Speech and development

Kids acquire speech, like all the other developmental skills, at their own pace. Most children who talk late eventually catch up.

When todders learn to jump

Between 2-3 years, toddlers learn how to jump off low structures, and eventually how to jump from a standing position. Both of these skills require bilateral coordination, or the ability to use both sides of your body to do something different.

Concentration and attention span

At 2 1/2 concentration and attention span is growing, although it is still fairly short. This means your child can easily become absorbed in the activity at hand and not remember simple things, like forgetting to take a potty break.

Vocabulary milestones

At his 1st birthday, your child will likely use 1-5 words meaningfully. By 14 mos, that working vocabulary may grow to 7 real words, though he may have 20 words.

Anxiety and normal development

Anxiety is a normal part of children’s development. Almost all children feel shy or fearful around strangers. But about one in 10 children experience anxiety more intensely and more often than other children.

Todder Imaginations

As your kid’s mind matures and his imagination starts to amp up, often so will his fears. You may find your totally chill, adventurous toddler is suddenly afraid of everything from loud noises to the bath.

Learing life skills

Generally by 19 months, toddlers begin to wash and dry their hands and brush their teeth with supervision. Within the next few months, they will be able to dress themselves with help.

Exploring surroundings

Help your child to explore her surroundings by taking her on a walk or wagon ride.

Why? Why? Why? Why?

A child’s never-ending “WHY” aren’t meant to exasperate parents. Kiddy queries are genuine attempts at getting at the truth.

Let children learn from their mistakes

Allow your child to experience the bumps and bruises of learning to walk and relate to others. Let tot overcome obstacles and setbacks

Listen to music early and often

Think about music like a language: your kids learn their native language by being immersed in it.

Personality traits

As your child grows, he or she will display certain personality traits. Some of these are learned, others genetic. Respect your child’s developing individuality.

Learning to be squeaky clean

Buy alphabet letters for bathtub use and make a new word every time your child is in the bathtub. Your child will begin to make the connection between spoken and written language.

Interacting with your toddler

Common daily interactions help toddlers develop thinking skills. Toddlers learn about “deductive reasoning”, such as: if I fall, it might hurt

Teaching toddlers other languages

Purchase foreign language cassettes and videos. It is much easier for toddlers to pick up other languages at this age than it will be later on.

Linking physical education to academic

Remember that your child’s physical education is directly linked to his academic education. Research shows that brain development is directly linked to physical activity.

Water fun

Fill a small tub with water and give toddler containers. Let her pour water from one container to the other. Add bubbles for extra fun.

Learning numbers and letters

Purchase alphabet letters and numbers for your fridge. Expose your child to letters as often as possible.

“Narrating” a child’s activity

‘Narrate’ your child’s activities so that they will know that they have your focused attention. This will support them in language and thinking development.

When tots learn to words

Some toddlers learn new words and phrases rapidly. Others still use gestures and sounds to tell their families what they want and need.