Late Talkers

In most cases, late talkers catch up to their peers very quickly without additional treatment. However, having a screening can give you peace of mind and reassure you. An audiology (hearing) screening is given first. If your child's hearing is normal, a screening with a speech pathologist can help to determine how your child's language development is progressing and if any further steps should be taken at this time.

Consistent Parenting

Toddlers may not have the words to express it, but they can understand differences in parenting styles and can even begin manipulate their parents' behavior to get what they want. It is very important for parents to talk (away from their toddler) to decide on rules, consequences, and their response to tantrums. The more that parents can agree on similar reactions, even using similar words, the more the child will understand and respond appropriately to discipline.

Weaning from a bottle

Many children continue with the bottle or breast for longer than expected, even past their second birthdays. To start weaning from the bottle, first, you will want to change from milk or juice to water in the bottle, especially at naptime and at night. Juice and milk in a bottle can damage teeth. You may have to do this gradually by watering down the milk or juice over the course of a few days until it is only water. Offer plenty of juice and milk in a cup during the day. This change may be enough to convince your child to give up the bottle. If not, take the bottle away during the daytime first. Once your child takes a cup during the day, then try giving it up at naptime and finally, at night. You can continue to offer a sippy cup of water at naptime and nighttime without damage to the teeth.

Nighttime Potty Training

When potty training, it is often best to let the child lead the way. If a child refuses a diaper at night, it could be time for nighttime training. A few nights of wet pajamas often trigger nighttime bladder control. Keep extra pajamas, underpants and sheets on hand for quick changes if necessary. If after a week, the child still wets each night, encourage diapers again. Sometimes, children who refuse diapers will accept a pull-up training pant.

Independent Play

Learning to play alone is hard for many toddlers. You can help your child learn this important skill. First, designate a short time, perhaps 10 minutes, each day for independent play. It helps if it is the same time each day. You may even want to set a timer. Explain to your child that it is playtime, and tell her what you will be doing during that time. At first, you will need to give her a few choices of activities. She may whine, cry, or even have a tantrum, but you should not give her attention during this time. When the time is over, attend to her needs. If she has played well, praise her. After a few successful days, increase the time slightly. Usually, toddlers can learn to amuse themselves for 20 minutes or more.

Nap Strategies

Changing from a crib to a bed can disrupt sleep and nap schedules. To solve naptime problems, first determine whether or not your child still needs a nap. Her age and temperament will help you to figure out if she needs to sleep in the afternoon. If not, you might try enforcing an hour-long quiet time instead. If she still needs the sleep, try sitting by her bed without making eye contact. If she gets up, return her quickly and matter-of-factly to her bed without saying a word. In cases where a child really does need the sleep, it should only take a few days of this treatment for a nap schedule to return to normal.

Toys for toddlers

The best toys are those that promote creative play and can be used in more than one way. Simple toys, such as blocks, animal figures, and vehicles are popular and appropriate at this age. Dramatic play increases from ages two to five, so medical kits, toy kitchens, baby dolls, dress-up clothes and pretend workbenches are worth the investment. Sensory activities such playing with sand, clay, water, bubbles, and even dry beans or rice can provide enriching fun for toddlers. With all toys, be vigilant in avoiding sharp edges and choking hazards.

Nighttime Parenting

When a toddler is not sleeping well, it is important to have a doctor first rule out medical causes such as reflux, food or environmental allergies, teething, ear infections, pinworms or urinary tract infections. Children can also be very sensitive to rooms that are too cool or too warm or pajamas that are irritating. Another reason for night waking is separation anxiety. If a toddler is screaming for a long time at night, it is not conducive to anyone's well-being. Sometimes, having mom or dad nearby when the child is falling asleep can provide enough security to help the child sleep better at night. Other toddlers sleep more soundly when they are in the same room as their parents for the whole night. Trying different sleeping arrangements while a child works through this stage can be beneficial to the whole family.

Helping the Left Out Child

Some children do not appear to be upset when they are left out of a group at play, but they may lack the skills they need to join in. You can teach your child ways to introduce herself and ask to play. It is usually best to role play many scenarios, teaching her the appropriate words and body language to use as needed. It can be fun to role play with stuffed animals and dolls as well! Having one or two friends over to your house to play with your child will also help to build her confidence enough to join in later with a larger group.

