27- and 28-month-old: Milestones and development.

 

Mastering motor skills

Sometimes it can seem like your child has the concentration and persistence of a scientist. In fact, she's developmentally driven to do certain things over and over again. Repetitive actions perfect her motor skills. That's part of the reason she can't help climbing something that you've asked her repeatedly not to. She's almost compelled to try, try again.

Help your child practice her large-motor skills by bringing home ride-on toys and push and pull toys. For fine motor skills practice, look for puzzles with knobbed handles, lock boxes and latch boards, and dress-up dolls that need buttoning and lacing. Or get some yarn and string together different pasta shapes or large buttons and beads.

Another developmental benefit of repetitive play is to build the brain. Experimenting is one way your 2-year-old figures out how the world works. And that's just what she's up to when she pulls off her shoes over and over, stacks, unstacks, and restacks blocks, or seems endlessly fascinated with water dripping from a garden hose.

 

Diaper stripper

Necessity is the mother of invention when your wily 2-year-old constantly comes up with new "problems" for you to solve. For example, better fine motor skills often lead diaper-wearers to undo the tabs that keep the diaper on. If you've got a merry stripper, try fastening the diaper with duct tape. It's harder to lift up, and your child may soon lose interest in trying.

Becoming bilingual

Since your child is picking up English so rapidly, you might wonder if now's also the time to expose him to other languages. There's evidence that children learn languages more easily in the early years because their brains are so feverishly making new neural connections. They can literally hear all the unique sounds of a foreign tongue better than a teenager or an adult.

Kids who grow up in a bilingual household are thought to have a combined vocabulary that is equivalent to or greater than that of monolingual children, and being bilingual has been shown to have lasting cognitive benefits.

The catch is that the best way for your child to learn a language now is through conversation with a native speaker. Tapes or weekly classes are less effective, because it's the face-to-face observations and repetition that help the brain most. Your child is also far more likely to retain the second language if continuously exposed to it as he grows. Chinese lessons only from ages 2 to 4 will not make your child proficient at 18. Some research, though, shows there may be a brain-connection boost, even if your child never becomes fluent.

If you like the idea of exposing your child to another language, look for translations of popular children's books to read together. If your child's babysitter is bilingual, encourage her to speak her native language with your child.

Parent time

It's not unusual for the parent of a 2-year-old to wake up one day and realize that even her adult conversations revolve almost exclusively around ... 2-year-olds. Jump-start your brain by having a "kid-free meal" with friends or your partner - no children present either physically or verbally. Take some time for self-care. Consider signing up for a class or a book club.

 

Read it again

Five Little Monkeys Sitting in a Tree again? Oh yes. Reading the same book over and over provides a measure of comfort to 2-year-olds, who see the familiar characters and plot as an oasis in a world full of unknowns. But there are cognitive and language benefits to re-reading, too.

Re-reading helps your 2-year-old connect the words he hears with the pictures he sees. This is an important kind of pre-reading that will be a useful skill in a few years when he learns to read. Hearing the same sentences again and again helps him decode grammar. Your child also gets a rush of confidence when you turn the page and he sees the expected next part of the story: "Yes! I knew that was going to happen!"

Let your child choose which book to read. If it's the same old favorite, mask your boredom and read it once again. (Hey, at least most books for 2-year-olds aren't terribly long.) He may well want to hear the same story several times in a sitting. Keep a wide variety of books on hand by making frequent library visits; eventually he'll be ready to switch to a new favorite or expand his repertoire.

Power struggles

"Pick your battles" means focusing on the big issues and ignoring the small ones or the ones you can't win. Especially with a 2-year-old, power struggles can pop up like dandelions in a suburban lawn. Your child is learning to exert his will and preferences, and he's also easily frustrated these days. You could be locked in continual conflict if you aren't careful.

Clearly define your limits and expectations. Decide which rules you care most about: no hitting and no throwing food, for example. These are the ones you should enforce consistently and ask all caregivers to insist on, too. But let slide things like how many vegetables your child eats per meal; you can't force him to eat.

Parallel play

You set up the playdate, set the kids loose - and they head off for different toys, completely ignoring one another. Is the playdate a bust? Not at all. Kids this age typically engage in what's called parallel play. It might look strange, but it's completely normal and developmentally useful.

