Welcome to toddlerhood! I need GD resources!

[JoyNChrist]

So DS turned 1 on March 1st, and we're just starting to think about discipline. Up to now, it's basically just been "No!" if he tries to stick his finger in an outlet or whatever...no real discipline issues. But we're getting to the point where we're having to set boundaries and start redirecting him when he does things that are inappropriate (he likes to slap people in the face, for example, and he bites if he's frustrated).

Obviously, since he's so young there aren't many issues yet and there aren't really that many things we can do (since he still doesn't understand much of what we tell him), but now that we've started thinking about discipline I would like to do some reading and have a "game plan" for issues we'll face in the coming months.

Honestly, DH and I always assumed we'd spank (we both were spanked and have no traumatic memories associated with it, and everyone we know IRL spanks their kids), but it just doesn't feel right at all.

So what are the best books you've read concerning toddlers and discipline?

[captivatedlife]

Welcome to the GD forum. My lo turned 1 in January - so I feel you!

I find a lot of help just reading this forum - I visit pretty often. Another thing I do is tell my DH about certain stories (so, on mdc there was this woman whose 3 yo tantrumed as she was walking out of the zoo.... )and then we talk about what we would do in that situation. I feel that it REALLY helps to discuss things and ways to react BEFORE it is even close to being a problem. Then it just becomes... normal.

There's a book list at the top of the GD forum - I'm wanting to check out Unconditional parenting. I don't know if it's good for toddlers, but I've seen it on many posts.

Oh - and for a child that age - I'm teaching my dd signs from baby signs - she's not saying them back yet, but I'm hoping. Kids that age (from my research!) appreciate being understood - and if they can't talk the only other thing they can do is scream. or use signs. I'd rather stop the screaming and use the signs!

[Bailey]

Hi! My daughter turned one last Friday so we're there as well! I just wanted to put in a recommendation for Dr. Sears book The Discipline Book. Its a helpful book and he deals directly with spanking. I think he might even discuss from a Christian perspective which from your "name" might be helpful. It might be available from your local library and otherwise its reasonable inexpensive on amazon. If you go the mothering.com homepage there's also a few articles that you may find helpful.
Discipline is a lifestyle of teaching and learning with your little one. Learn about what is developmentally approriate. At this age, so much of it is redirection and removing things that aren't safe.