The Secret Lives of Toddlers: A Parent's Guide to the Wonderful, Terrible, Fascinating Behavior of Children Ages 1-3

Every toddler does odd things--insists on wearing the same outfit for days; drags a grimy, beat-up blanket everywhere; shouts "NO!" then grins as if expecting praise--and many adults are baffled. This book does an excellent job of explaining the "why" of what toddlers do. With each short chapter, the author deals with a specific question, such as "Why do toddlers like to be naked?" She spends a page or two talking about the developmental reasons that toddlers act the way they do, and then gives some concise advice about how you as a parent can choose to react and affect the behavior. This book is an easy read, but is backed by some serious research--it includes a "Resources" appendix with a whole heap of other books to look for. I read it in three or four evening/naptime reading sessions while my 2-year-old daughter slept, and I'm not one to read parenting advice books, really. The author's easy-going approach gave a positive you-can-do-this vibe that will validate almost every mother's (or father's, or grandparent's) choices. I feel like I know my daughter much better now that I can understand what she's learning when she wants to hear the same book forty-gazillion times or insists (loudly) on the red shirt, not the purple one. I'd recommend this for any first-time mom, and anyone else who has contact with a toddler.

As the parent of two toddlers I truly appreciated Jana Murphy's insite and humor. On the sometimes frustrating journey from years 1-3 every parent needs a little reassurance as well as a good laugh--this definitely provides both! It is the best parenting manual I own and would recommend it to new and seasoned parents alike!

Where oh where was this informative, outstanding book when my children were toddlers? Think of something you want to know why your toddler is doing it. Got it? Ok, now go to this book and your answer will be there. With 52 common behavior antics of toddlers listed in this outstanding work you will be delighted to finally understand such mysteries as, why do they love to be naked? Or how about this one, why do toddlers say, no! no! no! The answer may surprise you. This is an outstanding book to help you better understand the toddler in your life. Not only does the author give you the whys; she also gives you tips on what to do now that you know the whys. This work would be an outstanding reference book for new parents and a great source of enlightment for all who ever wondered why toddlers do the strange little things that we have all seen them do. You'll find out there really was a purpose to their almost driving you mad, and you'll breath a sigh of relief, I promise. Really a great read. Well done, informative and enjoyable. Shirley Johnson

As a 50+ father of a soon to be three year old, I was beginning to get a bit nervous about certain peculiar behaviors of our little princess. Just a short trip through the table of contents of Ms. Murphy's delightful book reassured me that our toddlerette's oddities of behavior were, indeed, normal - though we still may have some fodder for Volume II. Paranoia now firmly in check, I could then revel in amusement as Jana, backed up by a remarkable team of experts, unravelled each behavioral mystery. If you know someone with a toddler, or soon to be toddler, this would be a fine present. Or, donate one to your local pre-school!

I am from the Dr. Spock generation and the grandma of ten. I want to say that I find this informative book to be the best I have ever read when it comes to toddler behavior and what to do about it. The bonus is that Jana Murphy's writing style makes the book just plain fun to read! It is a real winner in my opinion. The perfect book for any young parent or not so young grandparent!!