Growth & Development: I can do it!
More Independent...
Your little one wants to do more and more for themself with each passing month. They are getting dressed in the morning, brushing his/her teeth at night, using a fork and spoon, and buckling themselves into his booster seat. He/she may even start their own routines and rituals-a sign of independence and growing self-esteem.8
Learning Quickly...
Your toddler is learning like crazy, and probably knows his/her first and last names, address and phone number. They are learning and understanding the alphabet and may be able to write at least some letters of his/her name.8
Feelings...
At this age, you're seeing signs of your child growing emotionally as well. He/she may recognize how others feel and show their sense of humor by trying to make you laugh. They are developing friendships independent of you and really playing with other kids rather than side by side. He/she may start asking complicated questions about birth and death.8
Toddler Tips
Good Advice for Mom
- Encourage playtime each day. The National Association of Sports and Physical Education says that every day, preschoolers should get at least an hour of structured physical activity led by an adult, an hour of free play time, and not be inactive for more than an hour at a time unless they're asleep. That may seem like a lot, but it goes by quickly when you make it part of your family's routine. Plan walks, easy backyard games and a daily bike or tricycle ride to keep your child moving.9
- Watch the amount of juice your toddler drinks. Studies show the sugar in fruit juice can discolor and eat away at tooth enamel, especially if children drink juice from bottles, cups or boxes all day or at bedtime. One way to lessen the risk is to dilute their juice with water.10
- Protect them from the sun. Even little bodies need protection from the sun's damaging rays. Always put sunscreen on your child about 20-30 minutes before they go outside, and use a PABA-free brand with an SPF of 15 or higher. Even if it's waterproof, it should be reapplied every 80 minutes or so if they're playing in the water.11
8 “Your 4-Year-Old,” “Your 4 ¼-Year-Old,” “Your 4 ½-Year-Old,” and “Your 4 ¾-Year-Old”http://parentcenter.babycenter.com
9 “Should Your Preschooler Play Sports?”www.kidshealth.org
10 “Q&A: Can Too Much Juice Discolor Teeth?”www.kidshealth.org
11 “Tips for Sunscreen Use”www.drgreene.com
