WITH SUCCESS NEWSLETTER From 18-24 Months YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT FROM 18-24 MONTHS

Language Development Brain Development

LOOK FOR YOUR TODDLER TO: LOOK FOR YOUR TODDLER TO: Begin understanding what things are for, Name six body parts (eyes, nose, etc.) like a hammer is for pounding

Understand many words; says 10-20 words Try taking toys apart

Combine two words (“go bye-bye”) Imitate by dressing up, “cooking,” “talking” on the phone, etc. Follow simple directions like “put your napkin in the trash” Understand a simple plot in a book, and look at picture books, including turning the pages Use words some of the time; use gestures and sounds the rest of the time Stack four or five objects

Enjoy singing and music; may try to sing Be curious about everything in the world

Enjoy books with a simple plot or familiar subject Recognize and name familiar people in photographs

Say no frequently Start to repeat some things by memory when asked

Put together a three to six piece puzzle HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO: Know where things are located in and around the house (garbage can, bedroom, shoes or toys) Tell stories, read books, sing rhyming songs.

Talk to your child about the names of body parts (nose, HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO: eyes), the noises animals make, and other interesting words and sounds in the environment. Spend time talking to your toddler and explaining the Encourage all language in a positive way, even if the world in simple language; remember that even the child uses the wrong word. If your child calls a butterfly simplest things are new and interesting to your toddler. a bird, say “it’s a butterfly … it flies like a bird” rather Provide items to stack, nest and take apart. Be sure than “no, it’s not a bird.” these things are not choking or strangulation hazards. Give your child simple directions to follow and allow Give your child toys that encourage imitation: dress-up him/her time to process the words before responding. clothes, dolls and dishes, phone, play tools. Use description to expand your child’s vocabulary. If Begin reading books with simple plots that a toddler your child says “dog,” respond by saying, “yes it’s a can relate to — eating, sleeping, playing, bath time, etc. big dog.” Provide photos your child can handle and identify. Use expansion to develop your child’s vocabulary. If your child says “it’s a big dog,” add another statement Sing songs, repeat rhymes and finger games (such as like “yes, the big dog looks like a friendly dog.” Itsy Bitsy Spider). Encourage your child to join in, but remember, there is no need to push. Toddlers like the word no because it feels powerful. don’t need to take this personally or view it as Provide simple puzzles and matching games defiance. Use positive guidance techniques to direct your child’s behavior.

Take time to play with your child; this is one of the best opportunities for language development.

- 1 - Social-Emotional Development Physical Development

LOOK FOR YOUR TODDLER TO: LOOK FOR YOUR TODDLER TO:

Do cute things to get attention Walk well

Still be self centered and have trouble sharing Kick a ball forward

Enjoy helping Throw a ball overhand

Play beside other children, but not really with them Jump off the ground with two feet

Still have temper tantrums Practice climbing

Often treat other children as objects Walk up stairs putting both feet on each step, holding to a railing May be fearful of certain things Enjoy stacking, knocking down, pulling Test limits, not just to predict what you will do, but to apart, feeling, twisting and squeezing begin to understand where the limits are Use a fist to grasp a crayon or marker and scribble HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Take opportunities to give your child undivided attention. HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO: This simple approach may decrease the need for negative Provide safe spaces for your child to walk, run and climb; attention getting. provide outside playtime as often as possible. Toddlers Now is a good time to begin to introduce sharing, but being outside and it’s a great place for practicing don’t expect your toddler to share willingly all the time. large motor skills. Model sharing by sharing your things with your child. Give toddlers opportunities to play with balls safely. Introduce “trading.” If you child wants another child’s toy, have him/her find something to trade. Use a timer to help Think of ways to let your toddler practice jumping and your child understand when his/her turn will come. climbing safely.

Give your child simple jobs to do (folding washcloths, Provide blocks or other stackable objects. Make sure all putting spoons on the table). toys are age appropriate and are not a choking hazard.

