Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5

Growth & Development: Can I Help?

Time to Pretend...

Your toddler is growing up right before your eyes. They're probably able to leave you without getting too anxious, and adjusts to new situations like preschool more easily. They're starting to create ways to entertain themselves, such as boys playing fireman or girls pretending to be the mommy to their dolls. They may love to help you with chores and are pretty good at following instructions when it's time to put away their toys or wash their hands for dinner.4

Improved Communication Skills...

Your toddler may show some understanding of the alphabet and the idea that letters form words and stories. As he/she approaches their fourth year, they'll probably be solving problems such as asking a friend to trade toys so they can each have a turn.

Toddler Tips

Good Advice for Mom

  • Ask your child questions. The best way to know your child has an earache is him/her telling you - just ask. But if they can't talk clearly yet, there are other clues. If they pull or tug at their ear, have a fever, have fluid draining from the ear, are fussy, are eating less, have an upset stomach, have diarrhea, start waking in the night or crying in their sleep, call your doctor. A pesky ear infection may be to blame.5
  • Be aware of your child's developing identity. Are you imagining things, or did you hear your child bossing his/her toys around, congratulating themselves on behaving well and talking to an imaginary friend? If they're a normal three-year-old, you heard right. This "self-talk" is your child's way of gaining self-control and thinking about their place in the world, and is quite healthy.6
  • Make language and reading development fun. Your toddler is just starting to learn the alphabet and recognize words. To help them along, it can be fun to point out everyday words like the letters on a stop sign or the logo on a favorite store. Give them a subscription to a children's magazine to give them something new to read on a regular basis. They'll also love getting their own mail!7

4 “Your 3-Year-Old,” “Your 3 ¼-Year-Old,” “Your 3 ½-Year-Old,” and “Your 3 ¾-Year-Old”http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

5 “Ear Infections”http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

6 “What Your Child's Words Reveal”www.child.com

7 “Learning to Read-Age by Age Guide”www.aap.org

Consult your physician or dental professional if using another fluoridated product.

Helpful Tips
for Parents

Lunch Box Basics

If you're concerned about your toddler getting a healthy meal or snack when he heads off to nursery school, daycare or the babysitter's, fix it yourself! He'll like the grown-up feeling of carrying his own lunch box and you'll rest easy knowing he's getting the nutrition he may need.
More

Toddler on Aisle Three

Holiday shopping with a toddler doesn't have to be stressful. Try these tips: Go in the morning when she's less likely to be cranky. Give her regular breaks from the stroller or shopping cart to let off steam. Bring water and healthy snacks like nuts, raisins or granola bars to keep her energy up, and disposable wipes for cleaning hands. Tell her the store rules and enforce them. Remind her to use her soft "public" voice when she needs something.

Source: "Ten Tips for All Day Shopping with a Toddler," www.thingamababy.com, May 18, 2006; "How to Take a Toddler Shopping," by Rose Halas, www.essortment.com