steps & stages

[CanadianGirl]

What's it like to be 13 and 14 months old?

How I grow
- I poke, bang, turn and twist everything I can reach.
- I can probably stand alone and walk pretty well.
- I can probably stoop and stand up again.
- I'm very interested in small things like crumbs, bugs and pebbles.
- I spend a lot of time just staring at things. This is one way I learn.
- I don't like any kind of restraint.
- I want to explore everything.
- I may be afraid of the dark.

How I talk
- I am learning simple words.
- I can look in the right direction when you ask: "Where's Daddy?" "Where's the ball?" "Where's the kitty?"
- I wave bye-bye if you ask.
- I can let you know when I want something like a glass of milk.
- I really try hard to make you understand me.
- I like to repeat words you say.
- I have begun to understand the names of some people, animals, and things that are important to me.
- Sometimes I like you to tell me the names of things pictured in a book. But I don't like stories very much yet.

What I am learning
- I am learning what you will let me do and what you won't.
- I will empty anything I can get to -- dresser drawers, kitchen cabinets, trash cans.
- I like to put things back in containers -- sometimes.
- I like to imitate your actions.
- I have learned how to get you and other adults to help me do things.
- I may scream just to show you how powerful I am.
- Sometimes -- not often -- I will respond to a firm "no-no."
- I have not yet learned what is dangerous for me to do.

How I get along with others
- I love to have people watch me and clap for me.
- I'm starting to do cute things just to get your attention.
- I show I love you with hugs and kisses -- sometimes.
- I still like to keep my mother and father in sight when I'm exploring.
- Sometimes, I drop things just to get you to pick them up for me.
- I'm beginning to adjust to baby-sitters, but I'm still shy with strangers.
- I don't like playing in a room by myself very much.
- I may have tantrums and throw things when I'm angry.

What I can do for myself
- If you help me, I can hold a cup and drink from it.
- I like to take off my hat, shoes, socks and pants, but I can't put them back on.
- I can hold a spoon, but I probably can't eat very well with it.
- I like to feed myself with my hands, and smear food on my face.
- I can open and close doors.

Play I enjoy
- I like to put little things in big things.
- I can play alone. But mostly, I like to play with you -- especially chase-me, find-me games and gentle rough-housing.
- I like to listen to music and dance to it.
- I'm beginning to like pretend play, like driving a pretend car.

[CanadianGirl]

What's it like to be 15 and 16 months old?

How I grow
- I like to climb on things, and I usually like to do it alone.
- I can climb up stairs on my hands and knees.
- I can climb out of high chairs and strollers, and maybe my crib.
- I'm always on the go. I can walk pretty well. I can run a little. I am learning to walk backwards.
- I like to carry things in each hand.
- I can turn pages in a book, a few at a time.
- I want to show you how independent I am by doing what I want, not what you want me to do.

How I talk
- I can say three or four simple words besides "Mama" and "Dada."
- I am learning to hold real conversations with people.
- I can follow simple requests like "Give me the ball."
- I can understand simple directions like "No," "Come," "Show me," and "Look."
- I can let you know what I want by the way I talk or point.
- When you ask me to, I can point to my shoes or parts of my clothing.
- I can point to pictures you name, if the things in the pictures are familiar to me.
- I don't usually like having a whole story read to me.
- I would rather point to pictures in a book, and have you tell me about them.
- I am beginning to say "no" a lot.

What I am learning
- I like to feel different kinds of things -- smooth things, rough things, soft things.
- I like soft things and smooth things, but I may not like things that stick to my fingers.
- I can throw a small ball, but I usually throw it crooked.
- I can scribble with a pencil or crayon.
- I may be able to build a tower of two blocks.

How I get along with others
- I like lots of attention.
- I am easily entertained.
- I can recognize myself in a mirror or photograph.
- I like to imitate the way you do things, like sweeping the floor, setting the table, or raking the lawn.
- If you show me that you like what I do, I will do it a lot.
- I will get things for you -- sometimes.
- I like to know where you are at all times.
- I'm not very good at giving, but I like to get things.
- I mostly want my own way. I don't cooperate much. I'm pretty self-centered.

What I can do for myself
- I like to do things for myself, but I don't do them very well.
- I can let you know when I have wet or soiled pants. But I'm still too young to be toilet trained.
- I may be able to use a spoon, but I spill.

Play I enjoy
- I like to turn switches on and off. I like to throw things, push things, and pound on things.
- I like to spin wheels.
- I like to play with spoons, cups and boxes.
- I like to carry around a soft doll or toy animal.
- I like to play in sandboxes.
- I like to roll a ball with you.
- I don't play very long with any one toy.

[CanadianGirl]

What's it like to be 17 and 18 months old?

How I grow
- like to lug, tug and drag things.
- I like to grab anything I can reach.
- I'm beginning to use one hand more than the other.
- I can walk upstairs if you will hold one hand.
- I'm learning to creep backward downstairs.
- I like to run, but I fall or bump into things sometimes.
- I want my own way almost all the time.
- When things don't go the way I want them to, I get angry

How I talk
- I can say about 10 words, but mostly I use the word "no."
- I often have long, babbled conversations with myself.
- I'm getting good at imitating words.
- I understand more words than I can say.
- I can ask you for what I want, like a cookie, by naming it -- sometimes.
- I will do what you ask me to do -- sometimes.
- I try to sing, and I like to have you sing to me.
- I am beginning to understand the meaning of "now."

