i've followed a bunch of Dr. Harvey Karp's advice through the years- I think he's spot on with most of his suggestions. There are so many more suggestions at the source-- and if you have a toddler, like i do, i highly recommend that you read the article..here's just a taste!

Thanks for the recommendation, dfiskey. I definately have a stubborn and fiesty toddler.

Toddlers are trying to establish an identity, The first attempts at independence can be straight out contradiction, without the depth to get too personal. Great angle the appeal to the sympathy of the toddler. It can give them a feeling they are useful and can contribute in manner that is simple, can be remembered, and can be used to show the value of helping as opposed to dummy spitting.