please help!

[happydaymomma]

Here's the background:

I grew up going to a Waldorf School, and my kids will go there one day too.

I'm totally down with gentle/attachment parenting, but I'm not really into labels - don't care for the detailed lists of dos and don't, prefer to feel what's right in my heart.

We are cosleepers, extended breastfeeders, baby wearers, etc.

Now, here's the story:

I have an almost 3 year old daughter and I'm pregnant with my second (due in September).

I feel like I'm generally a patient person, but I'm really struggling with anger management (both me and her) and discipline - specifically around nap time/bed time/transitions.

I would love some advise, but I would also REALLY love some book recommendations. I looked at the list on the gentle discipline forum sticky, but there are so many I don't know where to start.

Have any of you read some of these books? Based on what you now know about me and my situation, where would you recommend I start? Did I leave anything out that would help me get better advise?

[bonamarq]

I would start with playful parenting - gives you a basis for changing the dynamic and understanding why your child may be misbehaving - I think based on what you said you would like that - it encourages creativity in dealing with issues (so doing what feels right)

Also - just keep reading here - I see lots of great, targeted advice given on this forum all the time....

Three is also JUST PLAIN DIFFICULT - IMO, two pales in comparison, add to that your pregnancy and you just need some help and some breaks....

[happydaymomma]

Thanks!

I also just had lunch with a friend who said that 'How to Talk so Kids Will Listen and Listen so Kids Will Talk' by Adele Faber is a really good one too.

I think I'm going to order those two right now!

I also printed out the 'Alternatives to Punishment' list that Peggy O'Mara wrote up from the 'resources' section and posted it all over my house.

I'm feeling more supported and able already!

Does anyone know anything about the book 'Without Spanking or Spoiling' by Elizabeth Crary? It sounds interesting to me.

[mom2grrls]

Elizabeth Pantley has a No Cry Sleep solution for preschoolers if you're having nap/bedtime issues

[happydaymomma]

Thanks! I'll put that on the list.

[hollytheteacher]

oooh, i'll have to check some of those out as well! I've read playful parenting and it was good, but not always easy to put into practice when your blood is boiling! lol. I know what you mean about it being so much harder when you are pregnant!!! Seriously, it's way harder to remain patient...and the trigger for me is the bedtime fighting too!

[happydaymomma]

After thinking about my situation a little more, I decided to go out and buy the 'No Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Preschoolers'. I ordered the other books online, but didn't want to wait on this one since I'm realizing a have a fairly short window to get this "bedtime fight" business sorted out before Baby Moo comes along at the end of September.

So far I'm liking it... only on about pg 45 or so, but you know