Temper tantrums are normal. Pay attention to what Buy some playdough or make your own! Find the recipe triggers your child’s tantrums and avoid those situations later in this newsletter. Squeezing and rolling playdough if possible. It is not necessary or helpful to punish a child develops the small muscles in the hands that will be for having a tantrum. Self control will develop and these needed later for cutting and writing. behaviors will eventually go away. Give your child the opportunity to use crayons and

Supervise toddlers when they play together, until they markers. Use large paper taped to the table and be sure learn more about social behavior. to supervise.

Try to understand your child’s fears without ridicule or making light of them.

When your child tests limits in a negative way, try to use positive child guidance techniques. Learn more: Young Children: Communication is Key, Reinforcement for Appropriate Behavior and Discipline: A Teaching and Learning Experience

ALL TODDLERS ARE DIFFERENT

All toddlers develop at their own rates. Notice your child’s growth in each area so you can encourage each new stage. Your job is to provide opportunities for your child to learn new things when he or she is ready, without being pushed or pressured. If you have concerns, contact your health care provider or the life education office at Avera, 605-322-3660.

- 2 - LET'S MAKE IT SAFE

PRODUCT RECALLS All parents should monitor recalls of children’s products (toys, equipment, clothing, etc). We recommend the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which will either email you periodic updates on product recalls or send a newsletter by mail. Visit cpsc.gov

TODDLER SAFETY Older toddlers still do not understand many of the dangers in the world. Their physical development allows them to get into harm’s way frequently, but their is not yet at a point where they can protect themselves. Parents still carry ALL of the responsibility to keep toddlers safe.

For Specific information on safety issues: Poison Prevention, Preventing Suffocation and Strangulation, Toy Safety and Drowning Prevention

CAR SEAT SAFETY All toddlers should ride in a REAR FACING CAR SAFETY SEAT until they are 2 years of age or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seats manufacturer.

CHOKING Choking is still a major hazard for toddlers. Be sure your child sits while eating and is always supervised. Choking is called the “silent killer” because when the airway is obstructed, the child will not make any noise. Parents should take a class in infant/child CPR. Foods that most frequently cause choking are hot dogs, hard candy and lollipops, nuts (especially peanuts), large marshmallows, popcorn, and chewing gum, hard raw fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, and grapes. But remember, ANY food can cause choking.

- 3 - HEALTH HINTS

Protecting Little Smiles healthy snacks. Now is a good time to establish regular mealtimes for the whole family. Remember that your All 20 baby teeth are usually in by age 2½. Keeping baby toddler may not yet have the patience to sit for the entire teeth healthy is important for: meal. Family mealtime is important, so try to make it pleasant and interesting. Mealtime is not a time for electronic media! Turn off the TV and other screens and talk Talking and chewing to each other! Protecting the developing permanent teeth

Providing spacing for permanent teeth Many parents grew up with the “clean your plate” rule. While no one likes to see food go to waste, this is probably Good dental care is important. Help your toddler clean teeth not the best approach. Provide a variety of healthy foods and gums with a damp cloth, gauze or a soft toothbrush. at each meal or snack and allow your child to decide how Check with your dentist for advice on which toothpaste much to eat. A serving size for a toddler is 1-2 tablespoons to use for your child. Your child should have a first dental of each food. If your child is consistently leaving food on checkup by age 2. the plate, start with smaller servings. Avoid using food as a reward (“if you eat all your green beans you can have ice You can protect your child’s teeth by limiting sugary drinks, cream”) or as a punishment (“if you don’t taste your meat, candy and sticky foods. Toddlers should be using a cup at you are going straight to bed”). mealtime. Work toward teaching your child to drink from an open cup, rather than a sippy cup. Sippy cups allow fluids Your toddler may be ready to try eating with utensils. This to pool around the teeth while open cups let fluids go to will take lots of practice for him or her and lots of patience the back of the mouth. A cup with a soft straw is another for you. Give your toddler small, child friendly utensils and alternative. avoid foods that might be more challenging (like soup!) until he or she gets better at it. If your child still uses a bottle, use it only for milk at feeding times. At other times, use the bottle for water. Never put Learn more: Feeding Guide for Young Children a child to bed with a bottle. If your child still uses a pacifier, and Children’s Nutrition Guidelines talk to your dentist.

Immunizations

Immunizations are important! They not only protect your child, but they protect the community as well. Follow your health care provider’s advice in scheduling your child’s immunizations.