Play I enjoy
- I like to play with nesting toys and stacking toys.
- I often run around without any particular plan.
- I like to push wheel toys, large toy boxes and other things like that around the floor.
- I like to blow bubbles.
- I may be able to string large, colored, wooden beads.
- I still don't play very long with any one thing.

What I am learning
- I can fit a round block into a round hole.
- I can build a tower of two or three blocks.
- I can use a stick to get a toy.
- I can point to one or two parts of my body if you name them.
- I can copy the simple lines you make on paper.
- I may be able to match circles and squares on a form board.
- With your help, I can turn pages of a book.
- I am beginning to remember where things belong.

How I get along with others.
- I still love to show off and get attention.
- I'm still mostly just interested in myself.
- I may be grabby and greedy.
- Sometimes, I'm stubborn and bossy. And sometimes, I'm loving.
- In a few months, I'll be calmer and friendlier.
- I may be afraid of some things, like thunder and lightning and large animals.
- I may have temper tantrums when I'm tired, angry or frustrated.

What I can do for myself
- I can help put toys away.
- I may be able to turn on some faucets.
- When I'm ready for bed, I may bring you my pillow or my favorite stuffed toy

[CanadianGirl]

What's it like to be 19 and 20 months old?

How I grow
I explore a lot.
I can run without falling too often.
I can stand on either foot, holding on.
I may be able to kick a big ball.
I still like to climb on everything.
I don't know about safety, so I count on you to keep things safe for me to explore.
I like being independent. But sometimes I want to act like a baby.

How I talk
I'm very good at saying "no."
I can say about 15 words.
I love to name things.
I ask a lot of questions, mostly by saying "Why?" or "What's that?" Be patient with me. I am just trying to learn.
I can follow simple directions.
I like to be read to.
I like to listen to nursery rhymes.

What I am learning
can pull the toilet paper wa-a-a-y out!
I can put two pieces together to form a simple puzzle.
I can draw an up and down line pretty well.
I'm beginning to know what things are for, like a toy hammer is for pounding

How I get along with others
I love cuddling.
I like to help you do simple things.
I like to do things without adult help.
Even when I'm with other children, I like to play alone.
I may treat other children like they were things. I may hurt them.
I want to keep my toys to myself, and I may hide them so others can't play with them.
I need time to get to know people. I'm afraid of some people.
I may be less friendly to adults now, but this will pass.

What I can do for myself
I can feed myself pretty well.
I can brush my own teeth. But I won't be able to do a good job for a long time.
I can go to bed without complaining.
I can let you know when I need dry clothing.
I will let you know when I'm going to have a bowel movement -- sometimes.

Play I enjoy
I like to play alone, but I like adults to be near me.
I like to dress up in adults' clothes, and pretend I am an adult.
I like picture books, and I love to look at pictures of myself.
I like to look at myself in the mirror.
I like to have you sing to me.
I like to make mud pies and pretend to eat them.
I like to take toys apart.
I like rides and walks.
I like you to push me on a swing.

[CanadianGirl]

What's it like to be 21 and 22 months old?

How I grow
- I love to run, throw and climb.
- I can walk upstairs with both feet on each step, holding a railing.
- I am probably using one hand more than the other.
- If you fold a paper, I can imitate you.
- I can help with simple tasks.
- I can follow about three directions.
- I'm becoming a little less self-centered.

How I talk
- I can say about 20 words.
- I can ask for things by name.
- I can point to body parts on myself or my doll.
- I like to have you sing me rhyming songs.
- I like to hear stories.
- I like to look at books. But if you don't watch me, I may tear them.

What I am learning
- I'm interested in very tiny things, especially bugs.
- Watch what I put in my mouth!
- I love to build and knock down, empty, pull apart, feel, twist and squeeze everything I can get my hands on.
- I can build a tower of four or five blocks.
- I am really curious about people, animals, birds, and everything that I see.
- I can recognize and name people I know from photographs.
- I can recognize a picture in a book, even when the book is upside down.
- I can put together a puzzle, if it has only two or three big pieces.
- I like listening to nursery rhymes. And if you help me, I can repeat them.

How I get along with others
- I'm developing a mind of my own. So I don't respond so quickly to requests, and often do the opposite of what I'm asked.
- I can understand what's mine, and what's yours.
- I try to tell people what I have seen and done.
- I can show love to you and other favorite people.
- I'm beginning to be sympathetic to other people, and I can sometimes cooperate with others.
- I'm becoming easier to get along with, but I still get demanding at times.
- I am continually testing the limits you set, and trying to get my own way.
- My feelings are easily hurt by criticism.

