We know parenting is a big job, and nothing seems more complicated than navigating the huge developmental changes taking place in your child from infancy through preschool.
The greatest parents we know don’t claim to know everything about parenting. They’re always looking for helpful tools. Here are some of our favorite resources designed to give you practical parenting advice and support you through the challenges of raising your wonderful little one.
1. PHASE GUIDES by Kristen Ivy and Reggie Joiner
Our favorite thing about this series is that it helps you discover what you can expect during each year of your child’s life. For example, did you know that the prominent thought of a two-year-old is I can do it myself and that three- and four-year-olds are endlessly curious and constantly ask why?
Each phase of the preschool years is divided into 52-week increments to help you know what will be changing most over the next year. You’ll also discover what six things your child will need most from you during that phase.
2. Moms on Call by Jennifer Walker and Laura Hunter
We know so many parents love this resource for advice on getting their new baby on a schedule and knowing what a typical schedule for each stage looks like. It offers great insights into what motivates preschoolers in areas such as potty training, tantrums, sleeping in their own rooms, discipline, and mealtime. Jennifer Walker has over 20 years’ experience as a pediatric nurse and has partnered with thousands of families to set them up for success in the early parenting years.
Moms on Call is one of our favorite resources for practical, “how-to” advice for some of the most pressing parenting concerns.
3. The 5 Love Languages of Children by Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell
This is an oldie, but a goodie! The simple concepts in this book will help you understand your child’s need for unconditional love and give you the tools to meet that need. In these early years, Drs. Chapman and Campbell advise parents not to worry so much about deciding their child’s primary love language, but learning about all five. Although many children gravitate to one or two, every child needs to receive all five consistently in order to truly feel loved.
Once you know the love languages, you’ll never forget them, and this basic tool will have a big impact on your child.