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...
No one's comfortable when a young child has a meltdown, but tantrums ARE normal. Be firm and stay calm. To help prevent future outbursts, give a "heads up" when it's time to leave the park, keep healthy snacks available and minimize errands when your child is tired. To redirect a brewing tantrum, play a game or ask questions.
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...