EXPECTED TASKS
* learning to make decisions
* growth of individuality, personality blossoms
* struggles with authority
* resistance to suggestions, note the constant use of "NO"
* realization of power over others
* testing limits, which will test your patience
* signs of imagination
* development of speech
* still learning body control
* unlimited curiosity
* becoming interested in other people
* unable to think ahead and plan, short memory
NEEDS
* access to good learning experience through interested people, stimulating environment, toys and games
* situations which allow development of self esteem; allow child to make some decisions, eg., even dreadful tasting poisons will be sampled by a toddler
* motivation is encouraged by sharing child's enthusiasm
TOYS AND ACTIVITIES
* toys do not have to be expensive, but safe and interesting
* encourage water and sand play, building blocks, sorting objects, threading toys, emptying and filling, copying mom, climbing, balancing, ball play, push toys, books,
drawing
* encourage music by singing, marching, clapping, banging toys
LANGUAGE
* talk about what is happening at the moment
* listen to and respond to the child
* television is NOT a good way to learn
* child understands far more than she can say
* should consist of at least two word sentences by 24 months
* can be delayed by poor hearing
DISCIPLINE
* child feels more secure with reasonable and enforced limits
* child will have to be frequently reminded of rules
* consistency and firmness are the key; this may mean physically removing from a
situation, but not spanking
* a "good" toddler has "clever" caregivers who are flexible in accommodating their schedule when possible, allow him choices and guide him rather than order him by making up such games as "put away" or "let's get dressed"
* a toddler is not yet ready to be reasoned with, but can begin to learn about cooperation by copying
* tantrums are an extremely common expression of frustration and should be allowed to
run their course without creating a fuss, which only makes things worse
SLEEP
* commonly toddlers have a hard time settling, which can be helped by having a routine
which includes quiet activities like reading stories before bedtime
Ted Humphry, M.D.
822-2441