Your 2-year-old is making important social progress. He's moved up from always playing alone, as he did when he was a baby. Now he's interested in other children. Even when the kids don't interact during their play, they're aware of one another. And it's as different from solo play as sitting in a crowded theater is from sitting home alone watching TV.

Playing with other children, even if it's parallel play, will become increasingly important this year. Kids often use this kind of play to join an activity already under way. Reserved kids may stay longer at this stage, and that's fine. You can boost your child's confidence by keeping playgroups small and familiar. Make a habit of inviting over just one or two children your child already knows. When your child is ready, you'll begin to notice more shared activity, fueled by improving language skills and a growing imagination.

Outgrowing the crib

If it hasn't happened already, you might soon discover your 2-year-old catapulting out of her crib. That's your cue to transition to a new, safer sleep arrangement. Some parents put the crib mattress on the floor and disassemble the crib. Others take advantage of the opportunity to move to a big-kid bed. You can make the switch easier by putting your child down for naps on the big bed for a few days before moving her there at night. A guardrail can ease worries about her falling out of bed.

Concentration

Your child is more in control of her movements. She can play with small objects easily and stack (not just knock over) towers of blocks. She can also concentrate for slightly longer periods of time, as much as 20 minutes if she's deeply engaged. Sometimes she'll become so absorbed in playing that she'll resent your interruption.

You can make transitions easier by warning her in advance, as in, "You can play with the blocks for five more minutes, but then it's dinnertime." If you have a flexible schedule, you may want to give her a few warnings before you insist that she finish up her play.

Mess maker

A busy 2-year-old means an ever-messier house. And it's not just the toys and books strewn everywhere. Two-year-olds also like to remove things from shelves and drawers. They draw on walls. They spill juice, tear paper, fling clothes.

Two-year-olds' messes have many different triggers behind them. Part of the upheaval is your child's live-in-the-moment mode; easily distracted, 2-year-olds abandon one thing right where it is and move onto the next. Curiosity plays a role, too. Your child just has to know what's in this cupboard or what happens when she pulls every last tissue from the box.

It takes time and practice – encouraged by lots of parental patience – to learn that there's a right place for dirty socks and a wrong place for crayons. Keep your expectations for tidiness low while your child climbs this learning curve.

Understanding grammar

A 2-year-old learns many new words and their meanings every single day. The reason is that by 24 months, her brain is literally processing new sounds faster than ever before. Putting them together in perfectly grammatical ways is another story, however. Learning the complexities of the English language takes time.

 

You don't have to teach proper grammar to a 2-year-old. Amazingly, between the ages of 2 and 3, they pick up correct use of verbs, pronouns, prepositions, and all the other bits and parts of language simply by listening and practicing. Patterns of words and phrases are automatically sorted by the brain and stored for future reference.

Among the exciting changes to look out for in the coming year:

•        Proper pronouns. Switching from "me" or the child's name (Me want, Kate want) to "I" (I want).

•        Adding plurals. Toys. Dogs. Cookies.

•        Using adjectives. Nice doggie.

•        Using progressive verbs. Whee, riding!

Expect grammatical mistakes and mix-ups to continue for a while, though – especially when there are strange exceptions, like "mice" ("mouses") or "go" and "went" instead of the more logical "go" and "goed."

Accident prevention

It's exhausting being vigilant 24/7 with your young child. But kids ages 1 and 2 are especially vulnerable to accidents like drowning and poisoning. Most accidents don't occur because parents aren't careful but because they're momentarily distracted. So be especially wary during critical stress hours: the morning rush out the door, right before dinner, at parties, on vacation, when you have guests, or when you're running late.

Making friends

Whether your child is a social butterfly or a wallflower, she'll begin to show an increasing interest in other children. While their play may often look like a lot of ignoring one another or bickering to you, these first friendships are very real to your child. They also help 2-year-olds practice social skills and add variety to their play.

If your child attends daycare, she may already be gravitating to certain favorite playmates. If she's at home all day, the playground and playdates are great opportunities for interacting with other kids.

To help foster early friendships:

•        Keep playdates small. Having too many children in one place can be overwhelming and invite fights. A good rule of thumb: Children do well in groups the size of their age. So, 2-year-olds do best in pairs.

•        Keep playtime short. Especially with new friends, don't count on more than a half hour to an hour of peaceful play at this age.

