Help Your Toddler Learn New Skills
PHYSICAL HEALTH
I use my hands to be creative.
Give me paper, paints, crayons, and clay.
SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL
I am becoming independent.
Let me try things on my own and make simple decisions such as what color shirt to wear. Stay nearby to help when I want you to.
HOW I LEARN
I ask about things.
Answer when I ask, "What's that?" I learn when you talk with me.
THINGS I KNOW
I learn from experience.
Talk to me about what we need and why, such as, "It's cold, so we need a coat."
LANGUAGE
I can put words together.
Give me choices and let me answer you. Help my say what I want.
By age two, your child will start to do things on his or her own. Children learn by trying new things and practicing what they've learned. Give your child plenty of chances and lots of time to practice. Your child may be more excited about playing with other children. He or she is getting better at taking turns. Over the next year, your child will learn to:
- Jump with both feet off the ground.
- Draw circles and lines.
- Say short sentences.
- Ask many questions.
- Put his clothes on and take them off.
Check the milestones your child has reached by his or her 2nd birthday. Visit: www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/
It's important to find out if your child is on track for health development or if he or she may need some support. Each child grows at his or her own pace. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s development, help is available. Talk with your doctor or nurse or call the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588 to learn more. They can help you check your child's development and can connect you with the Early Support for Infant and Toddlers program in your area.
Encourage Your Toddler to be Active
Help your toddler use his or her body and muscles. Play outside together. Your child will enjoy swinging, throwing and rolling a ball, and playing simple games of tag or hide-and go-seek with you and other children.
Don't Rush Toilet Training
Parents often want children to use the toilet at an early age, but many children are not ready until age three or older. Your child will more quickly if you wait until he or she is really ready. Look for signs that your child may be ready, such as:
- Wanting to do the things you do.
- Staying dry during naps or for a few hours at a time.
- Telling you when he or she needs a diaper change.
Find ways to cope with temper tantrums
Toddlers often yell, kick, and scream when they are not able to express their feelings. Tantrums may happen when a child is:
- Frustrated, angry, disappointed, or scared.
- Stressed.
- Tired, hungry, or sick.
- Needing attention or showing independence.
Try to stay calm when your child has a tantrum. If you get mad, your child may get more upset. If you are in a public place, pick up your child and take him or her to somewhere quiet. Stay with your child while he or she quiets down. Let your child know you will stay nearby until he or she feels better.
When you help your child learn how to handle strong feelings, you help him or her play and learn. Help your child talk about what he or she is feeling. This may help your child calm down more quickly.