Things You Should Know While Parenting a Toddler

Toddlers are typically considered to be between the ages of 1 to 3 years old. Toddler goes through rapid growth, development of motor skills, language acquisition, and exploration of the world around her

Toddlerhood is a significant stage of development of transition from being a dependent infant to an independent child. It is an important time for their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development.

Here are Some Key Things to know about Toddlers || Parenting advice:

Physical Development: Toddlers experience significant physical development during this stage. Your toddler will seem to be moving continually—running, kicking, climbing, or jumping. She’s developing her coordination and becoming strong. 

Toddler Parenting Advice - Make sure your child gets the recommended amount of sleep each night: For toddlers 1-2 years, 11–14 hours per 24 hours (including naps)

Language Development: Language skills develop rapidly during toddlerhood. Toddlers start with simple words and gradually progress to using short phrases and sentences. They understand and respond to simple instructions and engage in basic conversations.

Toddler Parenting Advice: Read books to them, Encourage them to talk, and say the name of the recognized image. Help to develop your toddler’s language by talking with her and adding to words she starts. For example, if your toddler says “Baba”, you can respond, “Yes, you are right―that is a bottle.”

Cognitive Development: Toddlers are curious explorers and are actively learning about the world around them. They develop cognitive skills such as object permanence (understanding that objects still exist even when out of sight), problem-solving abilities, and basic counting and sorting skills.

Toddler Parenting Advice - Give your toddler basic 2-3 pieces of puzzles. Assist your toddler put together basic puzzles. Give your toddler fun bath toys for measuring, scooping, and pouring.

Social and Emotional Development: Toddlers begin to develop their social and emotional skills. They become more aware of their own emotions and the emotions of others. They engage in parallel play alongside other children and start to show empathy and cooperation in social interactions.

Toddler Parenting Advice - Encourage her to explore and try new things. Sing rhymes, and Read books to them, helps toddlers to express themselves and improve their vocabulary regarding emotions.

Independence and Autonomy: One of the defining features of toddlerhood is the desire for independence. Toddlers want to do things on their own, such as dressing themselves, feeding themselves, and asserting their preferences. They are developing a sense of autonomy and self-identity.

Toddler Parenting Advice - Encourage your child’s growing independence by letting him help with dressing and feeding himself.

Challenging Behaviors: You must have heard about toddler temper tantrums. Toddlers may exhibit challenging behaviors as they explore boundaries and assert their independence. It is a normal part of their development as they learn to navigate their emotions and express their needs.

Toddler Parenting Advice - Respond to wanted behaviors more than you punish unwanted behaviors. Always tell or show your child what she should do instead. 

Recommended Reading: How to Handle and Control Temper Tantrums in Toddlers

Toddlers' safety: Toddlers are curious and have a limited understanding of potential dangers. ecause your child is moving around more, he will come across more dangers as well. Dangerous situations can happen quickly, so keep a close eye on your children, parents have to be very vigilant during toddlerhood.

Toddler Parenting Advice - Ensure that your home is toddler-proof by placing plug covers on all unused electrical outlets and Locking up medicines, household cleaners, mosquito repellants, etc.

Emphasis on Healthy Eating Habits: Toddlerhood is an important time to establish healthy eating habits. Give your child water and plain milk instead of a sugary drink. Offer a variety of nutritious foods, encourage self-feeding, and provide a positive mealtime environment to foster healthy eating behaviors.

Toddler Parenting Advice - Your toddler might become a very picky and erratic eater. Toddlers need less food because they don’t grow as fast. Offer a selection of healthy foods and let her choose what she wants. 

Recommended Reading: Top 10 Foods for brain development in Children

Attraction to screens:: Young children are captivated by the vibrant hues displayed on television screens and mobile devices. Consequently, toddlers possess the ability to independently turn on the televisions. Limit screen time, For children younger than 18 months of age, the AAP recommends that it’s best if toddlers do not use any screen media other than video chatting.

Toddler Parenting Advice - Inspire your child to play outdoors, and instead of spending time indoors on television, spend some green(nature) time with them, and explore nature with your toddler.

Recommended Reading: Top 10 Reasons Why Outdoor Play is Important for Children

LOVE AND SUPPORT ALWAYS...!!