Your 23-Month-Old

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

1. Your toddler may be approaching the 'terrible twos' stage. During this period, she may test your limits and misbehave more frequently. Here's how to cope:

  • Acknowledge this stage as a normal part of your child's behavioural development.
  • React calmly to any outbursts. If she is going to misbehave, allow her a few seconds to reconsider the action by calmly and slowly counting backwards from three. If you have reached 'one' and she's still engaging in inappropriate behaviour, take action. Remove her from the situation, but be sure to explain why.
  • Call a friend for support. When you've had a particularly stressful afternoon with your toddler, knowing that you have an outlet for support can help you behave more calmly with your child.

    2. Your child may begin biting. Many toddlers bite because they feel frustrated or angry and are unable to control their impulses. To correct your child's misbehaviour, let him know that biting is not acceptable and that if he does it, he won't be able to continue the activity he was enjoying. If you suspect that your child is biting because he is frustrated with his inability to speak, help him communicate more effectively. For example, when he points to an object, ask the question for him: 'Would you like your cup of juice?' If your child has a play date, let the other parent know in advance that your child is prone to biting but that you are taking steps to eliminate this behaviour and will monitor him closely. The other parent will most likely assist you in keeping a close eye on your child and will probably share stories about his or her own children's biting problems as well.

    3. Your toddler may go through a period of pushing, kicking or hitting. While you realise that this is not acceptable behaviour, your little one may not understand the problem and be too young to control her impulses. Direct her to be gentle and show her how by patting her gently. Praise her when she is gentle on her own and remind her when she starts to act out physically. She'll learn other ways to express herself soon enough.

    4. Consider transitioning your child to a 'big boy' bed. Moving to a big bed is a sign of your little one's evolving maturity. Once he's adapted to sleeping in the new open environment, he's bound to love the increased wriggle room! To help your child adjust, consider allowing him to help you pick out the bed and sheets. Be sure that the bed is low to the ground and that railings can be attached if necessary. Make a big deal once the bed arrives. And if you can spare the space, don't disassemble the cot quite yet. He may wish to start slowly by only sleeping in the big bed during afternoon naps. When you feel he's ready, praise your child for being such a big boy and remove the cot from his room. Be available for extra hugs and kisses if he needs comfort during the transition.

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    YOUR CHILD'S HEALTH AND SAFETY

    Make sure your child's playground is safe. Inspect the equipment before you allow her to play. It should be well maintained and there should be no exposed hardware, which can catch on to your child's clothing. 'Soft' sand, wood chips or a similar material should be found under the equipment to provide a cushioned fall zone. The most important way you can protect your child while she plays is to supervise her every move. She'll enjoy watching Mummy and Daddy turn into little kids, and you'll know you are close enough to prevent injury.

    Teach your child how to stay safe. As she becomes increasingly independent, it will be impossible to monitor her every move. Help her stay safe at all times with these tips:

  • Teach your child the basics, such as her name and phone number.
  • Never print her name on clothes or allow her to wear nametags in public. She could be lulled into a false sense of security if a stranger observes the label and addresses her by name.
  • Impress upon her that she should never talk to strangers and, even more importantly, never walk away with a stranger or get into someone else's car.
  • Tell her that it's okay to say 'no' to adults if she feels threatened, even if the adult is someone she knows.
  • Tell her that certain parts of the body should not be touched by anyone in a manner that makes her uncomfortable. Let her know that she should come to you if someone does try to touch her inappropriately.
  • Help her understand that it's okay to use violence to protect herself from harm. Should someone try to pull her into a car, she should scream loudly, kick and hit - whatever it takes to get away.

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    FUN TOGETHER-TIME ACTIVITIES

    Teach your child the art of rubber-stamping. Stamps, coloured inkpads and blank paper are all the ingredients necessary for this fun craft session. As your child grows, show him how he can colour the images with crayons after the ink is dry. Help him create pictures, banners, cards and more. Just remember to protect your work surface well and supervise him thoroughly as he creates his masterpieces.

    TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF

    Spend time with your partner. You've been told time and again to take time out together. You know that time spent talking and enjoying each other's company is essential for a healthy marriage. But sometimes it feels like it's impossible to take time away. How do you nurture your marriage at these times? It's actually easier than you think. Talk together and decide how to use the few precious moments you are given. A hug in passing, holding hands as you walk through the grocery store and catching each other's eye over dinner are simple ways to show you care. When you are able to schedule an evening out, take an extra few minutes to catch up or go for a quiet walk before returning to your sleepy kids. The little things in life speak volumes, especially to the one you love.