What I can do for myself
- I can wash and dry my hands.
- I can hold a cup and drink from it.
- I can pick up and put away my toys, if you help me.
- I like to sweep, dust, mop, hammer, vacuum, shovel, scoop or rake, because I have seen you do these things.
- I may be able to put on my shoes. But I can't tie them, and I may put them on the wrong feet.
- I may be able to put things where they belong.

Play I enjoy
- I like to fit things together.
- I enjoy using a toy telephone.
- I like to pull things around in a wagon or cart.
- I like to play tag with you or an older child.
- I can put rings on a peg toy.
- I like to pretend, like wrapping up my doll or stuffed animal and putting it to bed.

[CanadianGirl]

What's it like to be 23 and 24 months old?

How I grow
I can pedal a small tricycle.
I can throw a ball into a wastebasket.
I can walk down stairs alone, both feet on one step at a time, holding the railing.
I can walk a few steps on tiptoe.
I like to walk on low walls, holding someone's hand.
I usually like to run more than I like to walk.
I might be afraid of the noise of trains, trucks, thunder, toilet flushing, and the vacuum cleaner.
I might also fear rain, wind and animals. Be patient with me.

How I talk
I can ask questions just to keep the conversation going.
I can answer some questions such as: "What is your name?" "What does the dog say?" "What does the cat say?"
I can name almost everything that I see often, like things in my house, my preschool, or my neighborhood.
I can ask for food and drink.
I'm beginning to learn the meaning of "soon," and I am learning to wait.

What I am learning
I can sit and "read" picture books, and turn the pages myself.
I can put together a puzzle with three to six pieces.
I can make a tower of eight blocks.
I know pretty well where things are located in and around my house.

How I get along with others
I like to please others.
I am interested in babies and their mothers.
I like to be with other children for short periods of time, but I still don't understand sharing.
I like to order other people around.
I want my way in everything.
I sometimes show my anger by slapping, biting or hitting.
I am sometimes stubborn and defiant.
I use short phrases like "That mine," "Don't like," "Go away," and "I won't." And I say "no" a lot.
I am afraid of disapproval and rejection.

What I can do for myself
I can take off all my clothes, and put most of them back on.
I can turn doorknobs and open doors.
Keep dangerous things out of my sight, and out of my reach. I like to unwrap packages.
I want to do lots of things by myself.
I know what a toilet is for, but I probably don't want to use it yet.

Play I enjoy
I like to play simple chase games like tag.
I like to be pushed on a swing.
A teddy bear or soft doll is still my favorite toy.
I like to take things apart, and put them together.
Watch out, so I don't play with small pieces that could choke me.
I can stack five rings on a peg toy in the right order.
I mess happily with soft modeling clay.

[CanadianGirl]

25 & 26 Months

Re-check Safety
Give your house a safety re-check today. Children can get into new dangers as they develop new abilities. Cover electrical outlets. Make sure everything dangerous is locked up, or out of reach. As toddlers learn to climb, they can open cabinets that they could not reach before. They can also climb up bookshelves and tip them over. You can make bookshelves safer by attaching them to the wall. Each home is different. Parents can make their load easier if they stay alert to changing safety risks, and take action as soon as new ones are found. Keep by each phone the numbers for the nearest Poison Control Center, your doctor, and other emergency numbers like 911.

Turn Win-Lose into Win-Win.
Your toddler's growing independence may be a big source of stress in your life right now. Sometimes, you may feel like you're in a war with your child, trying to win every battle. Some battles end so that you both lose. When you win, your child might fight back even harder. When he wins, you might feel angry, defeated or guilty. One way to reduce this stress is to handle these battles so both of you win at least a little. Maybe you can't talk about compromise with a stubborn 2-year-old. But you can figure out how to end up with no one feeling like a loser. If you refuse to get caught up in a battle, then your child can't lose -- and neither can you. For example, your daughter demands that you read her a story, and you want her to help pick up her toys. Maybe she can pick out the story before cleanup, and you can read it when the room is picked up. Or, maybe you can read half the story before cleanup, and read the rest after. You'll both feel better for it.

Stress can be caused by feeling that you have too much to do, and not enough time. You can't even get all your chores done, much less play with your child or take time for yourself. Managing your time better can help prevent this kind of stress. Here are some ideas:
- Make a list of everything you want to get done for one day or one week.
- Decide which things are most important, and which ones can wait, or don't have to be done at all.
- Be reasonable about the number of things you can do in the time you have.
- Write out a schedule for your day, so you can aim for a time to finish each task.
- Think about how you'll do the task in the time you've planned.
- Group chores together if they need similar tools.
- Group all the chores that involve going out, or the ones for which you need someone else to care for your child.
- Figure out how much you really can do in the time you have.
- Don't be afraid to say no to people who want more of your time than you want to give.
- Make sure you build in time for the most important people in your life!

TV Tells Toddlers About Cereals.
Has this happened to you yet? You are pushing your grocery cart down the aisle at the market. Your toddler sees a certain brand of breakfast cereal. He begins calling out the name of the cereal. He wants you to buy it. You are amazed. You've never bought that kind of cereal, and he's never eaten it. How did he find out about it? Probably from TV.

