Raising a toddler is one of the joyous high points of parenthood. There’s nothing like a one-, two-, or three-year-old to help you see the world in wonderful new way: the bugs in the grass . . . the shapes in the clouds . . . the “castles” in a pile of sand. Toddlers brim with curiosity, excitement, and irresistible charm.

But as every parent with a toddler knows, the emotional climate can shift quickly. One minute all is bliss. Then BAM! They cry, scream, and erupt into a tantrum (often in the most embarrassing places). No wonder hundred of books written on the subject attempt to teach parents how to get their toddlers to behave. Fortunately, the use of harsh physical punishment as a parenting tool has been largely phased-out and replaced with a gentler, more loving approach. But unfortunately, patient explanations and respectful words often flop when it comes to soothing toddlers with tantrums.

Over the next few years, one of your top parental jobs will be to civilize your toddler: teaching him to say “please” and “thank you,” to wait his turn, and to pee in the potty. At the start of my career, I learned that, when it came to this “civilization” process, the obvious techniques of distraction (“Hey, look at this toy!”) and empathy (“I know you hate shots, but…”) often just bounce right off of fussy toddlers. That’s when it dawned on me: Toddlers don’t think like older kids . . . so why speak to them like older kids?

When toddlers get upset, the brain center that controls language, logic, and patience literally shuts down. No wonder they transform into impatient and irrational Conan the Barbarians! I tested out a new theory, and began speaking to my cranky toddler patients in a simpler, more primitive language (think Tarzan, or Bamm-Bamm from The Flintsones). I was amazed to discover that I could often soothe their tantrum – and even get a few smiles – in less than one minute!

In The Happiest Toddler on the Block DVD and book, I teach a series of highly-effective methods to boost patience, cooperation and respect in children from 8 months of age to 5 years. You’ll be pleased to see how quickly you can improve your toddler’s behavior and stop tantrums before they begin. Before you know it you’ll have less yelling, more cooperation, and a happier, more loving time for you and your toddler!

Related posts:

1. Toddler Tantrums: Should We Rush to “Make It All Better”?
2. Cure tantrums like cavemen
3. Hurtful Words & Talking to Toddlers