How to Behave So Your Preschooler Will, Too!

This book is a god-send. It assured me within the FIRST chapter that my 3 year old is not trying to make my life miserable with the demanding, disobeying, etc. Easy to follow instructions, easy to read... very informative and pertinent. Has absolutely made a difference. THIS is a great book.. I recommend it to EVERYONE!

We are a blended family with two toddlers and one baby one the way. The two older kids will begin preschool this fall and I can't tell you how much Dr. Severe has made me realize that while it can be scary, entering preschool need not be a bad experience. The "What You Do" and "What Your Child Learns" columns and charts make habits we normally would do with our kids show up as simple but not so good choices while showing us what we need to do instead. The simple format is clearly a huge convenience for busy moms like me allowing readers to zip from each needed resource. If I am wondering about redirecting behavior, something we now use often, I just look in the back of the book and quickly get to the pages on that topic. This easy to read book is packed with tips for everyday preschooler and toddler behavior. It is now on the to read list in our mom's group. Others we have just read and love as well are: The Happiest Toddler on the Block, by Harvey Karp, and Mommy CEO, by Jodie Lynn. With these three books, all the important day to day chaos at my home is well on its way to being tamed...thank goodness!

I was resorting to yelling louder, criticising more frequently, and searching for stricter punishments...trying rather desperately to get my 4 and 7 year old sons to behave better. It simply wasn't working. I asked myself one day...when I was still half sane...Why in the world was I continuing to do what isn't working? And, I was intrigued by this title that implied I had to change first...so I bought the book. With the help of Severe's advice, I finally realized that I was going to have to change my approach in the manner I was chosing to speak to my children, before they were going to change their behavior. This book along with another practical book called "The Pocket Parent" helped us get more cooperation from our kids as well as change the entire atmosphere of our home...now much less yelling defiance and negative "attitude". Both books suggest the exact words to try in challenging situations that a normal preschooler often presents his parents with. I also appreciate that the authors of both books include funny personal annecdotes about their own children to illustrate the stategies. So you never feel you are being talked down to by an expert with an assortment of "holier than thou" do's and dont's. I find it comforting that these authors (moms and a dad) have been angered, frustrated and embarrassed by their own children, too. Both of these books are set up for busy parents to read just a particular section of the book as they need it. Each chapter stands alone and neither book has to be read cover to cover in any order. I really appreciate that feature. I found the material in Severe's book very reader friendly, with a pleasant tone and easy to understand information. His book is divided into topics in 3 main sections that explain Developmental Factors, Better Behavior Principles and How to Apply the Behavior Principles. "The Pocket Parent" is set up differently as an A-Z compendium of about 40 behaviors such as Anger, Bad Words, Biting, Bedtime, Mealtime, Morning Crazies, Lying, Sibling Rivalry, Separation Anxiety and Whining. I do like the format of "The Pocket Parent" better. However, I like the advice in both books equally. The books are very compatible and are chock full of comassion, humor and hundreds of ideas to try with preschoolers. Severe's book says it is for 3-6 year olds and "The Pocket Parent" is for 2-5 year olds. I think the suggestions in both books work on children 2-10 and even older. I highly recommend both of these guidebooks to keep handy for easy reference and support on one of those really bad days with the kids when you could really use a verbal hug and a couple of practical specific suggestions.

Insightful! Well worth the money and time. Dr. Severe offers practical, realistic, and effective strategies to bring out the best in your preschooler. I purchased this book after seeing Dr. Severe being interviewed on television and then noticed that his books are on my pediatrician's recommended reading list. Dr. Severe's advise is filled with common sense and is easy to implement. You will not be dissapointed if you follow his advise and remain consistent. I only wish that I read this book sooner!