Your 22-Month-Old

YOUR CHILD'S HEALTH AND SAFETY

Be sure to consult your doctor before giving your child fluoride. Fluoride is an essential ingredient in keeping teeth healthy and strong, but did you know that too much can cause serious tooth discolouration? If supplements are recommended for your child, stick to the prescribed dosage.

Make family meals healthy. When cooking for your family, use techniques that won't destroy a food's nutritional content. Avoid overcooking your meals and enjoy raw fruits and vegetables whenever possible. Try techniques that cook foods quickly, such as steaming and sauteing rather than boiling and deep-frying. Your family will enjoy healthier meals without even realising it.

FUN TOGETHER-TIME ACTIVITIES

Build in regular story-time with your child. She is sure to enjoy sitting quietly with you to read a good book. At this age, she may be able to identify a few objects in the illustrations and help turn the pages as you read. Try letting her 'read' to you, too. Then have a conversation about the story and each character.

Allow your child to play with her food. True, you want your little one to eat properly during mealtime, but food can also provide wonderful entertainment. Schoolchildren often use dried beans as a fun way to master maths skills, and rice makes a great substitute for indoor 'sand' boxes.