PARENTING WITH SUCCESS NEWSLETTER

From 24-30 Months Brought to you by Sioux Empire United Way and

Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center

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YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENTFROM 24-30 MONTHS

Brain DevelopmentLOOK FOR YOUR CHILD TO:�� Point to pictures when an adult names them

(where is the dog?)

�� Name six body parts

�� Understand cause and effect — like what will happen when he or she flips the light switch

�� Know the difference between one and two

�� Stack six blocks

�� Build with snap-together blocks

�� Put together a six- to 10-piece puzzle

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO:�� Let your child explore and test his or her ideas

in a safe environment

�� Provide things to stack

�� Give your child simple but real tasks to do, like putting shoes away or throwing trash in the garbage

�� Practice simple counting

�� Provide toys that challenge your child, such as more difficult puzzles

�� Provide opportunities for imitative play like dress-up, workbench, dishes, etc.

Language DevelopmentLOOK FOR YOUR CHILD TO:�� Be more understandable

�� Use two to three words together to make a sentence like “me go bye-bye”

�� Follow simple commands like “put your napkin in the trash”

�� Listen to a book with a simple plot

�� Use “No,” “Don’t want to,” “Don’t like it” and other negative communication

�� Begin to use prepositions starting with in and out, and progressing to under, behind, on, etc.

�� Begin to use pronouns like my, mine, you, but still mix them up (Me do it)

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO:�� Pay attention when your child talks. This may mean

putting away your screens and devices!

�� Use “expansion”—when your child expresses a thought, add to it: “Me go bye-bye.” You say “Yes, you are going to the store with me.”

�� Sing to your child

�� Play music

�� Read books with simple plots and familiar pictures your child can relate to like animals, bedtime, bath, etc.

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All Children Are DifferentAll children develop at their own rates. Don’t worry if your child is a bit “early” or “late” in some areas of development. Notice their growth in each area so you can encourage each new stage. Your job is to provide opportunities for your child to learn new things when he or she is ready, without being pushed or pressured. If you have concerns, contact your health care provider.

Social-Emotional DevelopmentLOOK FOR YOUR CHILD TO:�� Be negative some of the time

�� Want to do things herself or himself

�� Still be very self-centered

�� Still have occasional tantrums and need a security object

�� Copy what you do and want to help you

�� Play side by side with another child and watch each other, but still not interact much.

�� Make some progress in sharing, but still not be able to share well

�� Like routines that she or he can predict throughout the day such as the same bedtime routine or reading a favorite book many times

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO:�� Keep a positive attitude, even when your child is

negative

�� Give your child simple jobs and allow her or him to help you

�� Praise your child’s attempts at helping, sharing and talking

�� Give your child simple commands to follow

�� Give your child choices. “Do you want the red cup or the blue cup?”

Physical DevelopmentLOOK FOR YOUR BABY TO:�� Be a confident walker

�� Be a good runner, but may sometimes lose balance running downhill

�� Practice using the body in new ways — galloping, crawling like a dog, balancing

�� Catch a rolled ball

�� Stand on tip toe

�� Carry a large toy while walking

�� Screw and unscrew lids and open a door knob

�� Put on some items of clothing

�� Grasp a crayon or marker with fist to scribble using the whole hand

�� Stack six blocks

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO:�� Provide lots of space to practice running, climbing

and stairs safely

�� Play ball with your child

�� Provide lots of activities that help develop the small muscles in the hands, such as coloring, playdough, using tongs, etc.

LET ’S MAKE IT SAFE

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Product RecallsAll parents should monitor recalls of children’s products(toys, equipment, clothing, etc.). We recommend theSafeKids organization, which will either email you periodic updates on product recalls or send a newsletter by mail. Visit safekids.org

Toddler SafetyOlder toddlers still do not understand many of the dangersin the world. Their physical development allows them to getinto harm’s way frequently, but their cognitive developmentis not yet at a point where they can protect themselves.Parents still carry ALL of the responsibility to keep toddlerssafe. For general review of common safety concerns for toddlers go to Let’s Make It Safe.

For specific information on safety issues, go to the links: Poison Prevention, Drowning Prevention, Preventing Suffocation and Strangulation, and Toy Safety.

Car Seat SafetyAt age 2, your toddler can now ride in a front facing car seat, however, car seat experts encourage parents to keep children rear facing until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer. If you have questions about switching to a front facing car seat, call 605-322-3485.