Toddlers don't seem to pay much attention to television, but are often aware of what is happening on the screen. Commercials are very appealing because of the action and noise. The food most often advertised during children's programs is cereal. Some of these cereals are nutritious, others are not. In fact, some of these "cereals" have more sugar than cereal. They are more like candy than food.

How can you tell if a cereal is high in sugar? Look for the ingredient label on the box. Ingredients are listed in order of quantity, starting with the most. If the first, second or third ingredient listed is sugar, sucrose or corn syrup, there is a lot of sugar in the cereal. You will want to choose another cereal lower in sugar. What do you tell your child if you decide not to buy the cereal? Say: "This is not a 'good-for-you' cereal. We want to buy a cereal that will help you grow healthy and strong." Check labels on other cereals, and let him choose from the cereals that are low in sugar. If your child is unhappy because you aren't going to buy the cereal he wants, move away from the cereal display. Go on and do the rest of your shopping. You can spend time reading cereal labels when you are shopping alone. Some families also use this rule: "We never buy anything we see advertised on TV." If you repeat this rule and really follow it, then children accept it. You will have few arguments while shopping.

Bedtime Is Not Always Sleep Time.
My 2 1/2-year-old won't go to sleep when I put him to bed. What can I do? . Bedtime is not always sleep time. Young children need regular bedtimes, and special bedtime routines -- like teeth brushing, stories and hugs. Parents need regular bedtimes for their children, so they can have some time alone. You can expect your child to go to bed and be quiet at set times. Don't worry if he does not always go to sleep as soon as he goes to bed. When he isn't sleepy, let him have some quiet play time in bed until sleep comes.

Homemade Toys That Teach
Isn't it nice to see your child's imagination grow? When your toddler pretends he can be as powerful, as big, and as important as he wants to be, this is a good feeling. He can practice being like members of his family or a king, teacher, or police officer. Imagination and pretend play are important. They help your child cope with his world, and prepare for his future. At this age, your child learns about others' points of view -- their feelings and thoughts -- by acting them out. What he cannot yet do mentally, he now does physically, by pretending to be another person. You can encourage his imagination and be a part of his pretend play by making a carton play place with him.

For the carton play place, you will need:
- Large cardboard box that you might get from grocery or appliance stores -- Your carton should be big enough for your toddler to crawl inside. Make sure there are no staples in the box.
- Utility knife -- Use this to cut the cardboard box. Keep your toddler away from the knife. Put it away as soon as you've finished.
- Crayons, colored paper or streamers, and so forth, for decorating the play place

Making a play place
The box can be whatever your toddler wants it to be -- a house, spaceship, boat, cave, fort, or all of these. Place the box so the open end is on the floor. Cut windows, portholes, or whatever your toddler wants on the sides and back of the box. Let your toddler decorate the box however he wants. He may want you to write his name on the box, or put a message or sign on it.

Watch Out For Toxic Plants!
Many kinds of yard and house plants are poisonous if eaten. Know the plants in and around your home and neighborhood. Your local Poison Control Center has information on toxic plants in your area. It may confuse a young child to offer something from the garden when a nearby plant -- such as nightshade berries or Jerusalem cherries -- could be harmful.

To be safe, don't let your child eat leaves or berries while playing or helping you garden. Watch for mushrooms ("toadstools"), which pop up quickly. If your child eats any part of a plant, or other poison: Call Poison Control. Look inside the front cover of the phone book to find the number, and post it by your phone. If your child needs emergency treatment, bring with you a piece of the plant or substance your child ate. Keep Syrup of Ipecac on hand -- but do not use it unless the doctor, nurse or Poison Control Center tells you to. This strong medicine makes a child vomit -- the right treatment for some poisons, but not others.

Choosing Books For Toddlers
When you select books for toddlers, look for these features:
- Familiar subject -- The book should have things your child knows about.
- Simple plot -- Some books have only pictures with labels on them. These can also be fun for toddlers. Your child will enjoy turning the pages with you, seeing the pictures, and talking to you about them.
- Clear, simple words -- There should be just a few words on each page. Toddlers like books when words are fun to say, and phrases are repeated.
- Large, clear, bright-colored pictures -- Toddlers often like drawings better than photographs, because they are easier to understand.
- See if you can find sturdy cardboard books ("board" books). You can buy these at small cost, or borrow them from your library. Your child can turn the pages of these books more easily, and the pages will not tear.

Discipline With "Time-Out."
Used right, "time-out" can be a good way to handle those times when your toddler seems determined to disobey, and nothing you do will stop her. Time-out means putting your toddler in a safe place away from you for a few minutes. This gives you a chance to calm down if you both need it. This lets your toddler know it is not OK to continue her naughty behavior. When you use time-out, be sure you let your toddler know you love her, and that you do not want to hurt her.

