Before I had my daughter I really wanted to read up on what being pregnant was all about and learn about the different stages and trimesters of being pregnant. So naturally I turned to a very popular book called “What to Expect When Your Expecting” by Heidi Murkoff. I learned so much from this book that when Leah was born I needed to know more!
Well since then I have learned a lot BUT having a toddler is still baffling to me and I need help! I couldn’t wait to read “What To Expect The Second Year” and get a glimpse of how my daughter thinks and does things.
The first thing that I really needed help on was my daughters eating habits. I couldn’t understand why she wouldn’t eat certain things or take 2 bites of something and say that she was done. Well you can find all of these answers and more in this awesome book!
I have tried in the past to serve veggies and fruits to my 2.5 year old BUT to no avail she would NOT even touch them! Well now I know why, I forgot the dip it of course! My daughter loves to dip anything and everything so why should that be any different with her fruit and veggies. We went over to my friends house for a play date and my friends daughter was eating some veggies with dip it, well of course Leah wanted to try it. I couldn’t believe my eyes, she actually ate 3 pieces of broccoli and a carrot dipped in ranch of course! I was shocked out of my mind. Well Heidi sure was right on that one! Anything is better with dip it.
“Behavior:
Veggie is a four-letter word.
Explanation:
Besides the obvious control issues (“You want me to eat my vegetables, Mom? That’s reason enough not to”), it’s a matter of taste–really. Tender toddler taste buds are actually way more sensitive than grown-up ones, which means that broccoli really can taste yucky.
Solution:
Offer up those veggies (especially with dips–toddlers are huge fans of the dip), eat them yourself (tots love to model mom and dad), but don’t push the green agenda. Veggies don’t have a monopoly on nutrients–in fact, a juice slice of cantaloupe contains more vitamin C and vitamin A than a broccoli stalk. Sweet revenge for veggie haters! Ditto sweet potatoes.” (What to Expect The Second Year)
Another chapter I really enjoyed was the one about Behavior. I have a daughter who tends to hit when she wants to get her way or your attention. I always try and stop it right away and put her in time out BUT I needed to understand that it’s normal, but it still needs to be stopped right away.
“Behavior:
Hitting
Explanation:
When you’re short on words (and just plain short), hitting says it all. Like “Move it buddy–you’re in my way!” or “I’m so frustrated, I have to slug someone!” or “Hand over the toy, and no one gets hurt … oh, wait, too late.” Since toddlers have little concept of other people’s feelings, hitting isn’t malicious at this age –when tots hit, they’re just expressing themselves, communicating one of the few ways they know how. Primitive, but surprisingly effective.
Solution:
Just because hitting is age-appropriate and even understandable, it isn’t acceptable. So show your toddler how to express him or herself the civilized way–through words. Stop hitting immediately and firmly by saying “No hitting, hitting hurts.” Comfort the victim as needed, then move on to another activity.” (What to Expect The Second Year)
This parenting book is such a great resource especially for those with toddler aged children. Heidi Murkoff also has a great video that tells all about this great new book which will be available April 15th!
“What to Expect the Second Year picks up the action at baby’s first birthday and guides parents through the fascinating, complicated, sometimes maddening, always magical second year. Comprehensive, reassuring, empathetic, realistic and practical, What to Expect The Second Year is filled with solutions, strategies and plenty of parental pep talks. Quite simply, tWhat to Expect The Second Year is a must have for any parent of a toddler. Written in an easy-to-access, topic-by-topic format this book features chapters on growth, feeding, sleeping, behaviors of every conceivable kind, discipline (including teaching right from wrong) and keeping a toddler healthy and safe. Thinking of traveling with a toddler in tow? There’s a chapter for that too:).” (What To Expect website)
Things that are Bragworthy:
- Literally a chapter for every stage of a 12-24 month old toddler!
- Great info ranges from biting, feeding, growing, sleeping etc.
- Heidi is the author of many other great books that I have read and really love!
- Great book to have for your library
What To Expect The Second Year can be pre-purchased at www.amazon.com!
What to Expect The Second Year Book gets Bragging Rights! 
Giveaway: What to Expect the Second Year gift basket to One Lucky Winner! ($75 Value) In addition to the book itself, the basket will contain must-have items for any toddler and the parents who love them — board books for inquisitive minds, building blocks and balls to assist with small motor function development, toddler-sized utensils, safety covers to keep the little one safe and, of course, a snuggly stuffed animal.
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GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
You can enter this giveaway until April 18 @10:00 am MST. The winner will then be chosen at random, verified and contacted via email. The winner will have 48 hours to email us back and claim the prize, if prize is not claimed within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen. By entering this giveaway you agree to The Bragging Mommy Full Disclosure. You must be over the age of 18 and live in the Contiguous US to enter.
*I received a What To Expect The Second Year Book for this review.
