DEVELOPMENT
At this age, the typical child may:
- Use 20 or more words
- Use two-to-three-word phrases
- Follow one and two step directions
- Go up and down stairs one at a time
- Kick a ball
- Stack five blocks
- Imitate adults.
However, children vary in developmental growth. If you have
concerns, please discuss them with your child's doctor.
STIMULATION
Your toddler experiences rapid emotional, intellectual and developmental growth
at this age. Your child also is beginning to develop a sense of self and to
strive for independence. As a parent, you can aid this growth by:
- Reading, talking and singing with your child
- Encouraging beginner puzzles, shape-sorting toys and toys that your child
can take apart and put back together
- Providing an environment with new learning experiences
- Playing hide and seek games
- Encouraging imitation and imagination
- Beginning to provide opportunities for companionship with other children
- Praising positive behaviors
- Allowing your child to make choices, acting as a good role model,
encouraging good health habits and limiting television.
DISCIPLINE
The "twos" can be trying but do not have to be terrible. Understanding your
child's development will help you to understand his or her behavior. Toddlers
are self-centered. They cannot comprehend others' feelings. Most of their
behavior stems from their drive for independence and a desire to control their
environment. They swing back and forth between demanding independence and
clinging to their parents for comfort. Give attention and praise for positive
behaviors. Correct unacceptable behaviors with minimal attention and emotion.
Distraction serves as an effective means for modifying behavior. Try to
anticipate misbehavior and redirect before you have to discipline. Limit
situations where you must say "no."
Consistency and routines are very important. Adequate sleep and rest periods
will allow your toddler to act more positively. The most important discipline
tactic is to treat your child with respect and set good examples. Your child
will imitate you.
NUTRITION
Your child should eat a variety of foods and may drink two percent or low-fat
milk. Vitamin supplements are not usually necessary; however, if you have
concerns, please talk with your child's doctor. Your child may have very erratic
and unpredictable eating habits in which you may find frustrating. It may seem
as if your child goes days without eating very much. Do not take mealtime strife
personally.
Try not to worry excessively over food intake and preferences. One day's
favorites may be refused the next. Offer a variety of foods at meals and snacks
and allow your child to make choices within the limits you set. Try to eat meals
together. As with other behaviors, your child will learn by your example. Do not
use food as a reward or punishment. Most importantly, remember to respect your
child's appetite and concentrate on developing healthy eating habits.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Your child may be receiving immunizations at the 2-year visit. Discuss with your
physician which immunizations your child should receive and the potential side
effects. To help with the possibility of some of the side effects, TylenolŪ
(acetaminophen) may be given every four to six hours over the next 24 to 48
hours. If you have any questions about your child's reaction to the vaccine,
please talk with your health care provider. Your child's next well exam should
take place at age 3.
SAFETY
Unending energy and a lack of impulse control continue to make life dangerous
for your toddler. There is no substitute for close supervision. The following
points should help to keep your toddler safe:
- Frequently examine your home, yard and garage to make sure they are
childproof
- Remain firm with the rule that your child must sit secured in the car seat
in the back seat
- Use sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply frequently when
outdoors
- Observe playgrounds for safety
- Maintain a smoke-free environment
- Check your smoke detectors twice a year with the time changes
- Keep the poison control center number 314-772-5200 or 1-800-366-8888 near
your phone
- Check the expiration date on your bottle of syrup of ipecac
- Never leave your child unsupervised around water.
TOILET TRAINING
View toilet training as a developmental task, which children accomplish at
varying ages. It involves readiness and willingness on the part of the toddler
and patience on your part. Strive to make it a positive process. If you would
like additional reading materials, your child's doctor can recommend them.
SOURCE: American Academy of Pediatrics
