In some cultures, children stay up much later than children in the United States. Routines are important for young children. At the same time, attending special family events makes for great childhood memories. Try to have your child get an extra nap in that day, make sure there is a quiet place for your child to safely rest if he or s...
While it may not be fashionable, take comfort in knowing that your toddler’s new found love for mixing fashion is a sign of an important developmental milestone -- an emerging sense of self. Your toddler now knows what he/she wants (and doesn’t want) and has the words to communicate it to you! Giving toddlers the opportunity to make th...
Tantrums are a normal part of development, so take comfort knowing that you are not the first parent to struggle with your child’s tantrums. When your son gets upset or frustrated, he becomes flooded with emotions that he is not yet able to regulate on his own. As his parent, you can help him build the skill of regulating his emotions ...
Toddlers and preschoolers love to help. You might start by asking your child to care for a plant. Caring for a plant is an age-appropriate way for your child to learn how to nurture and take care of another living thing. To get your child excited about his new responsibility, take him to a plant nursery and let him pick out his favorit...
Toddlers love to help, so a fun way to keep your child busy while you cook is to have him/her help you in the kitchen. You can do this by having your child help you with the actual preparation of the food (e.g., adding premeasured ingredients or helping you stir with a spoon), or by giving your child play dishes and getting him/her to ...
Expert opinions on the optimal age for potty training have changed over time. The current consensus is that you can begin training earlier but that many children will not be ready until three or even four years of age. If you begin training earlier, you may be in for a long, gradual process. Look for signs of readiness, such as having ...
While educational programs can be a fun way for many children to learn, they are not essential to your child's education. Toddlers have short attention spans and your child may not yet be ready to watch an entire movie or show. In fact, screen time may decrease, rather than increase, your child's attention span. If your concern is that...
Take time to listen to your toddler's feelings. Help put labels to feelings ("You're smiling, you look happy!") and articulate what types of situations might be sources of uneasiness ("Did it make you sad when he didn't share his toy?"). Ask questions, and don't be afraid to share your feelings. Use these teachable moments to make link...