•        Mix up the ages. Your 2-year-old can learn a lot from slightly older children and younger toddlers, too.

•        Avoid toys when you can. Running around outside or playing with simple objects - have a big box on hand? - encourages interactions without the possessiveness that triggers arguments. Use pillows and blankets to create an obstacle course, a fort, or a "secret cave."

•        Use the word "friend." Talk about your friends and your child's: "Your friend Max is coming over after your nap today."

Little helper

Put your child's improving language skills to work for you! Now she's able to follow a two- to four-part command: "Please stop building now and put the blocks back in the box. Then go get your shoes from your room and bring them to me." This can be a tremendous time-saver, almost like growing a new pair of arms! Two-year-olds love to fetch things and be helpers.

Gifted kids

Two-year-olds seem to learn so much, so fast. Can you know at this age if your child is gifted? Learning specialists say that sometimes it's clear from infancy that a child learns more quickly than others his age. But for many children, signs of giftedness - usually defined as achievement in one area that's much deeper and faster than that of a child's peers - aren't evident until the elementary school years.

There are many different kinds of giftedness. More common than being brilliant at everything is a child whose talents lie in certain areas. Some kids may have extra-strong spatial or musical aptitudes, for example, while others excel in physical activities or are further along verbally than other kids their age.

Try not to get hung up on the "gifted" label. What an advanced 2-year-old needs is exactly the same as her peers: lots of stimulation in the form of conversation, books, fresh air, diverse and challenging play experiences, and exposure to new people and places - along with plenty of free play and downtime.

At this age, a gifted child can thrive at home or in a daycare that meets those needs, but an environment with an academic, learn-and-drill emphasis, even for the brightest 2-year-old, is universally frowned on by child development specialists because it emphasizes skills that will be easily learned later at the expense of the creativity, repetitive play, and security that studies show the brain needs most during the preschool years in order to function optimally later.

Limited screen time

Popping in a DVD or turning on the TV can buy you a breather or a precious half-hour to cook or pay bills. Small amounts of viewing - under one hour per day for 2-year-olds, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics - won't harm your child. But bear in mind that excessive TV viewing by the very young has been linked with slower language development, obesity, and attention problems.

Stick to age-appropriate, commercial-free shows. (Cartoons and sitcoms geared to older kids can be frightening or confusing.) As handy as the tube may be, reserve turning it on for those moments when you really have to get something done (or really need a break) instead of making it a part of your child's daily routine.

25-month-old baby developmental milestones.

 

Has your 25-month-old toddler started to exert their independence? We’re talking about stomping, screaming, defying and all those other frustrating (and totally normal for this age) behaviors. Two-year-olds are possibly the most stubborn, self-centered creatures on earth. They want what they want, when they want it—usually, right now! The good news is your child’s stubborn streak means they’re going through a ton of cognitive growth. They now understand that they’re a separate person who can make things happen in the world. So of course, they’re making them happen. Rest assured that eventually, things will get less, um, dramatic

25-Month-Old Development

In addition to their (sometimes frustrating) personality, your 25-month-old's body and brain continue to grow and develop in a variety of ways. You’ll notice that your 25-month-old baby can now play simple make-believe games, memorize parts of familiar books, rhymes or songs and identify and point to objects in a book. You’ll also notice your kiddo reaching new 25-month-old milestones in language, movement and socialization.

25-month-old weight and height

Average weight for a 25-month- old is around 27.1 pounds for girls and 28.4 pounds for boys. Average height is around 34 inches for girls and 34.5 inches for boys, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As always, the most important thing is that your 25-month-old baby remains where they should be on their own growth chart, which your pediatrician will track for you.

25-month-old milestones

There are some pretty exciting 25-month-old milestones that both you and your little one can look forward to. Whether baby is working on language development, playing with others or moving and shaking, your 25-month-old is doing a lot! Here are some milestones your 25-month-old may have hit or may be working on:

•        Speech. Your 25-month-old probably uses simple phrases and may be saying two-to-three-word sentences. Most 2-year-olds are able to say 50 to 100 words. If your 25-month-old isn’t talking or using phrases with two words, let your pediatrician know. Some kids simply need more time; others may have a hearing problem or may benefit from an early intervention program. Help your 25-month-old work on their language development by having conversations with them, talking through your day and reading to them.

