Alert Families Help Toddlers

Set Limits Provide Patience and Management

Toddlers between age two to three improve large motor skills like running, kicking, climbing, managing stairs, running and testing limits.  It’s an exhausting time for families  and remains that way until about age five. However, if families know this is natural, set limits, and are very vigilant for safety, this mindset will help develop parental patience and management according to the American Pediatrics Association.

Repeat, Prepare, Redirect

  Families can help by preparing, practicing, repeating positive phrases, and redirecting behavior. “When the big hand is on the one and the timer goes off, it is time to go home and have your favorite--mac and cheese.” 

  Acknowledge positive behavior. “ Great job! Thank you for picking up your toys!”

  Redirect enthusiastically. “Let’s read your favorite book and cuddle with Baby Bear now. You look like you need a break!” 

  Reassure. “I love you, and this is dangerous.  “Hold my hand for safety. I love you. Stop, look, listen and hold my 

Redirect Enthusiastically

hand as we cross the parking lot.”

Small Motor Skills

  This age also makes great strides with brain development small motor skills, too.  They like to dress and undress, turn pages of books, turn doorknobs, unscrew lids, feed themselves, build with small blocks and use figures for creative adventure stories. 

  One Grandma noticed her toddler going up to her TV and trying to swipe to change the picture. The parents decided they had been using technology too much and returned to hard copy books so their daughter could turn pages while reading together. 

  Often the brain is developing even faster than muscles in terms of doing the things they want to do and need a little 

Often Brain Development is Faster than Muscles

help. Toddlers age two to three show greater understanding. They pay attention longer than last year and use colors when talking about objects, if taught.  They are gobbling up information at a rapid rate. Toddlers can help, sort, and put things away. 

  Kindergarten teachers emphasize that it is important for adults to say, “I will help you do this “rather than “let me help you.” “ Me” is being overused as  a subject of sentences like “Me will go to the bathroom “  even in kindergarten. The “Me” habit is as hard to extinguish.  The age old problem of “ Me and Sam want this” instead of “Sam and I want this" (correct form) is also a problem.

  A new concern is second hand smoke and vapor around children. Their brains and lungs are absorbing the TCH and aerosol toxins during a time when their brain’s frontal lobe, the logical problem solving part of the brain, is experiencing its fastest growth until middle school when growth accelerates again. The toxin list is at gaspforair.org. For more toddler activities see grandparentsteachtoo.blogspot.com and wnmufm.org/Learning Through the Seasons; live and podcasts.

Photos: Fran Darling, fdarling fotos

Toddlers Are So Fun to Teach

Toddlers seem to grow and change daily

Toddlers ages 12-24 months seem to grow and change daily. They make great strides in every area of development.  It is an exciting time for families to share activities.  What are some of the milestones of this age and how can we encourage our toddlers along the way?
  One of the most noticeable changes is the increase in vocabulary and development.
They are learning new words daily.  They will begin by pointing to objects such as their favorite blanket.  Encourage your children to use words even if you know what they want.

They are learning new words daily

Add additional words of your own such as “You want your blanket. Daddy will get your blue blanket.”
  There’s nothing like reading with your toddlers to help increase vocabulary and understanding.  It’s also a great time to give your toddler some choices.  Do you want to read “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” or “Good Night, Moon”?  Do not give choices when they don’t exist.  For example, “It’s time for your bath.” rather than “Are you ready for your bath?” They may say,” No.”
  Your toddlers are learning about emotions by reading your face.  They respond to the expression on your face and the tone of your voice.  Feel free to be over expressive.  For example, “You found your teddy bear! Let me give you a big hug!” or  “Stop! We need to stop, look both ways, and listen before we cross the street.”   Toddlers are just beginning to recognize and manage their feelings.  They have a wide range of emotions and may respond with a tantrum when tired or frustrated.  The best way to prevent tantrums is to distract them by suggesting another activity or offering a source of comfort such as a teddy bear.
  Toddlers are beginning to understand imaginative play.  They may imitate what you are doing

Play is important...

in the kitchen or out in the garage.  Play kitchens or tool sets are good toy choices for this stage.  They may also use objects in different ways.  For example, a block might become a truck or a telephone.  Offer opportunities to   play with sand, water, and play dough as well as drawing materials. 
  Provide safe play areas in your home and yard where your toddlers can move around freely.  Take walks outdoors and visit parks and nature centers where you can explore the environment. Seek out

Visit parks and nature centers

playgrounds where your toddlers can interact with other children and adults.
 Enjoy this special time with your toddlers.  They are so open to learning, especially when it’s with the people they love most.  Talk, laugh, and move around together. Share the fun of learning! Take photos of block building, art, and other projects and send them to relatives.
photos: Fran Darling, fdarling fotos - sketch: Mark Nowicki 


More Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’ web site: www.grandparentsteachtoo.org. Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio 90; Youtube video activities; and join us on Pinterest