The Social Toddler Book

Click images to enlarge

Much maligned and frequently misunderstood, the toddler years are dreaded by many parents. Toddlers can be seen as wilful, destructive and unco-operative - often a terrible disappointment after what has been a delightful babyhood. Parents ask themselves what has gone wrong, and the resulting tension can establish patterns of behaviour in the family that remain until adult life.

How does the toddler view this stage? The Social Toddler explains why behaviour patterns emerge and offers simple, effective strategies to diffuse situations that are regularly encountered.

The book further explains how immature minds view the ever-expanding world in which they find themselves and shows the reader just how frustrating it is to be at this stage of life. Many of us simply cannot imagine what it must be like to want to ask but have no language, to reason but have no boundaries, or to explore with no concept of fear.

Toddlers are not wilful, they are endlessly inquisitive. They are not demons, they are only just discovering social interaction and contact with strangers. As The Social Toddler makes so clear, each child is a unique individual living in a unique set of of circumstances, and there is not one rule that can be applied to all. By taking a step back, and trying to see our children's actions from their viewpoint, we can make our relationships with them exciting, enjoyable, and so much more rewarding.

The book covers the period from 12 months to 4 years: • role reversal: experience the toddler's world • use of language by parents/adults • patterns of behaviour, - promoting positive/ignoring negative behaviour, - techniques for distraction • development of social skills • importance of learning though play and discovery • the need for independence whilst dependent • tantrums • toilet practice • food • peer relationships • separation and reunion • shifting attachments from parent/carer to another

About the authors
Helen and Clive Dorman are Directors and Co-founders of The Children's Project and are passionate advocates of the impact early positive experience has on future well being and achievement. Previously, Helen worked for many years as a photographer, both for children's magazines and books. She has had a number of children's books published. Clive has designed and produced illustrated books for both children and adults for 25 years. Through The Children's Project Helen and Clive work with academics and health professionals to bring research and studies to the attention of the public in a form that can be clearly understood by everyone.

About the Consultant
Professor Hilton Davis directs The Centre for Parent and Child Support www.cpcs.org.uk. The Centre is based at The Munro Centre, Guy's Hospital and is part of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Directorate of the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust. The Centre is supported by the charitable funds of Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals and has close links with Kings College, University of London, via the Schools of Medicine and Nursing, and the Institute of Psychiatry.

The Centre is able to offer consultation and advice to all agencies involved with the mental health of children, including health, education, social services and voluntary agencies. Contact: +44(0)20 7378 3235

«Back