•        Potty training. If your 25-month-old is showing interest in potty training, this might be one of the most momentous 25-month-old milestones! However, while some kids are ready to begin potty training at 25 months, plenty of others aren’t. Let your child lead the way, because if you try to push the issue, you’ll just end up losing to a very stubborn toddler. Watch for signs of readiness and reward any small successes, like sitting on the potty, if only for a few moments.

•        Teething. Your child may be cutting their second molars. Also known as the two-year molars, these pearly whites tend to erupt between 23 and 33 months. And since they're big, it can be a painful process. The good news is they're the last teeth to come in until around age 6, when kids can better deal with the discomfort, so soon, you'll be done with teething woes.

What should my 25-month-old be doing?

Your 25-month-old baby is less of a baby these days and doing so much! Expect them to be able to build towers five blocks high, begin to sort shapes and colors and find things that are hidden even under multiple covers. Your little one is also beginning to copy people and repeat words they hear used in conversation—so now is definitely the time to pay close attention to what you say and do in front of your 25-month-old.

25-month-old behavior

•        Independence. Your 25-month-old likes to be in charge. Let your toddler make small decisions, like which shirt to wear today, but don’t be afraid to say no to the big things, like letting them climb the tallest slide in the park or the back of the couch. Two-year-olds need consistent, safe limits.

•        Tantrums. Mega meltdowns may still be a problem—particularly as your 25-month-old baby’s language and communication skills continue to develop. Be patient; eventually they’ll learn not to overreact so much and communicate what they need instead.

•        Defiance. At this age, there are lots of challenging behaviors that kind of depend on the child's personality. For example, some kids refuse to get into their car seat and others love to draw all over the walls while their parents are on the phone. This is where limits and firm consequences can help: "The car stops and we don’t go to the playground without the car seat buckled." "If you draw on the walls, you have to help Mommy clean them up." Give your child lots of positive attention when they’re being good, and keep the permanent markers out of reach.

25-Month-Old Health

Health is always a top concern for parents, and this age is no different. Some common health questions parents of 25-month-olds have are:

•        My 25-month-old has diarrhea. 

•        My 25-month-old is constipated. 

•        My 25-month-old is throwing up.

•        My 25-month old has a cough. 

•        My 25-month-old has a fever.

25-Month-Old Food

At 25 months, focus on instilling good eating habits into your child. Pediatricians recommend having meals together as a family, making healthy food choices and not worrying too much about how much food your child is eating. In other words, don't pressure them to clean their plate.

How much should my 25-month-old be eating

Two-year-olds should continue to eat three meals per day, plus two snacks. Offer your child a variety of foods in all food groups—vegetables, fruits, grains, protein, and dairy—daily. Portion size isn't big at this age: Expect your kid to eat only ¼ to ½ as much as an adult.

How much milk should a 25-month-old drink?

Now that your child is 2 years old, they should be drinking about 16 oz of skim or lowfat milk; talk to your doctor about what type of milk to serve your toddler. Try to offer other dairy products too, such as yogurt and cheese. Doctors recommend kids ages one to three get 700 mg of calcium per day and 600 IU of vitamin D, which helps aid calcium absorption.

If your 25-month-old can’t drink dairy milk, make sure to incorporate other sources of calcium, like fortified non-dairy milks; dark leafy greens like broccoli, bok choy or kale; cooked dried beans and fortified breads or cereals. You may also want to ask your pediatrician about supplements.

If your child is breastfeeding or gets calcium from other sources, they might not need to be drinking as much cow's milk as that. Nursing toddlers may only need to supplement with cow's milk if they’re not growing as expected on the growth chart; check with your child's pediatrician.

When to wean a toddler is a personal choice. If you're interested in weaning your 25-month-old, go slow to prevent plugged ducts and infection for you and to make the process easier on your child.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Overview

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-lasting (chronic) disease of the central nervous system. It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, a condition in which the body attacks itself by mistake. MS is an unpredictable disease that affects people differently. Some people with MS may have only mild symptoms. Others may lose their ability to see clearly, write, speak, or walk when communication between the brain and other parts of the body becomes disrupted.

Myelin is a protein and fatty substance that surrounds and protects nerve fibers. In MS, the immune system attacks the myelin, which becomes destroyed in many areas. This loss of myelin forms scar tissue called sclerosis. These areas are also called plaques or lesions. When the nerves are damaged in this way, they can’t conduct electrical impulses normally to and from the brain.

