Your 14-Month-Old

gigglingbaby WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOUR CHILD: FOUR THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

1. Your child might start having temper tantrums. Gone are the days of simply eating and sleeping. She now has a distinct way of expressing herself. The range of her emotions is seemingly endless. Keep a close eye on her and you'll witness excitement and confusion when she first encounters a new toy, pride as she shows you how to slide that little yellow star into the proper hole and even anger when she's not given the object she wants. It's this last emotion that can cause some embarrassing and, yes, loud moments in your life. Welcome to the age of the temper tantrum. If your child becomes this angry, experts advise adopting a matter-of-fact attitude about the tantrum (assuming of course that the child is not in physical danger).

As difficult as it may be, do not give in to these outbursts. Let your child know that you understand her anger but will not acknowledge how she is expressing it. You should see the tantrum subside as she realises the behaviour will not get a reaction from you. As she grows older, talk to her about why her behaviour is not acceptable. This is best done after the tantrum has subsided and things have settled down again. Most of all, remember that this is but one emotion she'll express. Once it quietens down again you can continue to enjoy the moments of excitement and affection that are soon to follow.

2. It might be time to start thinking about child care. You may find the thought of separating from your child difficult. Here's how you can help your child (and yourself) ease the transition.

  • Choose quality care. Select an environment and an individual that closely reflect your parenting beliefs. Be sure to fully interview the person or people who will be in charge of your child, carefully inspect the facility and check several references. These steps will help you rest assured that your little one is being lovingly cared for in a manner that will nurture him just as you would if you were with him.

  • Maintain daily communication with your child's carer. Inquire about your child. Did he have a good day? How and what did he eat? Any scrapes or bumps? Did he interact with the other children? Any concerns?

  • Remember that separation at this age may be difficult for your toddler. He may cry and cling to you when you drop him off. You can help lessen his protests by leaving a special memento he can carry throughout the day. Spend special time with him both before you leave each day and after you return home each evening, and reassure him that in a few hours Mummy (and/or Daddy) will be back to take him home. While you should not ignore his tears, remember that they will most likely be replaced by a smile when you are out of sight and other children and new toys distract him. Remember, too, that protests should lessen as he grows older and becomes more interested in interactive play with other children.

    While staying at home may have certain emotional benefits (for both parent and child), your toddler will also benefit from the loving care he'll receive each day. Now he'll have the care of his parents and another special adult.

    Click here to get back to baby's second year main page.

    3. Your child may not want to wear clothes. A short time ago your child began extending her arms and legs in an effort to 'help' you dress her. Now she's discovered another fact of life: what goes on must come off. Babies generally love to romp around wearing nothing at all (or, if you're lucky, wearing only a nappy). Beware! The days of passively wearing those adorable hats, shoes and even socks are over. You'll dress her, turn your head and find bare feet when you glance back. Although this can be somewhat frustrating if you're trying to run out the door, take some time to enjoy her newly emerging independence. Just think, it won't be long before she'll be able to remove all her clothes and institute her own version of 'naked time' whenever and wherever she'd like.

    4. Your child is learning to feed herself. What a sight! It's mealtime with your toddler. Time to watch him explore the fun world of things he can put in his mouth. Now, if only you knew how to get him to eat something. Does mealtime with baby leave you confused? You're not alone. He's ready to move on to table foods now. He'll delight at the many new and wonderful tastes and textures. By allowing him to feed himself you'll help him develop more mature chewing and swallowing techniques and increase the odds of accepting each new food. Remember to serve a balanced diet, keep the pieces 'toddler-sized' and stay nearby to supervise while he's eating. Beware, he'll probably decide that food is a toy, and you'll find it in his hair, on the floor and anywhere else within dropping or throwing distance. Keep your camera handy to capture these wonderfully messy images. They'll be charming additions to your photo albums that you can cherish long after the mess has been cleared up.

    Click here to get back to baby's second year main page.

    YOUR CHILD'S HEALTH AND SAFETY

    Take a look in your medicine cabinet. You were very careful a year ago to stock it with recommended items like cotton wool balls, Sudocrem and Infacol. Have you looked at it lately? Take a moment to review its contents. Remove and replace any items that are past their expiry date. Stock up on missing items. Finally, be certain all medicines are in their original bottles, the bottles have child-resistant tops and the cabinet itself is locked away from your toddler.

    Learn how to avoid food poisoning. Food poisoning is a dangerous illness that can often be avoided if you take these simple precautions. Are you careful to follow food handling, cooking and storage guidelines when you cook for your family? Reduce your risk:

  • Learn how to handle meats properly. Thaw frozen meat by running it under cold water or defrosting it in the microwave. Always wash your hands, utensils and cookware thoroughly when handling raw meat. Cook to proper temperatures, place uneaten portions in sealed containers and refrigerate immediately.

  • Use paper towels instead of sponges or rags, which may grow harmful bacteria.

  • Clean out your refrigerator regularly.

    Click here to get back to baby's second year main page.

    FUN ACTIVITIES

    Spend some time cuddling. Sometimes all it will take to rejuvenate your soul is to spend some quiet cuddle time with your now constantly on-the-go little one. When you notice him slowing down for a moment or two, find a quiet corner where you can cuddle up with a good board book. Let him turn the pages and point out familiar shapes or images (the grey kitten, etc.). He'll enjoy showing off his new-found knowledge, and you'll enjoy a moment to reminisce about those first few weeks when you thought he'd never leave your arms.

    Listen to music together. You have probably noticed by now that your little one responds to various kinds of music. As an infant, some music helped calm her, while other songs would make her more active. Now that she's older she'll be better able to express these emotions. Make music a part of your daily life. Turn on upbeat music during playtime. Dance with her and watch her smiles grow bigger and bigger. Vary your music selections so she's exposed to many types of tunes. Remember that music can have a very soothing, relaxing effect - especially if it's a parent's gentle voice singing.

    Plan a relaxing family holiday - really! Does taking a relaxing trip with your toddler sound too good to be true? It is possible. Just follow these simple tips:

  • Plan ahead. Finalise travel arrangements and accommodation early.

  • Pack light. Focus on the items you need. But be sure that you pack a sufficient supply of any necessary items such as medication.

  • Be flexible. Even the most cooperative child may inadvertently alter your carefully made plans. Be prepared to make minor changes to allow time for an extra nap, nappy change, snack or some missed cuddle time.

  • Keep busy. Don't plan so tightly that you can't enjoy yourself, but remember that children typically do not like to sit still for too long.

    Click here to get back to baby's second year main page.

    SIMPLE WAYS TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

    Stress! Why can't it leave you alone for just five minutes? Here are some simple solutions to dramatically reduce your stress levels:

    Enjoy a few minutes of natural light each day. Each year as winter approaches and days draw to a close a bit earlier, people everywhere find their stress levels increasing. Making a point to get out each day while the sun shines (if only to get a few jobs done) will help limit these effects.

    Spend time with a good friend. Take a few minutes to discuss your day, then listen to your friend's trials. You'll both feel better.

    Make music a part of your life. Choose relaxing or upbeat music that will make you feel happy and energised.

    Exercise is a great way to take out your frustrations. Not only will you reduce your stress levels, you'll also help condition your body for a healthy lifestyle.

    Discover how you can tone your body and calm your mind with yoga and Pilates.

    Sit down and start a diary. Write about both stressful moments and happier, lighter times. Transfer those worrying thoughts to paper and free up your mind a bit.