How To Handle A Two Year Old… Child Development

Bedtime fears?? Fears or anxiety about separation from parents can make falling asleep difficult for toddlers. Even if they call parents in for water or a nighttime story all they really want is reassurance. Tips for Reducing Fears: 1. Follow a night time routine, such as brushing teeth, reading stories, quiet music, and having a favorite toy that comforts them while they sleep. (#1) 2. Fear of the dark is common at this age and maybe a small nightlight for comfort is a calming affect. Never tease children about their fears. Only calm and comfort them. (#2) 3. Keep a child in bed by rubbing there back, cracking the door, reduce noises, and laying them back down if they continue to get up..(#7)

Toilet Training Signs of Emotional Readiness: 1. Child Shows interest in wanting to use the toilet. 2. They show independence about taking off clothing. 3. Caregivers should support and give a potty seat for the toilet or a potty chair. 4. Caregivers can also read books to children and support them with praise when toileting does occur. Signs Of Physical Readiness: 1. Child is able to go for longer periods of time and control their bladder and bowel movements. 2. A child is able to recognize the need for elimination and is able to control the sphincter muscle that signals a need to go to the bathroom. ( Usually anywhere between 18 months-2 1/2 years of age.) (#3)

Toddler Communication 1. Toddlers learn by exploring and discovering. 2. Allow time for thinking and use correct words for objects. 3. Give only as much help as a child needs. Allow for spills, self dressing mistakes, and not making a perfect picture…(#8) 4. Children learn at different rates.. (#5) Encourage the parent to continue talking, singing and reading to the child. Language is heard and children will respond in there own time. If it continues, you may check for hearing loss with the pediatrician.(#4)

Feeding Young Children Self Feeding is very important at this age. They need to feel a sense of independence and accomplishment. Provide lots of healthy finger foods and also provide toddler size plate ware, forks, spoons, and cups.

Feeding (Cont.) 1. Don't make meal time a battle time. 2. Share nutritional foods together. Eat with children. 3. Offer healthy foods, snacks, and avoid sugary foods. Don’t keep unhealthy ones on hand. 4. Allow Kids to eat frequently. They have smaller stomachs. Don’t overwhelm them with large portions. 5. Children should be encouraged to drink water when thirsty. 6. Allow children to try new foods along with foods they are familiar with. 7. Try and make something fun and healthy in the kitchen together. Children like to measure and stir. You can even use plastic knives for letting them cut up apples that have been peeled, etc.

Biting!! Toddlers may bite when they are angry or frustrated. Caregivers need to take the steps to guide the child toward more appropriate behavior. Explain to them that biting hurts and remove the object of conflict or transition to another activity. (#9)

Biting in Toddlers…. 1. Reduce: _Stressful times and busy days. 2. Don’t wait for your child to start biting before you intervene. 3. Biting is not so much badness: as “Throwing a Temper Tantrum.” Reduce Biting by: Find out the predictable times when it occurs or the triggers that set it off. • If he bites when hungry, exhausted or sleep, take care that he doesn’t reach that extreme stage. • If you think he is not happy with his daily routine, then try changing it slowly. Intervene as soon as you see that gleam in his eye.

Aggression In Toddlers Negative behavior Tips: 1. Use time out. “One minute for every age” 2. Limit Choices. “Only one or two..” 3. Transition to another activity, and explain to the toddler with a quiet voice. A large group could have a song or rhyme. 4. Allow for Quiet time, between busy activities. Read, sing, and comfort a toddler. What does rocking and head banging mean? 1. Tension and Frustration 2. Early sign of Autism. 3. It can be a positive thing, if you address the reason why? Find the problem and transition the toddler.

Other Solutions to Aggression 1. A child who wakes early, probably is curious. Talk with a child before bed and give the child books in a basket or special toys under a small table or corner. Explain that is there special space and when they wake before Mom or Dad, then they can play..

Busy Children.. “Hyperactivity” is defined as an inability to sit for long periods of time, especially when the task requires the child to sit down. Ways to Handle: 1. Calming them down with a favorite book or story.. 2. Set a stable and regular routine. Consistency is important to all kids.. They are comforted through predictability 3. Set realistic expectations. Accept it: They can’t sit or stand still for a long time. So why bring them to a place where he can’t run around or touch things?

Cont… 4. A warm bath and a wind-down routine before tucking in at night is a good way to end the day. Limit TV viewing or video games at least one hour before bedtime. These will only stir Keep them more awake rather than calming them down. 5. Engage your little tyke in purposeful activities like sports, dance, or rhythm activities, and playing at the park.

Children & “PLAY” When a child doesn’t play well because of regression.. Encourage the methods of Learning: 1. Incidental Learning: Unplanned learning 2. Trial & Error Learning: Trying Several solutions to find one that works.. 3. Imitation Learning: Watching & copying others. 4. Directed Learning : Showing a skill or concept.