 

When MS causes repeated attacks, it's called relapsing remitting MS. When the symptoms progress over time without clear attacks, it's called primary progressive MS.

 

What causes multiple sclerosis?

There are many possible causes of MS, such as:

Autoimmune disorders

Infectious agents, such as viruses

Environmental factors

Genetic factors

What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?

The symptoms of MS are often unpredictable. They may be mild or severe, short-term or long-lasting. They may appear in different combinations, depending on the area of the nervous system affected. The following are the most common symptoms of MS. But each person may have different symptoms.

 

First symptoms of MS

Blurred or double vision

 

Red-green color distortion

 

Pain and loss of vision because of swelling of the optic nerve (optic neuritis)

Trouble walking and difficulty with balance

An abnormal feeling, such as numbness, prickling, or pins and needles (paresthesia)

Other symptoms of multiple sclerosis

Muscle weakness in the arms and legs

Trouble with coordination. You may have problems walking or standing. You may also be partly or completely paralyzed.

Spasticity. This is the involuntary increased tone of muscles leading to stiffness and spasms.

Fatigue. This may be brought on by physical activity. But it may ease with rest. You may have constant tiredness that doesn't go away.

Loss of feeling

Speech problems

 

Tremor

Dizziness

Hearing loss

Bowel and bladder problems

Depression

Changes in sexual function

 

About half of all people with MS have thinking (cognitive) problems linked to the disease. The effects of these problems may be mild. Your healthcare provider may only find them after much testing. The problems may be with:

 

Focusing (concentration)

Attention

Memory

Poor judgment

Symptoms of MS are grouped as primary, secondary, or tertiary as described below:

 

Primary symptoms. These symptoms are a direct result of the destruction of myelin:

Weakness

Numbness

Shaking (tremors)

Loss of vision

 

Pain

Paralysis

Loss of balance

Bladder and bowel problems

 

Secondary symptoms. These are complications that may occur as a result of the primary symptoms, for example:

Paralysis can lead to bedsores.

Bladder problems may cause repeated urinary tract infections.

Inactivity can result in weakness, poor posture, muscle imbalances, decreased bone density, and breathing problems.

Becoming less mobile because of weakness and trouble swallowing can lead to a greater risk of pneumonia.

Tertiary symptoms. These are social, job-related, and psychological problems:

A person who becomes unable to walk or drive may lose their livelihood.

 

Strain of dealing with a chronic illness may disrupt personal relationships.

Depression is often seen among people with MS.

The symptoms of MS may look like other health problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is multiple sclerosis diagnosed?

Not one specific test is used to diagnose MS. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and signs, imaging tests, and lab tests. A healthcare provider can make a diagnosis by following a careful process to rule out other causes and diseases. Two things must be true to make a diagnosis of relapsing remitting MS:

 

You must have had 2 attacks at least 1 month apart. An attack is when any MS symptoms show up suddenly. Or when any MS symptoms get worse for at least 24 hours.

 

You must have more than 1 area of damage to the central nervous system myelin. Myelin is the sheath that surrounds and protects nerve fibers. This damage must have occurred at more than 1 point in time and not have been caused by any other disease.

Your healthcare provider will ask about your health history and do a neurological exam. This includes:

Mental functions

Emotional functions

Language functions

Movement and coordination

Vision

Balance

Functions of the 5 senses

You may also need:

 

MRI. This diagnostic test uses a combination of large magnets and a computer to make detailed pictures of organs and structures within the body without the use of X-rays. It can find plaques or scarring caused by MS. Generally, a single attack along with certain patterns of changes in brain tissue seen on an MRI scan of the brain done with contrast can mean that you have MS.

 

Evoked potentials. These tests record the brain's electrical response to visual, auditory, and sensory stimuli. These tests show if you have a slowing of messages in the different parts of the brain.

 

Cerebrospinal fluid analysis. This is also called a spinal tap or lumbar puncture. It looks at the fluid taken from the spinal column to make an evaluation or diagnosis. This test checks for cellular and chemical abnormalities seen with MS.

Blood tests. These are done to rule out other causes for various neurological symptoms.

Eye exam and visual fields measurements.

How is multiple sclerosis treated?

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how bad the condition is.

Currently, treatments are divided into:

Disease-modifying treatments. These directly target inflammation in the central nervous system. They help slow its deterioration.