ChokingChoking is still a major hazard for toddlers. Be sure yourchild sits while eating and is always supervised. Chokingis called the “silent killer” because when the airway isobstructed, the child will not make any noise. Parents shouldtake a class in infant/child CPR.

Foods that most frequently cause choking are hot dogs, hard candy and lollipops, nuts (especially peanuts), large marshmallows, popcorn, chewing gum, hard raw fruits, and vegetables like carrots, apples, and grapes. But remember, ANY food can cause choking.

Magnets and BatteriesSmall, powerful magnets (such as those found in adult desktop toys) and nickel cadmium (button) batteries are especially dangerous for young children when swallowed. For more information visit safekids.org

HEALTH HINTS

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Protecting Little SmilesAll 20 baby teeth are usually in by age 2½. Keeping baby teeth healthy is important for:�� Talking and chewing

�� Protecting the developing permanent teeth

�� Providing spacing for permanent teeth

Good dental care is important. Help your toddler clean teethand gums with a damp cloth, gauze or a soft toothbrush.Check with your dentist for advice on which toothpaste touse for your child. Your child should have a first dental check-up by age 2.

You can protect your child’s teeth by limiting sugary drinks,candy and sticky foods. Toddlers should be using a cup atmealtime. Work toward teaching your child to drink from anopen cup, rather than a sippy cup. Sippy cups allow fluidsto pool around the teeth while open cups let fluids go tothe back of the mouth. A cup with a soft straw is anotheralternative.

Most children wean from the bottle by age 2. If your child still uses a bottle, talk to your doctor about weaning, and use it only for milk at feeding times. Never put a child to bed with a bottle. If your child still uses a pacifier, talk to your dentist.

ImmunizationsImmunizations are important! They not only protect yourchild, but they protect the community as well. Follow yourhealth care provider’s advice in scheduling your child’simmunizations. If you need help paying for immunizationsor with transportation, call 605-339-4357.

Little Bodies Need Big NutritionToddler Eating BehaviorsToddlers have small tummies and usually can’t eatenough at a meal to last six hours until the next meal.A toddler may need three meals a day and two to three healthy snacks. Now is a good time to establish regular mealtimes for the whole family. Remember that your toddler may not yet have the patience to sit for the entire meal.

Family mealtime is important, so try to make it pleasant andinteresting. Mealtime is not a time for electronic media!Turn off the TV and other screens and talk to each other!Mealtime is not the best time to bring up family problems or discipline issues. We want mealtime to be a pleasant time for families to gather.

Many parents grew up with the “clean your plate” rule.While no one likes to see food go to waste, this is probablynot the best approach. Provide a variety of healthy foodsat each meal or snack and allow your child to decide howmuch to eat. A serving size for a toddler is 1-2 tablespoonsof each food. Your child may eat a lot more than that, but if your child is consistently leaving food on the plate, start with smaller servings. Avoid using food as a reward (“if you eat all your green beans you can have ice cream”) or as a punishment (“if you don’t taste your meat, you are going straight to bed”).

Your 2-year-old is ready to try eating with utensils. This will take lots of practice and lots of patience for you. Give him or her small, child-friendly utensils and avoid foods that might be more challenging (like soup) until he or she gets better at it. Remember, your toddler may resort to using hands when he or she is really hungry!

Learn more about nutrition guidelines.

THINKING ABOUT SETTING LIMITS

Toddlers have unique thinking strategies that make themseem naughty much of the time! Toddlers are not like 4-and 5-year-olds, and can’t behave like them!

Learn more about guidance and discipline.

The main developmental goal of toddlerhood is independence. Toddlers like to do things for themselves and be in control at least some of the time. Favorite words for toddlers might be “no,” “don’t want to,” “don’t like it” and “me do it.” Toddlers aren’t trying to be naughty or defiant, they are just trying to test their new independence. Be patient! Your toddler will gradually develop more self-control and will begin to understand limits in the near future.

Techniques for Guiding YourToddler’s Behavior�� Let your child know when he or she is doing well. “Good

job helping Mom!” “I like the way you are holding my hand!” Praise good behavior.

�� Tell your child what he or she CAN do and minimize the “no’s.”

�� Plan ahead for outings by talking to your child about behavior, taking along activities and snacks, and being prepared to leave if your toddler cannot handle the situation.

�� Tell your toddler what you want him or her to do, instead of asking him or her. If you say, “Do you want to pick up your toys now?” He or she will probably say NO! Instead, say, “It’s time to pick up the toys now. I’ll help you.”

