I'm visiting here from the sewing board LOL, usually I'm too intimidated by this board but today I feel like I really need as much input as possible.

I would like recommendations for books to help me deal with/understand my 3 1/2 yo. dd. She's not especially difficult or anything, she's just a normal 3 yo., but I think I have too high expectations for her and I make her feel inadequate. We have very few other kids around us so I can't really compare to others, but on the few occasions where I could see her with other kids her age, I was very impressed and proud of her. Yet, on a day-to-day basis, I react impatiently the minute she does something annoying, even very minor (like asking several times for something until I finally have the chance to do what she wants, or playing and making me wait when I dress her up).

I really feel I would benefit from some education about what most kids do, how to react or not to react, etc. So I would like a book that describes roughly what you can expect from a kid that age and what to do about the less-than-ideal behaviors they manifest.

Do you have any book you could recommend?

TIA! :)

I dont want you to feel alone at all on this-- I have an um, 14 year old daughter that still does this. ;) and I still get impatient with her!

honestly, I think it is great of you to ask. I totally respect that.

I had a Sears book around here somewhere, that I havent seen since the move. I will check around for it and post if I find it.

With my daughter (who still does this), I try to wait about 30 seconds before 'reacting' to her. That way I am in control, instead of just reacting to what she is doing/saying. (most likely saying...)

I am sure lots of moms will give you great ideas. :)
am

Hey mama, 3.5 is typically an age where things start to get pretty annoying. ;) The lil ankle biters start to exhibit :eek: their independence, which can be pretty dang irritating and very frustrating. These things below aren't so much about developmental stages, but they are very helpful in learning to cope with what comes up as parents and how to manage ourselves and our spirited wee ones.

Good luck, and check out the Gentle Guidance Forum here too! Lots of great resources.

Some books I would suggest:
Parent Effectiveness Training by Gordon
The Successful Child by Sears
Everyday Blessings by Kabat-Zinn
Nonviolent Communication by Rosenberg

Websites:
www.naturalchild.org
http://www.continuum-concept.org/
http://www.atlc.org/

Articles etc:
http://www.continuum-concept.org/reading/restoringHarmony.html
http://www.cnvc.org/parents.htm

The Discipline Book by Dr Sears was very helpful for me, as well as the "Your _ Year Old" Series. This series pretty much goes through what to expect at different times developmentally. I try really, really hard not to correct my kids when what they're doing is developmentally appropriate, while still guiding them along the path we have chosen for our family behaviour wise. Its a fine line :)

I really like the "Your X Year Old". books by Ames and Ing. I believe the three year old book is "Your Three Year Old: Terrible and Tender". Whenever I freak out about my now 4.5 year old i read the book and am reminded that it really all is just a stage.

Thanks mamas, I checked and my university has several of the books you suggested... I'm definitely borrowing them! If you have any other suggestions, please do post them!