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The term toddler is often misunderstood as being an age-specific term. In reality, a baby is called a toddler once he or she begins learning to walk – becoming a toddler signals a baby’s entrance into a new developmental stage. Normally, this stage of life begins around age two (hence the term “terrible twos”), but all children are on their own developmental timetables, and the toddler stage can certainly begin before or after the age of two. This stage, which straddles the line between baby and child, is often a difficult one for parents and children. Toddlers are learning not only to walk on their own two feet, but also to take a more independent look at every facet of their lives – or at least try to. The toddler stage also includes potty training, improved language skills, improved mobility skills (coordination will improve), and emotional changes. Toddlers are very self-centered, and that is perfectly normal for where they are developmentally. They aren’t going to take to sharing yet, and as they try to assert their independence (despite their complete dependence on their parents at this age), they are likely to become frequently frustrated and annoyed with the world around them for not understanding what it is they want. In order to help your child get the most out of the toddler stage, here are some activities to try out:
HYGIENE
As an adult, you may not see the excitement in washing your hands or brushing your teeth. However, to a toddler, those are bold steps towards improved independence. A toddler is old enough to begin learning about proper hygiene (although you certainly don’t have to teach your toddler the word “hygiene”). Toddlers are eager to do things by themselves – without any help from mommy. To teach your tot about hand-washing, you first need to make it possible for him or her to reach the sink. Buy a step stool so that your child will be able to wash his or her hands without needing to be lifted up by an adult (they don’t want any help!). Show your toddler how to put soap in his or her hands, lather it up, and rinse it off. Don’t fight it if your toddler wants to run through this activity several (unnecessary) times a day at first – it’s a new and exciting skill, and your toddler is feeling proud of himself. When it comes to teaching your toddler to brush his or her teeth, you should be in charge of dispensing the toothpaste. A very small amount is suitable (pea-sized), but if you were to leave it up to your toddler, you better believe that you’d be going through about a tube a day – and that’s neither healthy for your toddler nor affordable for you. Brush your own teeth alongside your toddler – at this age, children like to imitate their parents’ behaviors, so if you model proper brushing techniques, there’s a good chance that your toddler will copy them.
CONTROLLED MESS
Toddlers love getting messy, and they also love being creative (in that order). If you let your child enjoy some activities that involve a “controlled mess,” he or she will be elated. Finger painting is absolutely perfect if you are looking for a “controlled mess” activity. Rather than buying paints at an arts and crafts store, you can make your own non-toxic finger paints with a few basic ingredients from your local grocery store. You will need 1 cup of cornstarch, 1/2 cup of water, 1/3 cup soap flakes (use a cheese grater on a couple bars of white soap), and washable markers. First, melt your soap flakes with ½ cup water. Remove from heat, and stir in cornstarch until the mixture is thick (like paint). Finally, pour the mixture into small containers (one container for each color), and then use the food coloring to color the mixture in each container. Remember, you should always supervise finger painting sessions unless you want your child to give your home a very unorthodox paint job.
DRESS-UP
Dress-up is great fun for toddlers. Although they aren’t likely to be interested in playing interactively with other children (toddlers generally prefer playing alongside others than with them), they will still be wild at the idea of getting dressed up in funny costumes and parading around the house. Since toddlers are just beginning to learn how to dress themselves, you can turn dress-up into a lesson. Incorporate items with Velcro, zippers, buttons, laces, and hooks into the dress-up drawer. Your child will want to wear these items, and so he or she will inevitably have to learn how to out them on. Pretty soon, your toddler will be ready to get dressed (for real… not just for play) on his or her own.
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