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Transforming Toddlerhood: How to Handle Tantrums, End Power Struggles, and Raise Resilient Kids---Without Losing Your Mind
Navigating Practical Solutions for Everyday Challenges
Founder of the online community, Transforming Toddlerhood, Devon Kuntzman’s Transforming Toddlerhood isn’t just another parenting guide—it’s a lifeline for parents in the thick of the toddler years. This book isn’t about taming toddlers or imposing rigid rules. Instead, it’s about transforming the way we view and interact with our little ones during one of the most critical phases of their development. Devon draws on her years of experience working with families across the globe, weaving together practical strategies, developmental science, and real-life anecdotes to create a resource that’s as insightful as it is accessible.
In Transforming Toddlerhood, you’ll find bite-sized chapters, each packed with actionable advice designed to help you tackle the everyday challenges of parenting a toddler. From surviving tantrums to encouraging independence, Devon covers it all with a focus on connection, setting limits, and teaching essential life skills. But what sets this book apart is its emphasis on working with your child’s development, not against it. By understanding and respecting your toddler’s unique growth journey, you’ll be better equipped to guide them through challenges in a way that honors their developmental stage and fosters long-term growth.
With features like “Toddler Tips,” expert contributions, and scripts for tricky situations, Transforming Toddlerhood is a trusted companion you can turn to when the going gets tough. Whether you’re navigating bedtime battles, handling sibling rivalry, or dealing with mealtime chaos, Devon’s warm, compassionate approach will guide you through it all, helping you turn moments of frustration into opportunities for connection and growth.
Ultimately, Transforming Toddlerhood is about more than just surviving the toddler years—it’s about thriving in them. It’s about rediscovering the magic of these early years, building a deeper bond with your child, and experiencing the joy and confidence that comes from knowing you’ve got the tools to handle whatever toddlerhood throws your way, all while working in harmony with your child’s natural development.
Transforming Toddlerhood will teach families how
Have practical solutions for everyday challenges using positive, effective, developmentally appropriate discipline tools; Set realistic expectations for their toddler’s behavior; Feel more confident and empowered even when faced with challenging behaviors like hitting and tantrums; Meet their child’s needs without their boundaries being crossed and set limits and follow through, even if their toddler says “No”; Understand toddler communication and behavior on a deeper level; Support their toddler in coping with the excitement and challenges of new experiences; End the battle of wills and experience less frustration and more cooperation; Parent with a toddler’s development not against it.
Founder of the online community, Transforming Toddlerhood, Devon Kuntzman’s Transforming Toddlerhood isn’t just another parenting guide—it’s a lifeline for parents in the thick of the toddler years. This book isn’t about taming toddlers or imposing rigid rules. Instead, it’s about transforming the way we view and interact with our little ones during one of the most critical phases of their development. Devon draws on her years of experience working with families across the globe, weaving together practical strategies, developmental science, and real-life anecdotes to create a resource that’s as insightful as it is accessible.
In Transforming Toddlerhood, you’ll find bite-sized chapters, each packed with actionable advice designed to help you tackle the everyday challenges of parenting a toddler. From surviving tantrums to encouraging independence, Devon covers it all with a focus on connection, setting limits, and teaching essential life skills. But what sets this book apart is its emphasis on working with your child’s development, not against it. By understanding and respecting your toddler’s unique growth journey, you’ll be better equipped to guide them through challenges in a way that honors their developmental stage and fosters long-term growth.
With features like “Toddler Tips,” expert contributions, and scripts for tricky situations, Transforming Toddlerhood is a trusted companion you can turn to when the going gets tough. Whether you’re navigating bedtime battles, handling sibling rivalry, or dealing with mealtime chaos, Devon’s warm, compassionate approach will guide you through it all, helping you turn moments of frustration into opportunities for connection and growth.
Ultimately, Transforming Toddlerhood is about more than just surviving the toddler years—it’s about thriving in them. It’s about rediscovering the magic of these early years, building a deeper bond with your child, and experiencing the joy and confidence that comes from knowing you’ve got the tools to handle whatever toddlerhood throws your way, all while working in harmony with your child’s natural development.
Transforming Toddlerhood will teach families how
Have practical solutions for everyday challenges using positive, effective, developmentally appropriate discipline tools; Set realistic expectations for their toddler’s behavior; Feel more confident and empowered even when faced with challenging behaviors like hitting and tantrums; Meet their child’s needs without their boundaries being crossed and set limits and follow through, even if their toddler says “No”; Understand toddler communication and behavior on a deeper level; Support their toddler in coping with the excitement and challenges of new experiences; End the battle of wills and experience less frustration and more cooperation; Parent with a toddler’s development not against it.