Little Bodies Need Big Nutrition

TODDLER EATING BEHAVIORS Toddlers have small tummies and usually can’t eat enough at a meal to last until the next meal. A toddler may need three meals a day and two to three

- 4 - THINKING ABOUT GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE

Setting Limits Punish or Teach? Think about Your Guidance Goals Toddlers have unique thinking strategies that make them seem naughty much of the time! Toddlers are not like 4- Even at this young age, there are things you can do to help and 5-year-olds, and can’t behave like them! your child learn to control his or her own behavior. When parents try to teach the right behavior rather than punishing The main developmental goal of toddlerhood is the wrong behavior, they give their child a better chance to independence. Toddlers like to do things for themselves and begin to learn self control. Think carefully before slapping be in control at least some of the time. Favorite words for your toddler’s hand or spanking. It may stop the behavior toddlers might be “no”, “don’t want to”, “don’t like it” and (or it may not), but it certainly doesn’t teach the behavior “me do it”. Toddlers aren’t trying to be naughty or defiant; you want him or her to learn. This doesn’t mean you should they are just trying to test their new independence. Be let your child do whatever he/she wants. It means you patient! Your toddler will gradually develop more self control should use positive ways to TEACH him or her how to and will begin to understand limits in the near future. behave. SPOILING Techniques for Guiding Your Children get spoiled when parents give in to unreasonable demands, fail to limit annoying behavior, or let their child’s Toddler’s Behavior minor needs inconvenience others. Spoiling will not happen because you play with your child or listen to his or her Let your child know when he/she is doing well. “Good needs. Set clear, reasonable limits for your toddler that are job helping Mom!” “I like the way you are holding my age appropriate. Let your child practice these skills instead hand!” Praise good behavior. of doing things for him or her. Tell him/her what he CAN do and minimize the “no’s”. TIME-OUT Plan ahead for outings by talking to your child about Time-out is a guidance tool to help your child take a break behavior, taking along activities and snacks, and being from behavior that is not OK. Your toddler may now be at an prepared to leave if your toddler cannot handle the age where time-outs can be a useful technique. A time-out situation is a short break (1-2 minutes per year of age) to help the Tell your toddler what you want him/her to do, instead child gain control. Choose a place in your home for time- of asking him/her. If you say, “Do you want to pick outs like a chair or mat that is separate from regular family up your toys now?” He/She will probably say NO! activities. Avoid calling it the “naughty” chair. After the Instead, say, “It’s time to pick up the toys now. time-out, come back to your child and in a loving manner, I’ll help you.” remind them of the behavior that is not acceptable and

Make the things you want him/her to do interesting. what he/she can do differently in the future. Avoid over “Let’s sing a song while we change your diaper.” talking; toddlers do not respond well to lengthy lectures. Also avoid trying to make your child feel guilty about the Give another idea. “I can’t let you jump off the behavior (“look what you did — you should be ashamed couch, but you may jump off this stool.” of yourself”). Tell your child you love him/her and give reassurance that he or she can do better in the future. For more information on toddler behavior: Terrific Toddlers TIME-IN Another technique to try is called “time-in”. Instead of separation, time-in suggests that a child needs closeness to learn appropriate behaviors. Time-in focuses on regaining peace between all concerned rather than on right or wrong. Time-in helps a child think about his or her behavior rather than concentrating on the anger and punishment itself. Choose a time-in place — it could be your lap, a place in a room. The stays close by to offer help, love, care and encouragement to change behavior. - 5 -

HOT TOPICS FOR TODDLERS

BITING Mommies Matter: Dads Do Too! Biting is a common behavior in toddlers, especially those in childcare. WHEN YOUR TODDLER DRIVES YOU CRAZY! For more information on biting: Parenting a toddler is emotionally and physically exhausting! All parents get upset with their toddlers sometimes. If you Handling a Biter feel angry and out of control, here are some ideas:

