Growth & Development Tips
Read these 29 Growth & Development Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Toddler tips and hundreds of other topics.
Characteristics
Toddlers like affection and attention. They enjoy being held, hugged, and carried. Give your toddler lots of attention. Often hold, hug, talk to, listen to, and give your toddler lots of attention.
Behavior of One Year Olds
One year olds like to explore and learn. They have a need to be independent, but can easily be distracted. They are learning a few words and will usually say "no" alot. They like to try new foods, play outdoors, walk, run, drop things, and throw things. They enjoy one on one games. Laughing and smiling come naturally at this age.
Toddler Perspective
Toddlers see the world different than adults. Children age four and under most often are only aware of their own perspective, ideas, needs, and wants. They need only simple explanations. They enjoy doing the same things over and over again. Games that are short with simple rules work best. Toddlers also have a limited attention span.
Behavior of Two and a Half Year Olds
Two and a half year olds are becoming more independent. They often refuse to obey and demand everything be done their way. They don't like to share and often have tantrums. They often refuse to take naps and want to stay up late at night. A lot of patience is required on the part of the parent.
Remind Often to go Potty
Toddlers usually need to be reminded often to go to the bathroom. They often become busy and preoccupied with the activity they are doing and don't want to take time out to go potty.
Biting Out of Frustration
Toddlers often bite because they are frustrated and cannot communicate very well. Avoid situations where the toddler is likely to become upset. Don't expect toddlers to share their toys. Schedule play dates and outings when the toddler is not tired.
Praise and Encouragement
Praise and encouragement is very effective in potty training. Toddlers like to please their parents and love the attention. Don't be negative or scold when accidents happen. Give plenty of praise with each attempt to use the potty.
Healthy Snacks
Keep on hand plenty of healthy snacks. Toddlers snack a lot. Avoid having sweets and junk food available.
Disposable Training Pants
Disposable training pants work well when you are away from home. Toddlers may not want to use toilets that are unfamiliar to them. Disposable training pants can be used all the time to cut back on laundry and help the children avoid embarrassment of accidents.
Baby Teeth
A full set of baby teeth is 20 teeth. Most toddlers will have a full set of teeth by age two or three although their is quite a variation in the age at which teeth appear.
Biting to Imitate Another Child
Toddlers learn from watching others. They often see another child bite someone and decide to try it themselves. Tell the toddler: No, biting hurts. Remove the toddler from area for a few minutes.
Toddler Bed
Move the toddler out of the crib and into a new bed about two months before a new baby arrives. This will give the toddler time to adjust to the new baby and will make it easier for the toddler to give the crib to the baby.
Eat Meals Together
Toddlers learn manners and eating habits from examples. Eat together as a family. Show the toddler how to use his fork and spoon. Remember to say "please" and "thank you."
Selfishness
Toddlers often seem selfish. They don't like to share. They often take or demand toys and things from other children. They disagree and become frustrated easily. Toddlers do not yet understand the needs of others and often are only aware of what they want at the moment. Make only a few rules and be consistent. Give simple explanations and tell them that others have feelings too.
Diaper Rash
Diaper rash can best be prevented if the toddler's bottom is washed with soap and water after every messy diaper. Diaper wipes don't completely clean all the irritants from a toddler's bottom. Give your toddler a quick bath after a messy diaper. If you don't have time to give your toddler a quick bath, try adding a little soap and extra water to the last diaper wipe used to clean your toddler's bottom.
New Baby
Give your toddler extra attention when a new baby arrives. Toddlers need to know that they are still loved and appreciated. Tell the toddler that the new baby loves him/her very much. Give the toddler simple tasks to do to feel important and help. Give plenty of praise and encouragement to the toddler.
Biting to Get Attention
Toddlers need lots of attention. If they are feeling left out, bored, ignored, or upset; they may bite just to get your attention. Tell the toddler: No, biting hurts. Remove the toddler from area for a few minutes. Take extra time to spend with your toddler. Provide activities to keep the toddler busy.
Cleaning Sippy Cup Lids
To clean sippy cup lids use a little stiff paint brush to get into the areas around the holes where the plastic insert goes.
Breastfeeding Tips
Find Breastfeeding tips on the related Lifetips web site: http://www.breastfeeding-tips.com
Behavior of Two Year Olds
Two year olds often want to help, but can become frustrated eaisly. They like to be with other children, require a lot of attention, and often will not share their things. Two years often enjoy playing hide and seek. They will hide from their parents at home, while shopping, and on most outings. They often get into everything they can.
Ready for Potty Training
Toddlers show signs of readiness for potty training by staying dry for several hours, wanting wet diapers changed, showing interest in a potty or the toilet, telling or showing you that he or she needs to go, and by having the ability to pull pants up and down.
Diaper Rash Creme
My pediatrician recommends using shortening if you run out of diaper rash creme. It works well and costs less.
Biting Because of Teething
Toddlers often bite because they are teething. Keep teething toys nearby. Foods such as popsicles, carrot sticks, and hard crackers also help relieve teething pain and give a toddler something to chew on. Numbing medicine is also available to relieve pain.
Behavior of Three Year Olds
Three year olds are usually easier to get along with than two year olds. They lean to share, be more responsible, are helpful, can do more things, enjoy storytime, and usually follow directions. They can usually speak well enough for others to understand.
Behavior of Four Year Olds
Four year olds are very active. They enjoy playing, working, running, jumping, and talking. They look forward to starting school and taking part in activities. They do not want to be left out of anything and often become jealous of older children. They usually obey and follow directions.
Sipper Cups
Sipper cups work well for toddlers. There are fewer spills. Cups come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are great for traveling, too.
Hiding Vegetables in Toddler Meals
Toddlers can be a bit picky about what they eat, as they are exploring "likes" and "dislikes" for the first time. Hiding vegetables inside of toddler meals is a great way to ensure they are eating right. Here are a few methods to try.
- Cauliflower (fresh or frozen) can be steamed, pureed, and mixed in with macaroni and cheese. It can also be mixed with mashed potatoes.
- Try making spinach smoothies. Place 1/2 cup of fresh spinach leaves in a small blend with 2 tablespoons water. Blend until liquified. Add frozen fruit, almond or soy milk, and a couple packets of Stevia. Blend well. Some parents with boys call these "Hulk" or "Ooze" smoothies do to their green color.
- Carrots can be cooked, pureed, and hidden in soups, casseroles, and more.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Candi Wingate |