�� Make the things you want him or her to do, interesting. “Let’s sing a song while we change your diaper.”

�� Give another idea. “I can’t let you jump off the couch, but you may jump off this stool.”

Learn more about toddler behavior.

Punish or Teach? Think about Your Guidance GoalsEven at this young age, there are things you can do to helpyour child learn to control his or her own behavior. Whenparents try to teach the right behavior rather than punishingthe wrong behavior, they give their child a better chance tobegin to learn self-control. Think carefully before slappingyour toddler’s hand or spanking. It may stop his or herbehavior right now (or it may not), but it certainly doesn’t teach him or her the behavior you want learned. This doesn’t

mean letting your child do whatever he or she wants. It means using positive ways to TEACH proper behavior.

SpoilingChildren get spoiled when parents give in to unreasonable demands, fail to limit annoying behavior, or let their child’s minor needs inconvenience others. Spoiling will not happen because you play with your child or listen to his or her needs. Set clear, reasonable limits for your toddler that are appropriate for his or her age. Let your child practice skills instead of doing things for him or her.

Time-OutTime-out is a guidance tool to help your child take a break from behavior that is not OK. Your toddler may now be at an age where time-outs can be a useful technique. A time-out is a short break (1-2 minutes per year of age) to help the child gain control. Choose a place in your home for time-outs like a chair or mat which is separate from regular family activities. Avoid calling it the “naughty” chair.

After the time-out, come back to your child and in a loving manner, remind them of the behavior that is not acceptable and what he or she can do differently in the future. Avoid “over talking;” toddlers do not respond well to lengthy lectures.

Also avoid trying to make your child feel guilty about the behavior (“look what you did — you should be ashamed of yourself”). Tell your child you love him or her and provide reassurance that he or she can do better in the future.

Time-InAnother technique to try is called “Time-in.” Instead ofseparation, time-in suggests that a child needs closeness to learn appropriate behaviors. Time-in focuses on regaining peace between all concerned rather than on right or wrong.

Time-in helps a child think about behavior rather thanconcentrating on the anger and punishment itself. Choose a time-in place — it could be your lap, a place in their room. The parent stays close by to offer help, love, care and encouragement to change behavior.

BitingBiting is a common behavior in toddlers, especiallythose in child care.

Learn more about biting.

HOT TOPICS FOR TODDLERS

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Potty TrainingIn the United States, many children begin pottytraining between ages 2 and 2½ . Look for signs ofreadiness in your child:�� Stays dry for two hours or more; wakes up dry

from a nap or in the morning

�� Asks to have his or her diaper changed or tells you when he or she has gone potty or has had a bowel movement

�� Can get clothing off and on

�� Is interested in the toilet

Choose a time when things are going well at home and stress is minimal. Potty training might need to wait if your child is going through changes like a new baby in the home, giving up the bottle or pacifier, moving out of the crib, etc. Approach potty training in a positive way. Remember, punishment never has a place in potty training.

Learn more about potty training.

Toddlers and Awareness of SexualityPotty training often generates a toddler’s interestin body parts and gender differences. This is a verynormal part of your child’s curiosity. Be preparedto use correct names for body parts and bodyfunctions. Answer your child’s questions simply,calmly and factually with information he or she is readyto understand.Touching private parts or genitals is also normal atthis age. There is no need to punish a child for thisbehavior. Soon, your child will begin to learn aboutprivacy and modesty.

A WORD ABOUT TELEVISION AND SCREENSIn our past newsletters, we have recommended the American Academy of Pediatrics position on technology screens and young children: No screens are recommended for children under age two. Your child has now reached that age. Does that mean all restrictions are off? It means you have new decisions to make for the well-being of your child.

Our World Revolves Around Technology, So What Is So Bad About Screens? By screens we mean television, DVDs, computers, tablets, devices, hand held games, and whatever else comes on the market that involves technology and a screen. Technology can be a great thing. But for young children,

spending too much time in front of a screen can actually hinder their development. Young children need hands-on learning for their developing brains. Actually feeling a ball; its shapes and curves, its weight and mass, is much more important than manipulating a flat, one-dimensional ball on a screen game.

Screens may also hinder language development. Have you ever seen a family in a restaurant, and ALL of them, even the 2-year-old, are looking at their screens? Language is learned through the back and forth listening and participating in real human conversation.

