Your 20-month-old

dadbaby3 WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOUR CHILD: TWO THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

1. Your toddler may be testing your boundaries. You can improve your child's behaviour and reduce potential conflicts by clearly communicating the family rules and the consequences if these rules are broken. Despite her initial protests, your toddler does crave boundaries; they provide a much-needed sense of order and security.

When she does push the limits to breaking point, remain calm. Be sure not to overreact or accuse her of being bad. Focus your comments on the behaviour itself, and then follow through with the consequences you established. She will learn that you mean what you say. Continue this pattern as your child grows, being sure to revise the rules and consequences to fit each stage of her development. You'll find you won't have to scream to be heard and that your child will listen - most of the time.

2. Your toddler will thrive on a set routine. Structure your activities so that meals, naps and playtime fall around the same time each day. Begin each morning with a wake-up ritual: greet each other with a hug or a kiss followed by breakfast and morning hygiene needs. Establish rituals for everyday tasks, such as dressing, bathing, housecleaning, meals and bedtime. For instance, if your child attends a nursery, create a routine where you greet the nursery nurse and other children, find an activity, kiss goodbye and then depart. If he is reluctant to leave when you retrieve him in the evening because he's having too much fun, institute a 'goodbye' routine. Following roughly the same pattern every day will help him anticipate what is coming next. Your toddler will thrive in his structured world, and you'll enjoy getting the tasks done without too much protest.

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YOUR CHILD'S HEALTH AND SAFETY

Be sure you know what to do if your child swallows a poison. First, determine what your child may have ingested and call your GP, or your local A & E immediately. You could also contact NHS Direct on: 0845 4647. It is a good idea to keep the phone number on display near your telephones. Take the bottle to the phone with you so you can answer any questions about the contents. If your child has collapsed or is not breathing, call 999. Do not give your child anything by mouth or induce vomiting unless you're instructed to do so. Above all, remain calm. Not only will you be better able to explain the situation to emergency personnel and follow their instructions, you'll help your child stay calm as well.

Be sure that your house does not contain unsafe levels of asbestos. Asbestos has been proven to cause certain types of cancer when the fibres are inhaled into the lungs. Since 1976 British manufacturers have put labels on their products to show they contain asbestos, and since 1986 all products containing asbestos carry the European label. Often homes built at the same time contain similar materials - your neighbours may know if surveys for asbestos have been done. Your local council's Environmental Health Department may be able to help identify if you have asbestos products in your home, or if homes in your area have been surveyed.

Protect your child from insect bites. Become familiar with any dangerous insects and spiders that share your corner of the world, or which you may come across when on holiday. Be aware that seemingly harmless insects, such as ticks and mosquitoes, can be dangerous. Take precautions to safeguard your child:

  • Avoid being outside during prime mosquito feeding times: dusk and dawn.
  • Use an effective insect repellent.
  • Wear proper clothing (long sleeves, trousers and socks) when hiking in the woods or through tall grasses. Thoroughly examine each family member on your return. Carefully comb through your child's hair and look under clothing for any stowaways.
  • Provide your indoor/outdoor pets with effective flea and tick repellent and inspect the animals regularly for any insects that may have attached despite your efforts.
  • If you find a tick that has attached to either a person or a pet, take care to remove it properly: grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with a pair of tweezers. Gently but firmly pull up in a steady, even motion until the tick detaches. Do not squeeze or crush the tick. Dispose of the insect in a container of rubbing alcohol or by flushing it down the toilet.
  • Look for symptoms following a bite, including rash, fever or joint pain. If any are present, consult a doctor immediately.

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    FUN ACTIVITIES

    Introduce your child to Play-Doh or clay to try her hand at sculpting. She'll delight in the new texture and may just amaze you with her artistic talent.

    Make a plaster casting of your child's hand. Press her hand into wet plaster, pull it straight out and allow the mould to dry thoroughly. You can then decorate the form with paint. Add a bow made from a ribbon and you'll have a keepsake to treasure for many years to come.

    Create simple 'toys'. You can see your toddler is outgrowing some of her toys. Here are a few ways to keep her happy that don't require a trip to the toy store:

  • A cardboard tube that's found inside a roll of paper towels, aluminium foil or waxed paper can be used as a megaphone.
  • Use the tube as a telescope. Sit quietly and watch for birds or gaze at the stars.
  • A plastic straw is great for blowing bubbles in the bath. (Be sure to supervise carefully to be sure your child doesn't accidentally drink the bathwater.)

    There are lots of 'toys' like these around your house. When you spy an object that looks like it could be fun - and safe - be creative. Invent a new use that will have your little one squealing in delight.

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    SIMPLE WAYS TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

    Avoid having to catch-up on household chores at the weekend. Take simple steps all week long to ease weekend frustrations. Enlist the help of every family member, as everyone working together will be much more effective.

  • Create a to-do list and ask everyone to tackle age-appropriate tasks.
  • Put away items as they are used. This will keep the house neat, sparing a day's worth of picking up at the end of the week.
  • Wash loads of laundry throughout the week.

    Remember, two days' worth of weekend housecleaning tends to blend into the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but time spent with your family will be the foundation for lifelong memories.