The Contented Toddler Years Paperback – April 6, 2006

This book is fantastic. It is a fantastic parenting book, that is concise and easy to understand with helpful tips to enhance your toddler's learning curves. The first part of the book is broken into two sections 12-24 months and 24-36 months. The author states very clearly what hurdles you are likely to face, and how to help your child face them, how to help your toddler grow into a well-rounded child. I feel confident to take my (currently 8 month old) into the toddler years with fantastic information to help lessen the frustrations of a 12-24 month old who will be learning to communicate but not probably knowing exactly how, and how to help my 24-36 month old become more independent and be a hands-on mother to enhance her growth and development. I haven't implemented anything yet (due to my daughter's age) but I can already tell it will become "my Bible" for child-rearing these early years, and I feel confident moving into the next phase of motherhood. This is a purchase you won't regret it at all.UPDATE July 2011: I have read this book and referred to this book about twice a year. It's an easy read to refresh your memory on your toddler. I have not come across anything the author says to NOT be true. Everything she seems to hit the nail on the head. Some day, I want to kiss the ground that Gina Ford walks on. She has given my husband and I the tools to parent so confidently and informative. I read it over a week to just refresh my thoughts and remind myself about my toddlers. This has been a great tool in our home to enhance our parenting!

Gina's book is an excellent guide on how to approach toddler schedules, ie. Eating, sleeping and playing. It's very well balanced and it's been a wonderful guide to our family since our son was born. I love the "situation/Q&A" sections in the book. By reading them we realize that everyone is going through the same growth spurts, which include more/less sleep, discipline, etc. I think we as parents are the trainers and Gina gives us the program :) Absolutely LOVE Gina's books. I now give them as baby shower gifts to my friends.

I got this book as my son approached his first birthday, because her baby book was my bible and I was worried that I wouldn't know what to do in the next stage. Fortunately, I haven't had to use this book as much as the first one, only because the first one works so well! By one year my son had a great schedule, was sleeping through the night, was eating three meals a day and two snacks (and eating very healthily and well, thanks to Gina Ford's weaning book). So, I've only really had to use this book as a reference for particular issues. For example, when my son suddenly started refusing foods around two years of age, I found Gina's advice so useful (totally normal, don't make a big deal about it and definitely don't force feed) -- we were able to navigate that so easily. Similarly my son suddenly started waking at night (nightmares, normal around age 2) and started wanting a nightlight (also normal, now he "reads" his books as he falls asleep). I think having a strong foundation was the key, but if you missed the Contented Baby book, this book also has schedules to get you on track. My son will be three this November, and the last guidebook from Gina is the potty training book, which I plan to use. Will write a review when I do!

Kids need structure that is all there is to it. Gina Ford's book presents a comprehensive step by step instructional on how to build a safe and sane environment for your child. Bought this used and the pages seem to have been wet at some point but the book is complete and the content preserved. Arrived fast and intact, good job from the seller.

Wish there was a schedule like in the first book but still very informative!

i read dozens of books to help me with my twins since their birth and all books by gina ford were great, very helpful and somehow my babies developped as she predicted in the her books.

Like the Contented little baby book, a reliable, clear, practical and non-presumptuous guide, I'd recommend it to all first time parents

the best book ever. Helped me a lot)