POTTY TRAINING Take deep breaths, count to 10, close your eyes In the United States, many children begin potty Put your toddler in a safe place for a few minutes training between ages 2 and 2 ½ . Look for signs of (crib, playpen) to give yourself time to calm down readiness in your child: Ask a trusted friend or relative to relieve you so you can have a break Stays dry for two hours or more; wakes up dry Consider reading a book on toddler development to help you from a nap or in the morning understand your child at this stage Asks to have diaper changed or tells you when he or she has gone potty or has had a bowel “The Happiest Toddler on the Block” by Harvey Karp movement “Touchpoints” by T. Berry Brazelton

Can get clothing off and on “Your Baby and Child” by Penelope Leach

Is interested in the toilet “Caring for Your Baby and Young Child” by The American Academy of Choose a time when things are going well at home You can also call the Family Life Education office for insight and stress is minimal. Potty training might need into your toddler’s behavior. Our family life educators are to wait if your child is going through changes like available by phone at 605-322-3660. giving up the bottle or pacifier, moving out of the crib, etc. Approach potty training in a positive way. Remember, punishment never has a place in potty If you feel that your emotions are difficult to manage, talk training. to your doctor, spiritual advisor or counselor. Getting help means that you are responsible and that you care about your child. For more information on potty training: A Parent’s Guide to Toilet Training

TODDLERS AND AWARENESS OF SEXUALITY Potty training often generates a toddler’s interest in body parts and gender differences. This is a very normal part of your child’s curiosity. Be prepared to use correct names for body parts and body functions. Answer your child’s questions simply, calmly and factually with information they are ready to understand.

Touching private parts or genitals is also normal at this age. There is no need to punish a child for this behavior. Soon, your child will begin to learn about privacy and modesty.

- 6 - ACTIVITY CORNER

Your toddler now has the ability to begin using the small muscles in the hands. These muscles will be needed later when he/she learns to write and use a scissors. You can encourage this with some simple activities.

SQUEEZE PAINT Mix equal parts flour, water and salt. Add a little paint or food coloring and put into a soft squeeze bottle. Let your toddler squeeze the paint onto a piece of heavy paper or cardboard. (The salt will make the “paint” sparkle when it dries.)

HOMEMADE PLAYDOUGH

1 cup flour

1 tablespoon oil

1 cup colored water ½ cup salt CHILDCARE CORNER 2 teaspoons. cream of tartar Continue to visit with your childcare provider often about your child’s care. Be sure your caregiver Mix well. Heat on medium in a heavy skillet or electric fry understands toddler development and uses positive pan until thick and no longer sticky. Turn onto the counter guidance techniques. Older toddlers still need lots of and cool slightly. Knead well. Store in an airtight container cuddling, smiling and other emotional support. Toddlers or bag. Keeps a long time! sometimes need to be on their own schedules for eating and sleeping, even though it may not fit into the Homemade playdough is non toxic, but can cause a childcare schedule. Remember, this will not last forever! tummy ache if a child eats a lot of it. Supervise your child when using playdough. Offer safe toys to poke into the Many parents wonder if childcare will affect the bond dough and make designs. Combs work well. Save the they have with their child. Research shows that in cookie cutters until about age 3 when fine motor skills where parents are actively engaged with their are more developed. Encourage children to squeeze the children and are sensitive to their needs, childcare will dough and roll snakes or balls. This develops the muscles not hurt the attachment bond. in the hands. Quality childcare is very important. Childcare that is unstable, has frequent staff changes, has staff members MEDICINE DROPPER PLAY who have little or no training or are not actively engaged Fill some of the sections of an ice cube tray with a small with the children can be harmful to children. You and the amount of water. Use food coloring to color some of the staff should have a similar view on child guidance. Long sections. Cover the table with an old towel. Give your hours in childcare — even quality childcare — can also child a large medicine dropper and let her move water have a negative effect on children. from one section of the ice cube tray to another, mixing Treat childcare providers as professionals and the colors. Supervise this activity; sometimes parts of communicate with them in a positive way. Be sure to the medicine dropper can be a choking hazard. express your gratitude for your provider’s insight and care. Volunteer for your childcare or offer to serve on the parent advisory council.

For more information on choosing childcare, contact the Help!line Center by dialing 211 in the Sioux Falls area or visit their website helplinecenter.org

- 7 - 19-PEDS-16166