Parenting a toddler is like getting back in shape, you have to use all your muscles and change up your workout. We all know that we need to exercise to stay fit, but sometimes we need coaching. Taking a parenting course is no different than hiring a personal trainer.
I call Chris Thompson the Toddler Whisperer. He designed Talking to Toddlers: Dealing with the Terrible Twos and Beyond for parents who want to learn how to effectively communicate with their children, diffuse tantrums, and avoid triggers that ignite conflicts. His program has been rated as the #1 Toddler Parenting Course on Clickbank.com, and it has helped numerous parents deal better with their children.
Our main issue is that our headstrong daughter defies us at every turn and we would respond with yelling which inevitably led to a meltdown. I agree with Chris that many parents overuse "no" and yell at their kids too much. I agree that while it's easier to shout at them or give in at the moment, it's not good for long-term relationship building with your child(ren). I wouldn't however agree that it's emotional laziness or lack of parental creativity that makes parents this way. I would say that we are often overtired, stressed and rushed which makes for a short fuse.
What I like most about Talking to Toddlers is that its practical. This audio parenting program is broken down into 12 tracks, about 15 minutes each in length. A homework assignment follows each lesson. This is important because so many parenting guides tell you what to do without showing you how. The first lesson is called Double Binds and Presuppositions. A double bind is psychological tool used to get someone to do what you want by creating the illusion of choice. Damon calls it tricking the kid, but I prefer to think of it as misdirection.
I first tried double binding messaging with Marlie on a school morning, a time that is usually rife with drama over breakfast, the no-TV-before-school rule, and getting ready. After she woke up I asked her if she wanted eggs or oatmeal for breakfast. She immediately started shouting that she didn't want any breakfast, she wanted to watch TV. I knew she wasn't going to be an easy convert. But I soldiered on. I then asked if she wanted to help me make hot cocoa and she agreed to that. While making the cocoa, I tried the breakfast question again and got the same "no breakfast!" I didn't press the issue and focused on the cocoa-making. When we finished she asked if she could drink her cocoa while watching TV. I placed the cocoa on the table and asked her if she wanted to put the marshmallows in the cup or if she wanted me to do it. BINGO! She forgot about the TV and eagerly climbed into the chair to add marshmallows to her cocoa. Then she asked for eggs for breakfast. Thank heavens for small victories!
The rest of the course teaches how to get what you want without saying "no," yes/no/compliance sets, the rule of consistency and commitment, the rule of reciprocity, picking your battles, reframing, state management and anchoring, embedded commands and the quotes technique, dealing with physical pain, and how to threaten punishment.
Well, Does it Work?
We've completed a quarter of the program, but I can confidently say that what we've learned and are using is working. I wouldn't call it a magic bullet. My daughter is feisty and does not acquiesce easily and her parents (especially me) are not the most patient people. So getting results has been more like a tortoise-race for us. But we'll get over the hump and get there. Plus, changing a whole family's mindset takes a significant time investment. You have to make the time to do this while juggling other obligations (i.e. work, other children to take care of). I would also say that all caregivers (both parents, grandparents, daycare providers) have to be on the same page otherwise it could undermine the whole mission.
I did find myself lapsing into old habits, but I didn't get discouraged. I just tried harder. Practice makes perfect. I made a mental note to stop and rethink when I felt the urge to yell. I also allowed myself some exceptions to break the rules such as when Marlie is running toward traffic. I am going to shout at her to stop in a loud and firm voice. I think Chris would agree that this would be an appropriate use of yelling.
Overall, I am satisfied with the results of Talking to Toddlers, and I think you would be too!
How to Get Talking to Toddlers
- Order the secure digital download at http://talkingtotoddlers.com/cb-order1 for the limited time sale price of $37. You can also order the CD format. Sign up for the FREE audio lesson and you'll also get a FREE subscription to the parenting tips newsletter
- I will be giving away the digital download version in the Back 2 School Bash Giveaway Hop August 4-10! Be sure to come back and enter!
18 comments:
AOI is 8 months and already i can see how strong will she is, sometimes i worry that she will not listen to me and i might lose my temper, so this book would be the perfect tool to get some parental tips.
I meant 'not listen to me when she is a little bit older'
It sounds like a good course. It's so hard in the mornings. With Deaglan I find it easier, he understands "rules" and can be reasoned with. Naveen on the other hand - like negotiating with a schizophrenic terrorist.
Oh, I have a friend who could use this! Her daughter is 5 now but has been quite out of control for some time now...I'd say from 2 on. She's got a one year old as well, so she could use this for her too!
I've never had to deal with this but my sister is about to hit that stage and she's going to need all the help she can get. I'll have to suggest she check this out. - Katy
I am not sure if it would for 3 year old - I have the worst understanding him and he feels his shortcut to success is through kicking and screaming
Parents and early childhood teachers should always be looking for better ways to interact with kids. Way to go!
This sound wonderful and I agree with everything you said. Yelling leads to nothing but meltdowns.
I have a very head strong little girl too. It is a challenge everyday and I just might have to check this out. Thanks so much for sharing.
I'd be willing to try anything on my very close to being 5 year old.
This sounds wonderful. I sometimes resort to yelling and know that is not the best alternative. I will check into this!
What a neat site. Toddlers can be challenging!
Sounds like a great program.
This would have been awesome when My daughter was a toddler..I'll remember for the next kiddo! Thanks!
Ithnk this would be very helpful. Thanks for the resource!
Great post - we're really into the double bind our hour home! It's so funny to see how it affects Nia when we use it and she reminds me a lot of how you describe Marlie. I often have to try several choice sets before I get one that works. Looking forward to the giveaway!
Great review. It can be so difficult dealing with a toddler, especially one with a strong will.
Fantastic and honest review, thanks for posting this. As the author of the program, I'm always thrilled when people notice the difference that even a few of the tools make.
One thing I'd like to clarify is that the audio lessons are probably an average of 12-15 minutes each, not 5. While I'd love to have packed it all into a shorter lesson, I just found that it wasn't' possible to teach everything in that short of a time period. Still, it only takes a few minutes each day to go through the material.
Well done with the cocoa / marshmallow experience. What you did was (whether you realized it or not) was to use the bind to create a situation where your child was now sitting in her breakfast chair, hence having taken an important set towards the next action (eating).
I'm all about gentle influence that may "trick" the child at times, but it is never used in an unethical way, and always supports the child's learning.
For other mommy bloggers out there, reach out to me via my website! I'd be thrilled to have more of you review the program. I designed it to help people, so every review helps.
Enjoy your children,
Chris Thompson
Author - Talking to Toddlers: Dealing with the Terrible Twos and Beyond
http://TalkingToToddlers.com
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