Math Development in Toddlers

Counting with your child is an important way to help develop mathematical skills. Much more important than counting by rote, however, is counting actual objects and pointing to each one. Through this exercise, children learn that counting has a purpose and that the names of the numbers stand for an actual amount. Try having your child count throughout the day, for example, while setting out utensils.

Regression in Toilet Training

Sometimes, when a child regresses in toilet training, it is a cue to the caregivers to take a break. When a child feels pressure to perform, he will often regress in his behavior. Take a break for at least a week. Have a potty chair available, but do not talk about it or try to have him use it. Put diapers or pull-up pants on your child if he wants them. Many times, once the pressure is off, the child will decide to use the potty on his own.

Car Seat Safety

A toddler's car seat should have safety straps that fit snugly and are impossible for the child to remove by herself. Most local police stations have an officer that is specially trained in car seat safety that can inspect your seat and make sure that it is in working order. Have your car seat checked once a year to make sure that it conforms to all safety standards and that it is installed properly in the car.

Adjusting to Daycare

Daycare can be very stressful for some young children. If your child seems upset, encourage her to talk about what is bothering her. The number of other children, a particular caregiver, the amount of noise, and even the types of activities can make daycare an unpleasant experience. Ask the daycare director if you can observe. Seeing with your own eyes what is happening at daycare can often give clues as to what may be bothering your child. Also, talk every day with your child's caregivers. They often have particular insight and advice as to how to help make daycare less upsetting for your child.

Unruly Twins

Disciplining toddlers can be a big challenge, and with twins, it's twice the work! Try to take it one step at a time. First, make a list of behaviors you'd like to change. You may be surprised that many of the causes of your frustration may fall into one category such as tantrums, aggressive behavior, whining or talking back. Try tackling just one of these behaviors at a time. Make a plan to provide consequences for the unwanted behavior such as time out or taking away a toy. Be as consistent as you can in making sure that there is a consequence for every instance of the target behavior. Try to make each twin responsible for his own behavior; it can be easy to fall into the trap of punishing both twins for the misbehavior of one. Give your plan at least two weeks before you change it or move on to another behavior. You may want to read up on discipline strategies. There are many different theories of discipline, and you need to find one that suits you and your overall parenting style. Best of luck!

Math and Science Skills for Toddlers

Toddlers need to explore their world! The most important things you can do to help promote your toddler's math and science development are activities that encourage her curiosity. Looking around outdoors and noticing insects and plants, baking or cooking, and playing with sand and water will help your young child to observe and experiment. It is also helpful to include counting activities in your everyday interactions with your toddler, such as setting the table, measuring cups of water, planting seeds, or sharing a small box of raisins.

Todders Opening Doors

It is useful to teach toddlers to open a door, a skill that many young toddlers are eager to learn. A child's ability to open doors depends on the size and strength of her hands as well as the style of doorknobs in the house. Some toddlers will understand that they are not to open doors without an adult. Many will not grasp this concept, so it is best to use covers over the doorknobs sold by child safety companies. These covers will prevent children from opening doors to potential dangers, such as the bathroom, while maintaining access for adults.

Adjusting to Preschool

Some children find it stressful to start school, and they can act their stress out through negative behavior. If your child is misbehaving in preschool, talk with his teacher about creating a behavior modification plan. In this plan, the teacher would keep track of positive and negative behavior, and you would give consequences or rewards at home as needed. Some schools will also allow children to attend for a shortened portion of the day, which can help them to adjust more gradually.

Transition from Smooth to Textured Baby Food

Starting when a baby is about six months of age, it is important to start offering finger foods such as cereals, cooked pasta or vegetables or small pieces of soft fruits. By 15 months, most babies have mastered finger foods and are ready to start using a fork or spoon. Try taking turns with your toddler, or let him use his own spoon while you do most of the work with yours. Many children are eating well with a fork or spoon by 24 months.

Thumb Sucking in Toddlers

Before age three, thumb sucking is of little concern. After age three, thumb sucking can affect the teeth. Encourage play activities that require both hands. At night, you may need to remove the thumb from a soundly sleeping child's mouth.