Screens may hinder the development of social relationships and skills like empathy. Screens don’t teach us about human emotions and interaction — looking into the eyes of another human does.

Children and Technology

GUILDELINES FOR SCREENS�� There is no recommendation for how much

screen time is GOOD for your child; there are only recommendations suggesting limits on screen time. If you choose to give your child access to screens, limit the total of all screen time to two hours per day or less

�� Make sure anything your child watches is appropriate for his or her age and development

�� Spend screen time WITH your child so you can add a human element to it

�� Limit your own screen time when you are around your child. When you are on your device, you are not really WITH your child, even if the child is sitting right next to you

CHILD CARE CORNER

ACTIVITY CORNER

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CHILD CARE CORNERContinue to visit with your child care provider often about your child’s care. Be sure your caregiver understands toddler development and uses positive guidance techniques. Older toddlers still need lots of cuddling, smiling and other emotional support. Toddlers sometimes need to be on their own schedules for eating and sleeping, even though it may not fit into the child care schedule. Remember, this will not last forever!

Many parents wonder if child care will affect the bond they have with their child. Research shows that infamilies where parents are actively engaged with theirchildren and are sensitive to their needs, child care willnot hurt the attachment bond. Quality child care is very important. Child care that is unstable, has frequent staff changes, has staff members that have little or no training or are not actively engaged with the children can be harmful to children. You and the staff should have a similar view on child guidance. Long hours in child care — even quality child care — can also have a negative effect on children.

If child care licensing is required in your city or state, be sure to choose child care that complies. Treat child care providers as professionals and communicate with them in a positive way. Be sure to express your gratitude for your provider’s insight and care. Volunteer for your child care or offer to serve on the parent advisory council.

For more information on choosing child care, contact theHelpline Center by dialing 211 in the Sioux Falls area orvisit their website helplinecenter.org.

CHALK MAZEUse sidewalk chalk to draw shapes and lines on the driveway or at the park. Give your child simple commands like “Jump over the red circle,” “Walk tip toe on the green line,” “run around the blue square.” Then let your child give commands to you. This activity provides physical activity and large motor practice while teaching listening skills, shapes, colors and prepositions.

TUBES AND RAMPSCut house guttering or wooden crown molding lengths into smaller pieces. Let your child roll balls or cars DOWN the ramps. Put a shoebox with the ends cut out at the bottom of the ramp so the cars and balls can go IN. Find a large cardboard tube, like a mailing tube, with both ends open. Tape this to the wall at a height your child can reach. Place a container at the bottom and let your child drop objects into the tube and watch them reappear in the container. This activity demonstrates principles of physics like momentum, velocity, the use of an inclined plane and gravity.

STICKY PICTURECut a large piece of clear contact paper and remove the backing. Turn under the sides and stick to the table with the rest of the sticky side up. Provide a variety of small, flat items for your child to stick onto the contact — tissue paper squares, pieces of yarn or ribbon, confetti, paper shapes. When done, press a piece of construction paper on top and the picture will show through the clear contact. You can do themes, too. For a pizza, color a paper plate red. Cut contact in a circle and stick on pepperoni, mushroom and meatball shapes with orange yarn for the “cheese.” For an ocean theme, cut out small fish shapes and provide blue and green tissue paper strips for the “seaweed.” This activity lets your child be creative while strengthening the small muscles in their hands.

MOMMIES MATTER: DADS DO, TOO!

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When Your Toddler Drives you Crazy!Parenting a toddler is emotionally and physically exhausting! All parents get upset with their toddlers sometimes. If you feel angry and out of control, here are some ideas:�� Take deep breaths, count to 10, close your eyes

�� Put your toddler in a safe place for a few minutes (crib, playpen) to give yourself time to calm down

�� Ask a trusted friend or relative to relieve you so you can have a break

Consider reading a book on toddlerdevelopment to help you understand your child at this stage�� “The Happiest Toddler on the Block” by Harvey

Karp

�� “Touchpoints” by T. Berry Brazelton

�� “Your Baby and Child” by Penelope Leach

�� “Caring for Your Baby and Young Child” by

�� The American Academy of Pediatrics

You can also call the Family Life Education office for insight into your toddler’s behavior. Our certified family life educators are available by phone at 605-322-3660.

If you feel that your emotions are difficult to manage, talk to your doctor, spiritual advisor or counselor. Getting help means that you are responsible and that you careabout your child.