Simple toys and games offer a wealth of learning to your growing toddler.  Enrich your child’s predisposition to explore her feelings about her world through play and curiosity with a variety of activities.  Physical Play Assuming your 18-month-old is a steady walker, give her access to climbing toys and swings. Stairs are […]
Many new milestones mark your child’s transition from infancy  Sometime within a few months of his first birthday, your baby will learn to walk without help. When he does, he leaves the more placid phase of infancy behind and is renamed a “toddler.” After taking his first independent steps (often to his own astonishment), […]
 During this busy time, your toddler begins to express and assert his own opinions and feelings.  The hallmark of this period is the birth of the self — the awareness of “me” versus “not me.” At the same time, your child’s growth and the integration of her abilities will soar during this six […]
In order to understand abstract concepts, your child has to abstract the ideas from their physical surroundings and from the objects that are significant to them. After listening to her mom read The Giving Tree, for example, 4-year-old Rose said, “This book is about selfish.” She was able to extend the theme from the story […]
 Imagination goes into overdrive this year.  Remember: Every child develops at her own pace. These guidelines are general. There is a broad range of what is considered “normal.” It’s not unusual for a child to be advanced in one area, lag slightly in another. Check with your doctor if you have any concerns. […]
You’ll be amazed at what your child is learning and how he’s growing during this busy year. Â Remember: Every child develops at her own pace. These guidelines are general. There is a broad range of what is considered “normal.” It’s not unusual for a child to be advanced in one area, and lag slightly […]
Wishful Thinking When your child explores the concept of wishes, he explores self-awareness. • The Fish Who Could Wish by John Bush • Small cardboard box • Paint, markers, or crayons • Stamps and/or stickers • Magazines for clipping Talk about what it means to make a wish. Read a story such as The Fish Who Could Wish, by John […]
 When you can answer “yes” to most of these questions, it’s time to start.  • Can your child follow directions? • Does he understand words like “wet” and “dry” and distinguish between the two? How about “toilet” or “potty”? Does he recognize words for urinating or defecating? • Can she tell you where to find the […]