Here are some important things to do to keep time-out as a guidance and discipline method, not a punishment:
- Tell your child about time-out.
- Tell her ahead of time -- before she breaks a rule -- what time-out is, and how you will use it.
- Choose the time-out place carefully.
- Use a safe, non-scary place like a bedroom, a chair, the bottom stair, or part of a room.
- Never use a closet or place that is dark, dangerous, or frightening to your child.
- Tell your toddler WHY you are using time-out, and how long it will last.
- Before time-out, explain to her why she is being disciplined.
- Tell her how long time-out will be, and tell her you will come to get her when the time is up.
- Keep your promise. Keep time-out short.
- For a toddler, time-out should last no more than 3 minutes, or 1 minute for each year of age.
- Set a timer, and be sure you follow your time limits. When the time is up, go in to her, give her a hug, and invite her to be with you.
- Keep calm. When you use time-out or any kind of discipline, stay calm.
- Explain clearly to your child why you are limiting her.
- Follow through firmly, but also show that you love and care for her.

Does My Child Need To Nap?
My child doesn't want to nap. Is a nap necessary? At this age, many children take one 2- to 3-hour nap after lunch, instead of several shorter naps. Each child is different. Some 2-year-olds are nearly ready to give up napping entirely. Others sleep deeply for several hours every afternoon. Unless he seems irritable and overtired, don't force your youngster to sleep during nap time. Do be sure you have some quiet rest time every day, though. Your child can look at books or play quietly in his room. Set a routine, and stick with it. Your busy toddler really needs this quiet break -- and so do you!

Learning At Home
How would you like to start a school in your home? If you're thinking this means books, a chalkboard, and rows of desks, that's not the idea. This school is not only in your home -- this school is your home, your family, and your day-to-day activities. Actually, you've been teaching your child since birth. You might say, "But I don't know how to teach." You don't need a teaching degree. You just need to remember your "ABCs": A child's first and most important teachers are his parents. Be alert to the new situations your child faces each day. Conduct short, simple lessons many times during the day.

Now, here is how to conduct your school. Keep learning fun! Teach by playing games, and talking to your child in a friendly way. Here are some teaching ideas:
- Teach colors. As you set the table, talk about the red dishes, the blue tablecloth. As you sort the clothes, talk about the blue jeans, the white shirt.
- Teach shapes. Talk about shapes of toys or furnishings in your home -- the round mirror, the square table.
- Teach alike or different. Help your child sort spoons and forks in the drawer.
- Teach words. Teach about language and books by showing pictures and reading short stories to your child again and again. Talk with him about the story.

Remember: Your child's first school is in your home. The lessons you teach will prepare him to learn even more when he starts preschool and kindergarten. Children who have been taught at home enjoy learning, and usually learn faster when they start school.

Toddlers Show Their Feelings.
Toddlers naturally show you and tell you that they love you. Welcome and enjoy these feelings. You'll want to show your feelings to your toddler, too, with words and hugs. But just as naturally, toddlers sometimes also say and show that they dislike you. Parents understandably find these angry words and actions hard to take. It is much nicer to hear "I love you" than "I hate you." But both kinds of feelings are common with toddlers, and are part of growing up.

Try to handle these actions and feelings with understanding, instead of arguing or punishing. Your toddler's angry words and actions do not mean you have been a bad parent, or that she really dislikes you. Understand that her anger is temporary and normal. Show your child that you care for her even when she is angry, and that angry feelings are OK. Do not let her turn her feelings into angry actions such as biting, kicking or hitting. And don't give in to unreasonable demands just to prevent angry outbursts. You might try to talk to her, and find out more about why she is feeling angry.Be patient. The good and loving relationship you have with your toddler will keep these angry times short.

Brushing Teeth
Keep brushing your child's teeth with a tiny, pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste. Use only small amounts of toothpaste because young children tend to swallow it. If your water supply is not fluoridated, your child's doctor or health care provider may recommend fluoride drops to help strengthen teeth. Schedule a dental checkup for your child every six months, or as often as your dentist advises.

Preparing Your Toddler For Special Occasions
Parents are often eager to have their children join in the fun of celebrations. For the young child, these occasions may be happy -- or they may be scary and upsetting. Your young child may not want to talk to a strange Santa Claus, or shake hands with a clown. He will probably not laugh if a neighbor child in a witch costume swoops down upon him. He might not enjoy meeting new relatives at a family gathering, either.

You can't protect your child from every frightening situation. But here are a few things you can do to prepare him for special occasions:
- Talk to your child about where you are planning to go.
- Tell him what he will see and do there. Practice ahead of time, if you can.
- Show your toddler pictures of Santa before visiting him.
- Let him play with masks before Halloween.
- Before the family party, show him photos, and tell him about the relatives he may see.
- Watch with your child from a safe distance before entering a gathering.
- Let him watch other children meeting Santa or a clown, and reassure him with hugs and words. Then, let your child take his time getting acquainted, and let him decide whether to participate.
- Don't force him to get close to unfamiliar or scary people or characters.

Games for growing
- SORTING GAME
Help your child learn how things can be alike or different.

How to play
Find three or four each of about four different things, like four playing cards, four ribbons, four spoons, four leaves. Mix these up, and put them in a pile or a bowl. Ask your child to sort them into piles of things that are alike. If your child wants, you can take a turn at sorting, too. To make the game harder, you can make all the things almost alike, such as four small paper squares, four medium-sized paper squares, and four large paper squares. Remember: Play this and any game only as long as it's fun for your child and for you.

