DEVELOPMENT
Your child is becoming more independent at this age. This is a good time to
start out-of-home and away-from-parent experiences. Encourage the expression of
ideas and feelings. You can accomplish this by talking about the child's day.
At this age, the typical child may:
- Use 250 or more words in three-word sentences
- Use plurals, past tense and all the pronouns
- Play well with others, share and take turns
- Know full name, age and sex
- Ride a tricycle and alternate his or her feet going up stairs
- Undress completely and partially dress self
- Copy a circle.
FAMILY AND SOCIAL INTERACTION
Give individual attention and create opportunities for exploration,
socialization and physical activity whenever possible. Provide choices, u
reinforce limits and continue to use time-outs. You probably already know that
children imitate almost everything you do. Serve as a role model for healthy
habits and care. Your child might wonder about differences between boys and
girls. Be prepared to answer questions with honest, yet age-appropriate
responses. One approach may be to ask the child what they think is the answer.
Then you can either confirm or correct his or her response. Limit television.
SAFETY
- Continue to use a car seat in the back seat
- Teach your child not to chase a ball or animal into the street
- Tell him or her to avoid strangers and strange animals
- Use sunscreen on your child
- Remember that accidents happen more frequently with changes in routine,
such as holidays and vacations
- Make your child use a bicycle helmet when riding a tricycle.
NUTRITION
Children usually become more independent and selective of their diet at this
age. Offer a variety of healthy foods and snacks. Whenever possible, make meal
time a family event. You should never force-feed your child. Your child will eat
what he or she needs.
DISCIPLINE
Children will test their limits. Continue to set these limits and give them
guidance and reassurance. Encourage self-discipline and independent decision
making. Use positive reinforcement by giving hugs and kisses for each small
step. Brief time-outs are still the recommended form of discipline, using one
minute for each year of age. Use "no" sparingly. Your child should start to
learn consequences for his or her actions.
TEETH
Brush your child's teeth on a regular basis. If you have well water, ask about
fluoride supplementation. Your child should see a dentist once every six months.
PRESCHOOL READINESS
Children are ready to go to preschool if they can separate from their parents
well, take turns, follow rules and clearly communicate with others. Most
preschools also will require that your child be toilet trained.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Usually your child will need no immunizations at this time.
SOURCE: American Academy of Pediatrics