Treatment of acute relapses. The use of steroids and plasma exchange (PLEX) can speed up your recovery when you have an MS attack.

There is no known cure for MS. But you can do things to help change the course of the disease, treat flare-ups, manage symptoms, and improve your function and mobility.

Treatments for the conditions seen with MS may include:

 

Equipment, such as canes, braces, or walkers

Rehabilitation activities

Rehab varies depending on your symptoms and how bad they are. MS rehab may help you to:

Get back functions that are important for daily living

 

Be as independent as you can

Involve your family

Make the right decisions relating to your care

Learn about equipment like canes, braces, or walkers that can make is easier to move around

Set up an exercise program that builds muscle strength, endurance, and control

Get back motor skills

Speak more easily if you have weakness or a lack of coordination of face and tongue muscles

Manage bowel or bladder incontinence

Relearn thinking skills

Change the way your home is set up to keep you safe but allow you to move about as easily as possible

What are possible complications of multiple sclerosis?

The complications of MS range from mild to severe. They can range from fatigue to the inability to walk. Other problems include loss of vision, balance, and bowel or bladder control. Depression can result from the difficulty of living with a chronic condition.

 

Living with multiple sclerosis

It's important to take your medicines as directed. You may get help by taking part in a clinical trial. Using equipment like canes or walkers can help you get around as walking becomes harder to do. Rehab activities can also help you keep or get back functioning. Changing the way your home is set up can help you stay independent. Talk with your family and healthcare providers about what you need.

 

Key points about multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system.

 

MS is unpredictable. Some people may be only mildly affected. Others may lose the ability to see clearly, write, speak, or walk.

 

Early symptoms can include vision problems, trouble walking, and tingling feelings.

MS affects people differently. But common problems are trouble with movement and thinking, and bowel and bladder incontinence.

Medicines and rehabilitation can help to keep or restore functioning.

A 28-month-old toddler can reach many milestones, including Speech

 

They may be able to repeat two digits, identify and name 10 to 15 pictures, and use pronouns like "I," "me," and "you". If your child isn't talking much, you can consult your pediatrician to see if they need early intervention.

Motor skills

They may be able to run, climb, and jump using their large motor skills. They may also be able to use the small muscles in their hands and fingers to turn book pages.

Other skills

They may be able to pull off their shoes and hold a cup with one hand. They may also enjoy turning knobs and playing games and singing songs that involve actions.

His increasing skills are making life easier for him, and for you. Your toddler may now be able to pull off his shoes. He may also be able to hold a cup with one hand.

Your toddler's dexterity with small things is matched by his ability to make big movements. He may even be able to balance on one foot for a second or take a big jump forward with his feet together. Have fun jumping over puddles or onto the next paving stone together. Your toddler will love trying out a physical challenge with your help.

How can I help my toddler to talk?

One thing that will really help your toddler is if you're patient with him. Although he can join in a conversation with you, he'll find it difficult to put together sentences with words in the right order. What he says may come out jumbled, and that's perfectly normal for this age.

 

When you ask him a question, give him a good 10 seconds to think about his answer. He'll need the time to put his thoughts into words. Follow your toddler's lead to talk about what interests him. This will keep him engaged and keen to chat.

How should I deal with my toddler's constant temper tantrums?

Your toddler is learning to cope with his strong emotions and to control his actions. He's still prone to a fair amount of pushing, shoving, yelling and throwing tantrums. This is all part of normal growing up for a toddler. It may reassure you to know that one in five two-year-olds has a temper tantrum every day.

If you see that your toddler is about to launch into a tantrum, try to distract him straight away. Use a toy to get his attention, or point out something out of the window. It doesn't have to be particularly interesting! It just has to be enough to take his mind off his grievance for a few seconds. Chances are he'll forget what was bothering him in the first place.

 

If you've told your toddler "no" to something, don't give in just to end the tantrum. Otherwise, your toddler will learn that a tantrum is a good way to get what he wants. And that means more tantrums for you to endure.

 

It's better to stay calm and remove your toddler from the situation. You'll have to be patient and wait for your toddler to calm down too. This can be particularly hard if your toddler's meltdown is a public one, but just grit your teeth and hang in there. You'll probably get plenty of sympathetic glances from passers-by.

How can I help my toddler to follow rules?