- PRETEND YOU ARE
Help your child use her body and her imagination.

How to play
Ask your child to imitate familiar things like a flower, a tree, a train, a dog, a boat, Daddy driving a car. Take turns being the flower, the tree, and so on.

- FIRST NUMBERS
Help your child learn the difference between one and two.

How to play
Play a special game with your child, showing her groups of things that have one, two, three or more in them. You can use small toys, books, paper cups, flowers, milk caps, or other small, safe things for this game. Encourage her to pick out the group that is one. Put two objects together, and ask her how many. Put one object out, and ask her how many. Then let her ask you.

Playing make-believe Imagination is a wonderful thing. We can help our children develop it. Children love to pretend they are someone important and powerful, like a super hero, doctor, teacher or parent. An imaginary friend can be a special kind of companion. This is a good, healthy part of growing up. It helps children practice for the future. It gives them pleasure and comfort. Dr. Burton White found in his studies that well-developed young children often pretended they were someone else -- usually an adult. He also found that most of these children had received a lot of encouragement from their parents to do fantasy play. Join your child in fantasy play. You will make this important play even more special for your toddler, and encourage her creativity.

[CanadianGirl]

27 & 28 Months

Re-check Safety
Give your house a safety re-check today. Children can get into new dangers as they develop new abilities. Cover electrical outlets. Make sure everything dangerous is locked up, or out of reach. As toddlers learn to climb, they can open cabinets that they could not reach before. They can also climb up bookshelves and tip them over. You can make bookshelves safer by attaching them to the wall. Each home is different. Parents can make their load easier if they stay alert to changing safety risks, and take action as soon as new ones are found. Keep by each phone the numbers for the nearest Poison Control Center, your doctor, and other emergency numbers like 911.

Turn Win-Lose into Win-Win.
Your toddler's growing independence may be a big source of stress in your life right now. Sometimes, you may feel like you're in a war with your child, trying to win every battle. Some battles end so that you both lose. When you win, your child might fight back even harder. When he wins, you might feel angry, defeated or guilty. One way to reduce this stress is to handle these battles so both of you win at least a little. Maybe you can't talk about compromise with a stubborn 2-year-old. But you can figure out how to end up with no one feeling like a loser. If you refuse to get caught up in a battle, then your child can't lose -- and neither can you. For example, your daughter demands that you read her a story, and you want her to help pick up her toys. Maybe she can pick out the story before cleanup, and you can read it when the room is picked up. Or, maybe you can read half the story before cleanup, and read the rest after. You'll both feel better for it.

Stress can be caused by feeling that you have too much to do, and not enough time. You can't even get all your chores done, much less play with your child or take time for yourself. Managing your time better can help prevent this kind of stress. Here are some ideas:
- Make a list of everything you want to get done for one day or one week.
- Decide which things are most important, and which ones can wait, or don't have to be done at all.
- Be reasonable about the number of things you can do in the time you have.
- Write out a schedule for your day, so you can aim for a time to finish each task.
- Think about how you'll do the task in the time you've planned.
- Group chores together if they need similar tools.
- Group all the chores that involve going out, or the ones for which you need someone else to care for your child.
- Figure out how much you really can do in the time you have.
- Don't be afraid to say no to people who want more of your time than you want to give.
- Make sure you build in time for the most important people in your life!

TV Tells Toddlers About Cereals.
Has this happened to you yet? You are pushing your grocery cart down the aisle at the market. Your toddler sees a certain brand of breakfast cereal. He begins calling out the name of the cereal. He wants you to buy it. You are amazed. You've never bought that kind of cereal, and he's never eaten it. How did he find out about it? Probably from TV.

Toddlers don't seem to pay much attention to television, but are often aware of what is happening on the screen. Commercials are very appealing because of the action and noise. The food most often advertised during children's programs is cereal. Some of these cereals are nutritious, others are not. In fact, some of these "cereals" have more sugar than cereal. They are more like candy than food.

How can you tell if a cereal is high in sugar? Look for the ingredient label on the box. Ingredients are listed in order of quantity, starting with the most. If the first, second or third ingredient listed is sugar, sucrose or corn syrup, there is a lot of sugar in the cereal. You will want to choose another cereal lower in sugar. What do you tell your child if you decide not to buy the cereal? Say: "This is not a 'good-for-you' cereal. We want to buy a cereal that will help you grow healthy and strong." Check labels on other cereals, and let him choose from the cereals that are low in sugar. If your child is unhappy because you aren't going to buy the cereal he wants, move away from the cereal display. Go on and do the rest of your shopping. You can spend time reading cereal labels when you are shopping alone. Some families also use this rule: "We never buy anything we see advertised on TV." If you repeat this rule and really follow it, then children accept it. You will have few arguments while shopping.

