The Happiest Baby on the Block and The Happiest Toddler on the Block 2-Book Bundle pdfdrive com

Best Used For:
Any age toddler.
How to Do It:
Get a little below your child’s eye level, to show
respect, and use the Fast-Food Rule +Toddler-ese. If you’re not sure
what to say, just use one of these easy tricks (first described on
this
page
:)
• Be her “spokesperson”—say what you think she would if
she could:
Helen was busy cooking dinner when her two-
year-old, Janie, came into the kitchen, dolls in
tow, wanting her mom to play. Helen sweetly told
her, “Not right now, honey, Mommy is making
dinner.” But Janie was persistent and kept
yanking on her mother’s dress. So Helen acted
like Janie’s spokesperson:
“Janie says, ‘I’m mad … mad … mad!’ She
says, ‘Play with me now!’ She says, ‘I want to
play dolls with Mommy!’ ”
• Be her “sportscaster”—narrate what you see:
Had she wanted to, instead of speaking Janie’s
words, Helen could have chosen the sportscaster
technique:
“Janie’s brought her doll to Mommy. Her face
is sad and she keeps pulling and pulling on
Mommy’s dress!”

---

Mommy’s dress!”
Key Point:
Janie’s mom does not start by saying “No!” or “Stop!”
(even if it’s what she’s thinking). That would be like the fast-food order-
taker blurting out, “Five dollars, drive up front” instead of first repeating
the customer’s order.
Once your child starts to calm a bit, then it’s your turn.
As soon as Janie stopped pulling on her dress, Helen said,
“Good stopping, honey. I know you want to play now,