427 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2025
269 people are currently reading
2477 people want to read
About the author
Devon Kuntzman
2 books10 followersDevon Kuntzman, PCC is a powerhouse in modern parenting and is on a mission to dispel the myth that toddlerhood is a “terrible” stage.
Known as the original toddler parenting coach on Instagram and trusted by over 1 million parents and caregivers worldwide, she is dedicated to changing the narrative around toddlerhood.
Through her company, Transforming Toddlerhood, she’s built a vibrant and close-knit community of parents and offers a lifeline of science-based, easy-to-implement tools, from courses to workshops and an annual conference, to navigate tantrums, power struggles, and emotional development with confidence and joy.
Devon is an ICF-Certified coach with a degree in psychology and child development. She has Gentle Sleep Coaching credentials under her belt and is a graduate of the Wonder Weeks Academy Infant Mental Health and Development program.
Her debut book, Transforming Toddlerhood (Harper Horizon, Oct. 21, 2025), is the comprehensive parenting manual for every toddler challenge, meant for caregivers with children aged 1-5. Filled with bite-sized, actionable advice, toddler tips, behavior red flags, and real-world scripts, the book blends developmental science with real life to empower parents to navigate the ups and downs of toddlerhood with more calm and connection.
Devon’s diverse experience ranges from coaching parents to being a former high-profile nanny, and to
even managing an orphanage in Rwanda.
Known as the original toddler parenting coach on Instagram and trusted by over 1 million parents and caregivers worldwide, she is dedicated to changing the narrative around toddlerhood.
Through her company, Transforming Toddlerhood, she’s built a vibrant and close-knit community of parents and offers a lifeline of science-based, easy-to-implement tools, from courses to workshops and an annual conference, to navigate tantrums, power struggles, and emotional development with confidence and joy.
Devon is an ICF-Certified coach with a degree in psychology and child development. She has Gentle Sleep Coaching credentials under her belt and is a graduate of the Wonder Weeks Academy Infant Mental Health and Development program.
Her debut book, Transforming Toddlerhood (Harper Horizon, Oct. 21, 2025), is the comprehensive parenting manual for every toddler challenge, meant for caregivers with children aged 1-5. Filled with bite-sized, actionable advice, toddler tips, behavior red flags, and real-world scripts, the book blends developmental science with real life to empower parents to navigate the ups and downs of toddlerhood with more calm and connection.
Devon’s diverse experience ranges from coaching parents to being a former high-profile nanny, and to
even managing an orphanage in Rwanda.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 3, 2025
I am in the throws of toddlerhood as we speak. My son will be 2 in 11 days. A lot of this book designated with me. I really needed to understand that him
Being naughty is testing limits or his way of communicating as he doesn’t speak too much yet. I also needed to recheck myself as a parent and not parent how I was parented. This book has lots of tips and tricks and helpful information.
Being naughty is testing limits or his way of communicating as he doesn’t speak too much yet. I also needed to recheck myself as a parent and not parent how I was parented. This book has lots of tips and tricks and helpful information.
November 7, 2025
I'm really grateful to have won a copy of this book. I've followed Devon's instagram page for years and know that I trust her approach, but I really prefer the format of this book rather than The Feed. Being able to look up the issue I'm currently focusing on, rather than feeling overwhelmed by random new tips, works better for me and my limited headspace.
Devon's writing in this book is positive, gentle, and thorough. The basis of her technique is fostering connection and supporting natural brain development. I haven't yet run into a parenting issue that isn't addressed here (besides trauma-informed foster parenting, but that's really a different category). I love being able to pick up this book, written by someone whose methods I like and trust, rather than sifting through 8 to 10 Google articles and all the mental fatigue and discouragement that brings.
5 stars from me, and 5 stars from my brilliant, headstrong, boundary-pushing 4-year-old, who has enjoyed more connection and less arguing since this book arrived. ♥️
Devon's writing in this book is positive, gentle, and thorough. The basis of her technique is fostering connection and supporting natural brain development. I haven't yet run into a parenting issue that isn't addressed here (besides trauma-informed foster parenting, but that's really a different category). I love being able to pick up this book, written by someone whose methods I like and trust, rather than sifting through 8 to 10 Google articles and all the mental fatigue and discouragement that brings.
5 stars from me, and 5 stars from my brilliant, headstrong, boundary-pushing 4-year-old, who has enjoyed more connection and less arguing since this book arrived. ♥️
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November 24, 2025I think this is my favorite parenting book I’ve read for raising toddlers. I feel like you’ve heard a lot of this advice already but it’s nice to have a little reminder, and some examples for how to respond in certain situations. Also a nice reminder that sometimes we start expecting too much from our little ones!