Bedtime Is Not Always Sleep Time.
My 2 1/2-year-old won't go to sleep when I put him to bed. What can I do? . Bedtime is not always sleep time. Young children need regular bedtimes, and special bedtime routines -- like teeth brushing, stories and hugs. Parents need regular bedtimes for their children, so they can have some time alone. You can expect your child to go to bed and be quiet at set times. Don't worry if he does not always go to sleep as soon as he goes to bed. When he isn't sleepy, let him have some quiet play time in bed until sleep comes.

Homemade Toys That Teach
Isn't it nice to see your child's imagination grow? When your toddler pretends he can be as powerful, as big, and as important as he wants to be, this is a good feeling. He can practice being like members of his family or a king, teacher, or police officer. Imagination and pretend play are important. They help your child cope with his world, and prepare for his future. At this age, your child learns about others' points of view -- their feelings and thoughts -- by acting them out. What he cannot yet do mentally, he now does physically, by pretending to be another person. You can encourage his imagination and be a part of his pretend play by making a carton play place with him.

For the carton play place, you will need:
- Large cardboard box that you might get from grocery or appliance stores -- Your carton should be big enough for your toddler to crawl inside. Make sure there are no staples in the box.
- Utility knife -- Use this to cut the cardboard box. Keep your toddler away from the knife. Put it away as soon as you've finished.
- Crayons, colored paper or streamers, and so forth, for decorating the play place

Making a play place
The box can be whatever your toddler wants it to be -- a house, spaceship, boat, cave, fort, or all of these. Place the box so the open end is on the floor. Cut windows, portholes, or whatever your toddler wants on the sides and back of the box. Let your toddler decorate the box however he wants. He may want you to write his name on the box, or put a message or sign on it.

Watch Out For Toxic Plants!
Many kinds of yard and house plants are poisonous if eaten. Know the plants in and around your home and neighborhood. Your local Poison Control Center has information on toxic plants in your area. It may confuse a young child to offer something from the garden when a nearby plant -- such as nightshade berries or Jerusalem cherries -- could be harmful.

To be safe, don't let your child eat leaves or berries while playing or helping you garden. Watch for mushrooms ("toadstools"), which pop up quickly. If your child eats any part of a plant, or other poison: Call Poison Control. Look inside the front cover of the phone book to find the number, and post it by your phone. If your child needs emergency treatment, bring with you a piece of the plant or substance your child ate. Keep Syrup of Ipecac on hand -- but do not use it unless the doctor, nurse or Poison Control Center tells you to. This strong medicine makes a child vomit -- the right treatment for some poisons, but not others.

Choosing Books For Toddlers
When you select books for toddlers, look for these features:
- Familiar subject -- The book should have things your child knows about.
- Simple plot -- Some books have only pictures with labels on them. These can also be fun for toddlers. Your child will enjoy turning the pages with you, seeing the pictures, and talking to you about them.
- Clear, simple words -- There should be just a few words on each page. Toddlers like books when words are fun to say, and phrases are repeated.
- Large, clear, bright-colored pictures -- Toddlers often like drawings better than photographs, because they are easier to understand.
- See if you can find sturdy cardboard books ("board" books). You can buy these at small cost, or borrow them from your library. Your child can turn the pages of these books more easily, and the pages will not tear.

Discipline With "Time-Out."
Used right, "time-out" can be a good way to handle those times when your toddler seems determined to disobey, and nothing you do will stop her. Time-out means putting your toddler in a safe place away from you for a few minutes. This gives you a chance to calm down if you both need it. This lets your toddler know it is not OK to continue her naughty behavior. When you use time-out, be sure you let your toddler know you love her, and that you do not want to hurt her.

Here are some important things to do to keep time-out as a guidance and discipline method, not a punishment:
- Tell your child about time-out.
- Tell her ahead of time -- before she breaks a rule -- what time-out is, and how you will use it.
- Choose the time-out place carefully.
- Use a safe, non-scary place like a bedroom, a chair, the bottom stair, or part of a room.
- Never use a closet or place that is dark, dangerous, or frightening to your child.
- Tell your toddler WHY you are using time-out, and how long it will last.
- Before time-out, explain to her why she is being disciplined.
- Tell her how long time-out will be, and tell her you will come to get her when the time is up.
- Keep your promise. Keep time-out short.
- For a toddler, time-out should last no more than 3 minutes, or 1 minute for each year of age.
- Set a timer, and be sure you follow your time limits. When the time is up, go in to her, give her a hug, and invite her to be with you.
- Keep calm. When you use time-out or any kind of discipline, stay calm.
- Explain clearly to your child why you are limiting her.
- Follow through firmly, but also show that you love and care for her.

Does My Child Need To Nap?
My child doesn't want to nap. Is a nap necessary? At this age, many children take one 2- to 3-hour nap after lunch, instead of several shorter naps. Each child is different. Some 2-year-olds are nearly ready to give up napping entirely. Others sleep deeply for several hours every afternoon. Unless he seems irritable and overtired, don't force your youngster to sleep during nap time. Do be sure you have some quiet rest time every day, though. Your child can look at books or play quietly in his room. Set a routine, and stick with it. Your busy toddler really needs this quiet break -- and so do you!

