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California-based pediatrician Karp offers a unique approach to the tantrums melt-downs and overriding challenges that often accompany the demanding years from one to four. Viewing toddlers as primitive thinkers akin to prehistoric man Karp divides his patients into developmental groups: the Charming Chimp-Child 12 to 18 months the Knee-High Neanderthal 18 to 24 months the Clever Cave-Kid 24 to 36 months and the Versatile Villager 36 to 48 months . Parents may find the toddler years so frustrating Karp suggests because they dont speak their childs language. To deal effectively with the undeveloped brains of toddlers one must understand Toddler-ese he says a method of talking to youngsters that employs short phrases repetition a dramatic tone of voice and the use of body language. Although the author admits parents may feel foolish speaking in this manner he nevertheless maintains that the approach soothes children by respecting their needs. Additionally Karp offers suggestions for positive discipline e.g. loss of privileges and time out and guides parents through early expected milestones while acknowledging that a childs individual temperament e.g. easy cautious spirited will uniquely influence the pace of his or her development. While some readers may find the relentless cave-kid metaphors irksome Karps gentle easygoing tone is soothing and offers new hope and strategies to those who may have given up on making sense of the toddler years.