October 28, 2025
Every parent or caregiver of a toddler needs this book.
It is a gift that Devon has put her knowledge and expertise into a book. This book is written from the heart of a Mum who is understanding of life with a toddler and the mind of a professional of toddler development and behaviour as a result this book offers practical, realistic strategies that work. The layout of the book itself is easy to follow and can either be read cover to cover or can be used as a quick reference in those tricky toddler moments when time is short.
It is a gift that Devon has put her knowledge and expertise into a book. This book is written from the heart of a Mum who is understanding of life with a toddler and the mind of a professional of toddler development and behaviour as a result this book offers practical, realistic strategies that work. The layout of the book itself is easy to follow and can either be read cover to cover or can be used as a quick reference in those tricky toddler moments when time is short.
October 4, 2025
Everything you ever needed to know about toddlerhood!! Soooo helpful!
October 22, 2025
I have been following Devon Kuntzman and Transforming Toddlerhood since before I even had a toddler. Her content has always been spot on and full of useful takeaways that I could put into practice right away. When I heard she was writing a book, I had to join the launch team and I devoured the pdf pre-release copy of the book. This book is put together in a way that the biggest chunk of it is a reference book. For me, being able to read specific topics that relate to what my family and I are going through right now is a game changer. I immediately turned to the chapter on brushing teeth (page 270) and put into effect the script and mindset that we are all in this together! When I said to my toddler "It seems you don't want to brush your teeth" (instead of forcing the toothbrush in his mouth) it totally changed our interaction and we came up with a better way to brush teeth.
I highly recommend any parent (or grandparent or caregiver) grab this book and dig it. Devon says in her book "You make the biggest difference in your child's life when they are having the toughest time" (page 39) and then she shows you how to connect with empathy and adjust your expectations to be developmentally appropriate for your toddler.
I highly recommend any parent (or grandparent or caregiver) grab this book and dig it. Devon says in her book "You make the biggest difference in your child's life when they are having the toughest time" (page 39) and then she shows you how to connect with empathy and adjust your expectations to be developmentally appropriate for your toddler.
October 13, 2025
I won a free copy of this in a Goodreads giveaway. Here is my honest review.
I read this from the perspective of someone who doesn't have children and isn't expecting any. There's no book I won't read, and even though this clearly wasn't written with me in mind, there was plenty to learn from it. I can now have greater confidence in interacting with a child in this age range if I ever have the opportunity to.
This book went over the proper ways to deal with toddler tantrums. It also did a good job explaining their level of development at certain ages, as well as what they're capable of managing or understanding at their current level, so you don't end up having unrealistic expectations of their behavior.
It does a good job modeling a positive parenting style over a permissive or controlling one: one where the child can communicate what they feel and want, but one in which you still have control and can impose some level of discipline.
An informative read for anyone actually raising a toddler.
I read this from the perspective of someone who doesn't have children and isn't expecting any. There's no book I won't read, and even though this clearly wasn't written with me in mind, there was plenty to learn from it. I can now have greater confidence in interacting with a child in this age range if I ever have the opportunity to.
This book went over the proper ways to deal with toddler tantrums. It also did a good job explaining their level of development at certain ages, as well as what they're capable of managing or understanding at their current level, so you don't end up having unrealistic expectations of their behavior.
It does a good job modeling a positive parenting style over a permissive or controlling one: one where the child can communicate what they feel and want, but one in which you still have control and can impose some level of discipline.
An informative read for anyone actually raising a toddler.
October 31, 2025
This is a very comprehensive and jam-packed book (for example, it has information like how to end toothbrushing struggles!). I like that it has so many practical ideas on how to help your toddler navigate life! It is a lot thicker than I expected but the pages are designed in a very eye-friendly way that keep it from feeling like a long read.
I do feel like some of the advice is contradictory, which is why I knocked one star off. I also feel like she promotes more talking than is really helpful for toddlers (toddlers can't reason and so over-talking often just confuses them - Dr. Karp has written a lot on this in his book.) But overall it's a very good book with a lot of good principles for the average toddler!
As a mom of a 20-month old, I highly recommend you read this book! You will be enlightened on your toddler's behavior and reassured that they are very normal!
I do feel like some of the advice is contradictory, which is why I knocked one star off. I also feel like she promotes more talking than is really helpful for toddlers (toddlers can't reason and so over-talking often just confuses them - Dr. Karp has written a lot on this in his book.) But overall it's a very good book with a lot of good principles for the average toddler!
