. She said Baby Lists just tells you the basic things you need to do and what to buy before the baby arrives. That was the kind of information I was looking for which I couldn't find in all the other pregnancy books I had read. It sounded good to me so I bought a copy. What a wonderful book. I love it! This book is so easy to read and gets straight to the point. I went through the book and had my baby registry done in no time. Each chapter focuses on a specific topic. There's chapters on Health Care Products, Bath Time Essentials, Products for Nursing Mothers, Newborn Necessities just to name a few. I love the chapters on How to Interview a Pediatrician and What to Pack for the Hospital. This book has all the information in one place. No more spending hours searching the internet for answers to questions asked by most expectant parents. I highly recommend this book. The author really knows her stuff. [...]

I learned about this book from my prenatal class. As a first time mom with no clue I found this book to be indispensable in helping me figure out what I needed to do to get ready for my baby. I hadn't even thought about interviewing a pediatrician or creating a birth plan. The first section of this book lists all the things you need to do as expectant parents before the baby arrives. The second section in this book told me about all the things I should get for my baby, practical everyday things that every expectant parent needs to have on hand, and what to look for when shopping for a particular product. I carried this book with me every time I shopped and checked things off as I made my purchases or registered for my baby shower. While shopping, other expectant moms asked me what I was referencing, and I shared the advice in the book with them right in the stores. Many of them bought a copy of the book for themselves. Using the information in this book I was completely prepared when my baby arrived.

Being a first time parent I was looking for a book that was easy to read, got right to the point and gave me the basic information I needed to get ready for my baby. Baby Lists tells you about all the everyday, practical things you'll need for your baby. No fancy, expensive products just well known brand names that most people are already familiar with. Baby Lists is kind of like a work book. I went through the book chapter by chapter. As I shopped or registered for my baby shower I just checked everything off and knew that it was done. I especially liked the chapters on how to interview a pediatrician and questions to ask when taking my hospital tour. There were so many things I would never have thought to ask. I'm so happy I found this book. I highly recommend it.

I love this book. It has all the information I need to get ready for my baby in one easy to read book. I was so overwhelmed when I thought about what I needed to do and what I needed to get to be prepared for when the baby arrives. Baby Lists took away that overwhelming feeling and made it so easy to get ready for my baby. The book lists many products, but as the author states, you don't have to buy them all. I just selected the items I thought would be most useful for me and my baby. With websites listed for each product I was able to research the items I was interested in before I actually went shopping. When I did go shopping I knew exactly what I wanted. It saved me so much time.

Besides all the product recommendations I love the chapters on what I needed to do to get ready for the baby. I think this book is a great resource for all expectant parents.

I wish someone had told me that babies have a fussy phase around 5-6 weeks. I got this book when my son was about 8 weeks old and it was comforting to know that his seemingly out of the blue crying was very normal. For each "leap" the book tells you fussy signs to look for, things your baby may be doing, and things you can do to help them flourish. The last week or so, my son has been craving more attention, having trouble settling down before sleeping, and turning away at times when being fed. I picked up the book again and sure enough, we have hit the next wonder week at 19 weeks and all of these things were listed under fussy signs. It's nice to have an idea of when these weeks are, instead of wondering why things have changed so much!

This is such a helpful book. It explains all of the major developmental stages, and helps you understand what your infant might be going through. It seemed whenever my son would start getting fussy or sleeping poorly, I'd look in this book and coordinate it with a different developmental milestone. I recommend this book to any new parents. Sometimes realizing what's happening, makes it easier to deal with.

I don't think I've ever bothered to do a review here before, but this book made me take the time to do it. I got this book when my daughter was a few months old and I recommend it to all parents. Each chapter discusses a "fussy phase" and explains the developmental leap that accompanies it. The book offers suggestions of how to handle it, how to cope when things get frustrating, what toys are especially useful during the phase, what games to play with your child at that time.

I love the way it's organized. It's very readable. Without fail, every time my little girl was acting...not herself...I would open up the book and sure enough, we were right in the middle of a great developmental leap. I feel like this book helped me understand my daughter better, and be a better parent. I WISH they would write a book for the second year as well.

I really wish I'd had this book from the beginning! It's a fascinating insight into what is going on inside your baby's head.

It's easy when your baby is fed, slept, cuddled and played with to become a little frustrated if he's still uncharacteristically fussy. It really helps to be able to anticipate a fussy phase -- I actually prefer fussy "time frame," since our little guy just seems to have a few more off days and isn't really fussy all the time. When he's unusually fussy in that time frame, instead of just becoming frustrated and giving myself a hard time that I'm not meeting his needs, I can look for specific new things he is learning.

I agree with other reviewers that just knowing what is going on is incredibly helpful. Also, knowing that it will end soon and that this fussiness is your baby's way of coping with increased mental capacity and awareness really gives me a great deal of perspective. Actually, knowing it will end soon is probably the most helpful :)

I also like that the authors emphasize that your child will *not* do all the new things listed, but to pay attention to what (s)he is interested in for clues to the emerging personality. I have enjoyed their suggestions for games to play to help your child learn to use their new mental capabilities.

I have acquired a large library related to child/infant care and this is the best book I have invested in thus far. No other book has had such practical information that really contributed to lowering my stress level as a first-time parent.

I give this book to every new mother I know, it's that good. However, the used book prices are insane. I emailed the author in the Netherlands and he said they are in negotiation with a new publisher to reprint the book.
There is no reason to pay $80.00 - $175.00 for a $20.00 paperback.
People all over the world have written to him asking to have it reprinted and he's very anxious to do so.
Tricia

Personally I love this book. It is a quick read and funny, but somehow manages some wonderful, insightful self-help and parenting tips. For those of us who feel a little overwhelmed by the reality of parenthood, a must-read.

I Love this book, it is funny and insightful. It will give you a new outlook on your daily "mommy" activities. It is easy to read and offers a realistic view rather than "super mom" partenting.

Thank you Vivian for sharing your thoughts and experiences. This is a wonderful, quick read for mothers everywhere. The pages ooze with the honesty mothers need to hear in order to validate personal, at times confusing, feelings regarding a role that our society tends to romanticize.

If you've ever felt the pressure to be a perfect new mom (such as acting as if you're loving every moment of the experience) but are falling extremely short of your goal, Mommy Guru Glyck will let you know it's okay. You can say to yourself that motherhood sucks, it's hard, completely exhausting, and you might even wonder if it was the right choice for you! All normal and natural feelings that we shouldn't try to deny if we experience them. Glyck shows that allowing yourself to laugh at the early mommy insanity is the healthiest attitude any new mom can have. In her tales of her own less-than-perfect beginnings as a mom. . Glyck inspires and teaches neophyte moms to navigate those first few exhausting months of motherhood with humor, acceptance, and commitment to the bigger picture of raising a child. I absolutely adored this book and think it should be in the hands of every new mom who is honest with herself.

Frankly I'm surprised at the high ratings this book received. I was given this book by my mother a few months after having my first child - and having nothing to read for a week at a family retreat ended up reading (most of) it. I found most of these "lessons" more than a bit silly and maybe applicable for a self-absorbed and neurotic mother. If you are the type that needs to make a list to remember to have a heart-to-heart with your partner - this book is for you. Otherwise, if you have the slightest bit of common sense when it comes to yourself, your child and your life - you certainly don't need this book.

Please excuse grammar and speling. Not ny speciality. I hate details. I really enjoyed this book because I read it in one sitting. I did get insight into what is "typical" behaviour for a girl 6.5 years old. One example, paraphrased,'kid at this age tend to worry that sonmething bad will happen to one of their parents'. This explains why my daughter started becoming so upset when I would go out. It seemed to come on suddenly leaving me woindering what I had done wrong. Turns out it was not anything I did. I was able to share with her what I read and explain that her feelings are "normal" for her age. If I had not read this I would have wasted time asking her what was wrong with her or looking to blame my wife or me, creating a ure future neurosis of som e kind. My daughter has relaxed since I was able to explain that this is "normal" for some kids her age. My daughter is high maintenance (super sensitive, perfectionist, hyper emotional...). I was worried she was going to get "labeled" because of this, so I started seeking information. This was a good start, but this is not a comprehensive look at the psychology of children. I have had to look at other books, but this is a nice quick insight into a kids inner world. I also highly recomend "When Labels Don't Fit" by Brbra Probst if you're looking for deeper pshycological analysis.

This seller was refreshingly terrific to do business with. The order came so quickly and even though it was considered used when purchased, it is in perfect condition. Buying with this seller restored my faith in my amazon purchases. Highly recommended seller.

Some aspects of this book are helpful. For example, the information about what to expect developmentally from the six year old. But some aspects are dated. Also, the authors suggest to ignore a bit more than I am comfortable with in terms of bad behavior.

This book is helpful, in that it assisted my husband in better understanding that all of the crazy things our daughter does are perfectly normal for a child her age. It is also a cute book because I believe it was written in the 1960's or 1970's, so there are very dated wordings. Overall, a good, light-hearted book that celebrates children in all of their unique ways!

"It's just a phase," characterizes most of childhood, but some phases are harder than others. And that's where I found myself with my six-year-old. Overnight she became whiny, clingy, and defiant one minute and her normal good-natured self the next.

Reading this book gave me great insight into her behavior and reassured me that this phase too will pass.