Anyone use the Happiest Toddler on the Block DVD or book

Rants or raves?

I loved the Happiest Baby on the Block and I honestly just can't handle the way DD has been lately.

She is not enjoyable at all- she is one big meltdown mess 24/7 to the point where it's wearing on everyone.

I was wondering if this book/dvd had any worthwhile advice or methods.

Message edited 10/26/2011 7:19:58 PM.

Re: Anyone use the Happiest Toddler on the Block DVD or book

i read it, but did not understand it so much. you want to borrow the book, you can

Re: Anyone use the Happiest Toddler on the Block DVD or book

I read it, but didn't really do anything with it. If you want, I'll send you the book.

From what I read (and I didn't finish it, honestly), you need to talk to your toddler like they're cavemen. Primitive, they don't get social niceties, etc. - it makes sense, but I really felt like a horse's a$$ talking like that to my kid.

That being said, he works miracles with newborns, and he was God in my house for quite a while. You're welcome to the book if you want it, just FM me your address. Also, Netflix has the DVD.

Re: Anyone use the Happiest Toddler on the Block DVD or book

I recommend the dvd together with the book.

IMO, his theory is spot on, its not really about talking to your child like a caveman, its about connecting with them before doing anything else. Its about respect.

I think its a bit offensive how he uses caveman analogy. But I think in theory this is what its about.

1. repeat to your child what you think they are saying, feeling, thinking, connect with them and let them know you understand them - he goes as so far as saying use the same tone as your child, as if you are giving them words for what they are feeling/thinking

2. present your point of view, directly and clearly, remind them of boundaries and rules

3. he says distract, but I think instead of the theatrics of distraction, try offering alternative options to what the child wants, and let them choose which alternative to do, keeps their mind busy and worrying less about what they aren't allowed to do

Re: Anyone use the Happiest Toddler on the Block DVD or book

Re: Anyone use the Happiest Toddler on the Block DVD or book

Posted by Mere09

Posted by NervousNell

Rants or raves?

I loved the Happiest Baby on the Block and I honestly just can't handle the way DD has been lately.

She is not enjoyable at all- she is one big meltdown mess 24/7 to the point where it's wearing on everyone.

I was wondering if this book/dvd had any worthwhile advice or methods.

Every time you post about your DD's behaviors I laugh (not at you, of course) because my DS seems like the exact same child as your daughter (I know they're pretty much the same age). I'm right there with you every step of the way.
You should have seen the nuclear meltdown he had today when I changed his diaper. It lasted almost 40 minutes! Amazing!!

All that to say, I'm not familiar with 'Happiest Toddler', but if it works for you, please let me know!

Re: Anyone use the Happiest Toddler on the Block DVD or book

Posted by Mere09

Posted by NervousNell

Rants or raves?

I loved the Happiest Baby on the Block and I honestly just can't handle the way DD has been lately.

She is not enjoyable at all- she is one big meltdown mess 24/7 to the point where it's wearing on everyone.

I was wondering if this book/dvd had any worthwhile advice or methods.

Every time you post about your DD's behaviors I laugh (not at you, of course) because my DS seems like the exact same child as your daughter (I know they're pretty much the same age). I'm right there with you every step of the way.
You should have seen the nuclear meltdown he had today when I changed his diaper. It lasted almost 40 minutes! Amazing!!

All that to say, I'm not familiar with 'Happiest Toddler', but if it works for you, please let me know!

Re: Anyone use the Happiest Toddler on the Block DVD or book

Re: Anyone use the Happiest Toddler on the Block DVD or book

Posted by NervousNell
And my DH swears it's a girl thing and that boys are SOOO much easier! So I will have to show him your post!!

Re: Anyone use the Happiest Toddler on the Block DVD or book

Posted by cheryl28

Posted by Mere09

Posted by NervousNell

Rants or raves?

I loved the Happiest Baby on the Block and I honestly just can't handle the way DD has been lately.

She is not enjoyable at all- she is one big meltdown mess 24/7 to the point where it's wearing on everyone.

I was wondering if this book/dvd had any worthwhile advice or methods.

Every time you post about your DD's behaviors I laugh (not at you, of course) because my DS seems like the exact same child as your daughter (I know they're pretty much the same age). I'm right there with you every step of the way.
You should have seen the nuclear meltdown he had today when I changed his diaper. It lasted almost 40 minutes! Amazing!!

All that to say, I'm not familiar with 'Happiest Toddler', but if it works for you, please let me know!

We are in the same boat. DD is 17 months now and it has slowed down a bit, a very little bit haha. Are her teeth bothering her. When he canines were coming in she was a total mess. I kept with Motrin and tylenol for a few days and that helped. Now that they a in, we are dealing with molars but her tantrums are a lot less.

I also set up the pack and play and put her in there, to give her something to cry about, for 1 min, they I would pick her up and console b/c she didn't want to be in there. That has worked.

I didn't read the book but I know how you feel.

Re: Anyone use the Happiest Toddler on the Block DVD or book

If you have a library card you can get both the book and the dvd there. I did that and had luke warm results. I tried it and it didn't work well. I should try it again though.