As a mom of a 20-month old, I highly recommend you read this book! You will be enlightened on your toddler's behavior and reassured that they are very normal!
November 1, 2025
This book is an amazing wealth of information for anyone who takes care of a toddler! I am so impressed by the depth of information covered, yet it is presented in a way that is approachable and not at all overwhelming. As a mom, I have found loads of helpful advice about setting and holding clear boundaries. And as a pediatric occupational therapist I was so impressed by her section on sensory processing! I love that I can open the book to any section when I have a spare moment, it does not have to be read in sequence from cover to cover. Devon is really a top-notch source of information when it comes to toddler parenting.
November 4, 2025
Transforming Toddlerhood is an essential read for any parent navigating the rollercoaster of life with toddlers. The book provides practical, easy-to-implement strategies for managing tantrums, power struggles, and all those unpredictable toddler moments with greater calm and confidence.
What I loved most is how the author simplifies the science behind toddler behavior — explaining it in a relatable, down-to-earth way without any confusing jargon. It’s insightful, reassuring, and filled with tools you can start using right away.
I highly recommend it to any parent looking to feel more confident, connected, and empowered while raising their little ones!
What I loved most is how the author simplifies the science behind toddler behavior — explaining it in a relatable, down-to-earth way without any confusing jargon. It’s insightful, reassuring, and filled with tools you can start using right away.
I highly recommend it to any parent looking to feel more confident, connected, and empowered while raising their little ones!
December 17, 2025
This was a fantastic read. If you read David Yeagers "10 to 25" and thought "dang, I wish they made this book for toddlers" THIS IS THAT VERY BOOK. This was such an insightful book about how to talk to toddlers through every stage of their being, through every little thing that can come up, from potty learning to sharing, to new siblings to picky eating, this book covers it all. Kuntzman also does it in a quick and digestible way that for busy parents who don't have time to sit down and read a 20 page chapter to get the good stuff, this gives you the bullet points with scripts of exactly what to say and do. Fantastic read and highly recommend to all my new parent friends
October 29, 2025
I just have to say thank you to Devon and her team!! This book is intended for toddlers (1-5), and I even find the advice still helpful for my oldest who is past toddler stage! I have always loved Devon’s courses, and as a book ambassador, I was able to read this book before launch day. It’s exactly what I was hoping for! It has bite-sized chapters that are so easy to read (and you don’t have to read them in order - you could choose any topic)! Especially love all of the specific examples throughout (so that you actually understand how to apply the lessons!) and that she’s so encouraging (no Mom-guilt!). Highly recommend!!!
*I received the book for free and this is an honest, unbiased opinion.
*I received the book for free and this is an honest, unbiased opinion.
November 2, 2025
This is the book that answers every question or concern you have as a toddler parent! I especially loved the “calming plan” in chapter 8 for when I’m feeling triggered - when I say out loud “this is not an emergency”, it really helps me feel more calm. Can’t wait to read the rest of the book, I’m only about halfway through but it’s so good! The chapters are short and to the point, and the sections are laid out in such a way you can easily find what you need in the moment for a quick refresher.
November 4, 2025
Truly love this parenting book as a practical resource for toddler parents or caretakers. Such an incredible resource when you’re in the middle of parenting and life. Scan the index or chapters, get the insight you need, and apply as necessary. I read some in order and some out of order and marked pages where I needed a pep talk. Will return to this book again and again.
November 5, 2025
I've followed Devon's work and taken several of her courses over the years. I love her mission to demystify toddlerhood and her rejection of the stigmatism that it's a tough time that must simply be endured by parents and their little ones - no! There is a better way. This book lays it all out beautifully. Recommended reading for all parents in or approaching toddlerhood.
January 18, 2026
living in these toddler hood days and reading this book simultaneously is chefs kiss. I learned a lot and was reassured on a lot, so it's amazing to have the confirmation that we are good parents. now im going to start a toy rotation, inspired by this books suggestions.
November 3, 2025
This book is amazing, easy to read and absorb the info!
November 6, 2025
An incredible resource that I will be reading over and over for the next couple years!
November 14, 2025
3.5
This book was full of helpful tidbits and came at a perfect time, IYKYK :)
This book was full of helpful tidbits and came at a perfect time, IYKYK :)
December 31, 2025
I love the alternative phrases she gives in this book, they are good reminders to be mindful of our speech and how we talk to toddlers!
January 9, 2026
Lots of good information and reminders for toddler parents.
January 22, 2026
A book that every parent should read.
December 29, 2025
Outstanding manual on parenting today. The author presents everything in a very logical and clear way. While it’s 400 pages, it’s an easy read the way it’s presented and formatted.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews