Rating: 
Summary: No more dreading temper tantrums
Review: After having so much success with the Happiest Baby on the Block calming
techniques, I could not wait to watch The Happiest Toddler on the Block
by Harvey Karp,M.D.
My 22 month old grandson began to scream when I told him it was time to
go inside. I spoke "toddlerese" with much expression as suggested by Dr.
Karp.
I said, " No No No" you do not want to go inside.
He looked at me very surprised.
I said, "No No No" you do not want to go inside.
He looked at me again with his mouth wide open.
I said again, "No No No you do not want to go
inside, but we must take sister to potty."
---------he came with me without protest. In the past he
would have continued screaming for about 5 minutes and
I would have picked him up kicking and screaming.
Now I can't wait to read the book The Happiest Toddler on the Block Book to get
more helpful suggestions for the children in my family and in my
practice.
Phyllis Meer,RN, BSN,CPNP
and proud grandmother of 4.
Rating: 
Summary: Many Techniques Really Work...although awkward at first
Review: Although the analogy to prehistoric man is overdone a bit, there are so many sensible, clear strategies to try with 1-4 year olds that really are working for us. Talking toddler-ese has really made a difference in the cooperation we are now getting from our 2 and 3 year olds. Mirroring their feelings and "wants" with short, repeated phrases that reflect the child's words, tone and body lauguage has quickly and almost magically stopped much of my toddlers' defiant, annoying behaviors. Karp emphasizes that what you say to someone who is really upset is less important than HOW YOU SAY IT. And his theory has proven itself to be correct in our home.The only suggestion in the book that I have a problem with is using a hook and eye latch to lock a child in his room even for a very short time-out. I feel this can be scary for the child and although it may get the child to know that you do mean business, I prefer not to get compliance from my children with fear, guilt or humiliation. Karp does suggest that you explain to the child in "toddler-ese" how the locking mechanism works so that he will know the door will not open when mom uses it. I also recommend another one of my favorite parenting reference books as a compliment to Karp's hardcover book called "The Pocket Parent". This is a very practical, quick read, little paperback book loaded with many positive discipline and communications tips written exclusively for parents of 2-5 year olds. Peppered with humor and organized alphabetically by behaviors such as: Anger, Bad Words, Biting, Bedtime and Mealtime Refusals, the "Gimmees", Interrrupting, Morning "Crazies", and Whining...Pocket Parent is a real sanity saver. Both books will lift your spirits with specific ideas to try as well as loads of compassionte support from authors that have been there, too... especially when you feel you are just about at your wits' end with the little ones.
Rating: 
Summary: Didn't have success with this technique
Review: Although there are some good common sense recommendations on how to connect with your toddler in this book, I found "Toddlerese" to be ineffective. In fact, after several attempts I found it agitated my 19 month old (who is generally a pretty "easy" kid) even more when she was upset. I think the Baby Whisperer for Toddlers presents more effective methods built on respect for your child and your role as parent. At the end of the day I still find that making eye contact with my daughter and calmly acknowledging her needs is the most successful way to communicate and calm a tantrum. We've also had a lot of success with simple sign language, which allows my daughter to tell us what she wants - she has a strong vocabulary - but we continue to use sign language successfully. My recommendation is to skip this book and stick with the Baby Whisperer.
Rating:
Summary: Dr. Karp understands toddlers!
Review: As a major fan of Dr. Karp's Happiest Baby book I was anxious to read this edition for parents of toddlers, and I wasn't disappointed. The Happiest Toddler contains plenty of realistic and practical tips for managing the day-to-day issues of raising a one-to-four year old. Dr. Karp's sense of humor shines in his analogy of toddler to cave-man, since any parent dealing with a foot-stomping-temper-tantrum can clearly see the resemblance, and will appreciate bringing a bit of comedy to a normally tense situation.
The book is divided into three parts. Part One helps you understand your evolving toddler, what's going on inside his head, and why the normal responses to toddler behavior (acknowledging feelings, distraction, warnings, time-outs) often don't help.
Part Two teaches "Toddler-ese" a way to talking to a child at his level that defuses outburst with love, understanding and respect.
Part Three provides Dr. Karp's ideas and suggestions for handling typical toddler issues such as fears, biting, separation anxiety and toilet learning.
If you have (or work with) toddlers, I'd recommend this helpful book.
-Elizabeth Pantley
Author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution and other books for parents
Rating:
Summary: Help! I've Got Twins & I Can't Get Up
Review: As a mother of four, including twins, I've read all the parenting books. This is one of the most practical, organized, well-written, up to date and pro-active. Much of the time we're REACTING to our kids, instead of acting, and that's what makes this book work. Also, it gives them credit for how smart they are. My favorite recent parenting book is "I Sleep At Red Lights: A True Story of Life After Triplets," by Bruce Stockler, a hilarious, brutally honest, rip-roaring ride into parenthood (and marriage!), told from the besieged Dad's point of view. Unforgettable, wise and heart-warming.
Rating:
Summary: I Speak ToddlerEase - NOW!
Review: As a parent of 2 1/2 year old boy/girl twins, I am enjoying this book very much. While I never read the Happiest Baby on the Block, we also benefited from Dr. Karp's 5 S's - my mother even added a sixth S - smooch!
In this book, I really like the analogy of toddlers to neandrathals, it makes a lot of sense; though the book certainly would have been a bit shorter/easier to read if we weren't being constantly reminded of the analogy. While my twins have been quite communicative since 18 months, I still find it very useful to speak ToddlerEase with them to quickly let them know that I understand what they are trying to say and this seems to head off many a tantrum!
Rating:
Summary: Bye Bye to Terrible Twos!
Review: Delightful, insightful and doable tips that really work for toddlers. Just when we thought we would need a counselor for our marriage because hubby and I could not agree on parenting styles or consequences, we found this book. YOU HAVE TO TRY IT for the sake of your sanity, kids and marriage. Two others that have helped in our family are: Raising Resilient Children by Robert Brooks and Mommy CEO, which is a parenting/family book, by Jodie Lynn. We love all three books and so will you.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: Don't be put off by the creationist reviews bashing Dr. Karp for his evolution analogy. From the reviews it looks like the creatonists didn't even read the book and are just trying to make trouble as usual.
The evolution analogy is a very good one for simplifying toddler behavior and makes a lot of sense.
The book has a lot of great examples and has made a world of difference with our toddler. I recommend it highly.
Rating:
Summary: Happiest Parents on the Block
Review: Dr Karp's book guides the reader through general to specific routines and activities for a toddler ages one to four. He is so clear with directions and examples that it is easy to apply to personal situations.
I believe this book has been an important foundation for our parenting techniques within our own home. Our toddler is developing into a happy, confident, and affectionate child who seems secure with her changing place in the world. Thank-you Dr Karp for sharing your expertise!!
Rating:
Summary: Interesting book - great analogy
Review: I am enjoying this book very much. I really like the analogy of toddlers to neandrathals, it makes a lot of sense. I enjoy Dr. Karp's advice on how to deal with all sorts of issues, from tantrums to being challenged, through how to imbue your child with self-esteem and confidence. I plan to read and re-read as my son reaches every stage.
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