Learning At Home
How would you like to start a school in your home? If you're thinking this means books, a chalkboard, and rows of desks, that's not the idea. This school is not only in your home -- this school is your home, your family, and your day-to-day activities. Actually, you've been teaching your child since birth. You might say, "But I don't know how to teach." You don't need a teaching degree. You just need to remember your "ABCs": A child's first and most important teachers are his parents. Be alert to the new situations your child faces each day. Conduct short, simple lessons many times during the day.

Now, here is how to conduct your school. Keep learning fun! Teach by playing games, and talking to your child in a friendly way. Here are some teaching ideas:
- Teach colors. As you set the table, talk about the red dishes, the blue tablecloth. As you sort the clothes, talk about the blue jeans, the white shirt.
- Teach shapes. Talk about shapes of toys or furnishings in your home -- the round mirror, the square table.
- Teach alike or different. Help your child sort spoons and forks in the drawer.
- Teach words. Teach about language and books by showing pictures and reading short stories to your child again and again. Talk with him about the story.

Remember: Your child's first school is in your home. The lessons you teach will prepare him to learn even more when he starts preschool and kindergarten. Children who have been taught at home enjoy learning, and usually learn faster when they start school.

Toddlers Show Their Feelings.
Toddlers naturally show you and tell you that they love you. Welcome and enjoy these feelings. You'll want to show your feelings to your toddler, too, with words and hugs. But just as naturally, toddlers sometimes also say and show that they dislike you. Parents understandably find these angry words and actions hard to take. It is much nicer to hear "I love you" than "I hate you." But both kinds of feelings are common with toddlers, and are part of growing up.

Try to handle these actions and feelings with understanding, instead of arguing or punishing. Your toddler's angry words and actions do not mean you have been a bad parent, or that she really dislikes you. Understand that her anger is temporary and normal. Show your child that you care for her even when she is angry, and that angry feelings are OK. Do not let her turn her feelings into angry actions such as biting, kicking or hitting. And don't give in to unreasonable demands just to prevent angry outbursts. You might try to talk to her, and find out more about why she is feeling angry.Be patient. The good and loving relationship you have with your toddler will keep these angry times short.

Brushing Teeth
Keep brushing your child's teeth with a tiny, pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste. Use only small amounts of toothpaste because young children tend to swallow it. If your water supply is not fluoridated, your child's doctor or health care provider may recommend fluoride drops to help strengthen teeth. Schedule a dental checkup for your child every six months, or as often as your dentist advises.

Preparing Your Toddler For Special Occasions
Parents are often eager to have their children join in the fun of celebrations. For the young child, these occasions may be happy -- or they may be scary and upsetting. Your young child may not want to talk to a strange Santa Claus, or shake hands with a clown. He will probably not laugh if a neighbor child in a witch costume swoops down upon him. He might not enjoy meeting new relatives at a family gathering, either.

You can't protect your child from every frightening situation. But here are a few things you can do to prepare him for special occasions:
- Talk to your child about where you are planning to go.
- Tell him what he will see and do there. Practice ahead of time, if you can.
- Show your toddler pictures of Santa before visiting him.
- Let him play with masks before Halloween.
- Before the family party, show him photos, and tell him about the relatives he may see.
- Watch with your child from a safe distance before entering a gathering.
- Let him watch other children meeting Santa or a clown, and reassure him with hugs and words. Then, let your child take his time getting acquainted, and let him decide whether to participate.
- Don't force him to get close to unfamiliar or scary people or characters.

Games for growing
- SORTING GAME
Help your child learn how things can be alike or different.

How to play
Find three or four each of about four different things, like four playing cards, four ribbons, four spoons, four leaves. Mix these up, and put them in a pile or a bowl. Ask your child to sort them into piles of things that are alike. If your child wants, you can take a turn at sorting, too. To make the game harder, you can make all the things almost alike, such as four small paper squares, four medium-sized paper squares, and four large paper squares. Remember: Play this and any game only as long as it's fun for your child and for you.

- PRETEND YOU ARE
Help your child use her body and her imagination.

How to play
Ask your child to imitate familiar things like a flower, a tree, a train, a dog, a boat, Daddy driving a car. Take turns being the flower, the tree, and so on.

- FIRST NUMBERS
Help your child learn the difference between one and two.

How to play
Play a special game with your child, showing her groups of things that have one, two, three or more in them. You can use small toys, books, paper cups, flowers, milk caps, or other small, safe things for this game. Encourage her to pick out the group that is one. Put two objects together, and ask her how many. Put one object out, and ask her how many. Then let her ask you.

Playing make-believe Imagination is a wonderful thing. We can help our children develop it. Children love to pretend they are someone important and powerful, like a super hero, doctor, teacher or parent. An imaginary friend can be a special kind of companion. This is a good, healthy part of growing up. It helps children practice for the future. It gives them pleasure and comfort. Dr. Burton White found in his studies that well-developed young children often pretended they were someone else -- usually an adult. He also found that most of these children had received a lot of encouragement from their parents to do fantasy play. Join your child in fantasy play. You will make this important play even more special for your toddler, and encourage her creativity.