Cheers to you for looking for resources now! My DH used to say "I am going to be the greatest parent inthe world - all I have to do is the opposite of what my parents did."
Unfortunately, knowing what NOT to do is not the same as knowing what TO do. Our twin sons were about 4 years old when DH finally realized he was in over his head, and started listening to what I was saying about positive discipline.
I don't have any good suggestions for that age, though I would suggest looking for stuff explaining what is and is not age-appropriate behavior (for the next few years). Having realistic expectations can go a long way toward helping parents deal with various stages. For example, we hear about "the terrible twos", but I always thought of two as "the age of frustration". My sons wanted to run fast and jump high, but didn't have the gross motor strength. They wanted to pick up small objects and manipulate them, but didn't have the fine motor skills. They had a million things to say, but people often didn't understand them. Who wouldn't be frustrated under those circumstances? Recognizing that they were probably frustrated about simething - and being empathetic to that frustration - made their emotional outbursts easier to handle.
Another thing you can start today is using positive directions instead of negative. I'm convinced that young toddlers simply do not understand the word "don't", and when you say "Don't jump on the couch", all they hear is "...jump on the couch". What happens if I tell you "don't think about a monkey wearing a tutu and riding a tricycle"?
Even if they understand the "don't", they can't always think of an alternative. Practice now giving your baby "do" directions: that's just to look at instead of don't touch; sit on your bottom instead of don't climb on the chair; feet first instead of don't go down the stairs head first! It takes some getting used to on your part, but soon it becomes a habit.
Good luck, and enjoy your mobile and exploring little one!
) is _Unconditional Parenting_. But it's more theoretical than practical, I think, especially when you're dealing with toddlers--the practical ideas in it are more for older kids.