Helping your child to understand the "why" of rules will make it easier for him to follow them. Explain that we do some things to stay safe, such as holding hands while crossing the street.

 

Keep your rules clear and consistent. Be patient while your toddler learns to follow them. Most children will need a lot of gentle reminders. Praise your toddler when he does what you tell him to.

Why does my toddler ignore me when I ask him to come to the table?

Your toddler's attention span is getting longer. This means he may be so absorbed in his play that he'll ignore you when you ask him to do something.

 

He'll find it easier to leave his game if you tell him in advance. He won't understand the concept of time yet. But, for example, you could tell him: "You can build one more tower. Then we are having tea."

 

Your toddler may still need a couple of reminders before he moves away from his game. Getting him to listen to you is another challenge you'll face as the parent of a toddler!

When can I start teaching my toddler how to ride a bike?

Not yet. But your toddler will probably enjoy riding a tricycle. He won't necessarily be able to steer and pedal. Instead, he'll propel himself forward with his feet on the ground.

 

Another option is a balance bike. This is basically a pedal-free bike which is the right height for your toddler to plant both feet on the ground. This type of bike can help your toddler learn how to balance without the need for stabilisers.

 

A well-fitting helmet is a must, of course, especially if he'll be pushing himself along on pavements.

 

Your toddler needs at least three hours' physical activity a day. Introducing him to a trike or balance bike is a great way to get him moving.

Toddler sleep patterns and behaviors (2 to 3 years)

 

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Here are some tips that may help your 2-year-old sleep better:

Create a routine

A soothing, quiet bedtime routine can help your child understand that it's time for sleep. You can try reading a book, singing a song, giving them a bath, or tucking them in. Make sure to keep the routine consistent each night.

Make the bedroom comfortable

Keep the bedroom dark and quiet, and make sure your child is comfortable. You can also let them bring a favorite toy or blanket to bed.

Be consistent with bedtime

Try to put your child to bed at the same time every night. If they get out of bed, calmly take them back to bed without making a fuss. You can also try sitting in a chair by their bed and slowly moving it out of the room over time.

Avoid caffeine

Try to avoid giving your child caffeine in the late afternoon and evening. This includes energy drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate, and cola.

Try a bath

A warm bath can help your child transition from the day to sleep by triggering biological processes that lead to sleep. You can also try adding a tablespoon of Epsom salts or magnesium bath salts to help with sleep.

Between the ages of 2 and 3 years, toddlers often sleep 12 to 13 hours in a 24-hour period.

This includes 1 to 2 hours during the day, which helps to promote optimal learning and development.

A number of sleep-related changes commonly occur in this age group. This includes:

• a decrease in daytime naps
• longer periods of sleep overnight
• Often a decrease in night waking.

Every child is different, so don’t worry too much if your toddler has different sleep patterns to those described here.

Helping your toddler with parental presence

• Decide on an appropriate bedtime.
• Start a positive bedtime routine (such as a warm bath and reading a book).
• Place your toddler in their bed or cot, preferably while still awake or drowsy.
• Gently pat your toddler and say good night.
• Lie down on a bed or mattress in your toddler’s room with a night light on and pretend to sleep where your child can see you.
• If your toddler wakes during the night and is distressed, make slight noises or movement (such as coughing or turning over), so your toddler knows you are there.
• If your toddler becomes very distressed, soothe them with gentle words and by touching them – but try not to pick them up.
• After 1 to 2 minutes, lie down and pretend to sleep.
• Continue doing this every time your toddler wakes and is distressed. Repeat the process for day sleeps and naps.
• Continue with the strategy for seven nights.
• After three nights in a row of minimal sleep disturbance, you can return to your own room.
• If your toddler’s sleep becomes disrupted again, you can re-introduce the strategy.

Camping out steps

Try each of these following steps in order. Each step may take two to three nights – it’s important that you and your child feel comfortable before progressing to the next step:

1. Lie or sit next to your toddler and gently pat or stroke them until they go to sleep, then leave the room.
2. Place a chair beside the cot and sit without touching. Allow your toddler to go to sleep before you leave the room.
3. Sit at gradually increasing distances from the bed or cot. Allow your toddler to go to sleep before you leave the room.
4. Eventually, place the chair outside the bedroom door.

If your toddler wakes, repeat the step you were using at bedtime, to help them learn to self-settle.