During this stage, children aged 18-36 months go through significant growth phases in physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language development. They show significant progress in their motor skills (Veldman et al., 2019). They can walk, run, climb, kick, and jump easily. Children develop better hand-eye coordination and also show their first attempts to balance and avoid obstacles. Toddlers show their growing independence by opening doors, climbing stairs, and handling various objects.
Their increased autonomy exposes them to a higher risk of injury (Myhre et al., 2012). Therefore, parents and caregivers should ensure that the home is childproof by securing cabinets, covering electrical outlets, using safety gates, and installing window guards. Small objects, poisoning, and choking hazards should be removed from their reach. Although safety measures should always be in place, caregivers should also into account the child’s need for autonomy by providing age-appropriate stimulation and experience. (Hughes et al., 2018).
During this time, toddlers form strong attachments to their primary caregivers and may become distressed when separated from them (Poopal, 2021). They begin to exhibit feelings of frustration, guilt, and remorse (Drummond et al., 2017). They may have trouble sharing toys without protest and demand adult attention. Their fears become more real to them, and they begin to understand the difference between fantasy and reality (Woolley & Ghossainy, 2017).
When your toddler starts to hit himself, it is only natural that you feel disturbed. This conduct can be perplexing and daunting for parents, but it is important they have empathetic attitude towards it. There are several reasons a toddler might hit him/herself, so understanding these reasons can enable you effectively deal with the behavior.
Their language skills are still in development stage hence they may experience difficulties expressing their needs, wants or emotions verbally. They need to communicate effectively otherwise there will be frustration that might lead them into hitting themselves as if its way of saying out their annoyance. It is outward manifestation of their internal stirrings.
Sometimes toddlers slap themselves just to get attention from parents or caregivers. When disciplinary actions such as scolding or showing concern are taken, the same might inadvertently reinforce the behavior. Highly perceptive by nature, toddlers can immediately grasp that self-hitting leads to huge response.
It could be that some toddlers hit themselves because of sensory processing problems. Some sensations can be overwhelming for them while others would not process sensory information like others do. Hence they resort to hitting themselves to address or manage those sensations.
Toddlers don’t know how to control their emotions yet; they often beset by feeling overwhelmed and unable to soothe themselves through other means rather than hurting oneself physically. In this regard, helping them learn better ways of regulating emotions becomes very important.
On many occasions toddlers imitate what they see other people doing around them including those they live with at home and also those whom have been repeatedly beaten by others. So it’s a necessity sometimes for parents/ caregivers to show gentle and positive approaches toward managing frustration and feelings in general.
Staying calm and comforting your child adequately is vital when addressing his self-hitting problem as well as avoiding any form of provocation exacerbating the situation further. Reacting calmly whenever your baby slaps himself can help in bringing down the tension. By taking hold of his hands softly or providing a comforting hug, you will be able to make him feel secure and assured.
It is also useful to encourage your toddler to use speech, signs or gestures so that he gets some relief from his feelings. Praise any efforts at speaking in better ways. An alternative way of averting this recurrent self-hitting is by diverting the child’s attention towards another form of play.
This creates an environment that is safe for your child. Therefore get rid of things which could cause harm and give him soft toys or pillows if required. Sticking to regular routines can enhance safety while minimizing frustration among toddlers. They must sleep enough, eat regularly and keep calm.
If you understand why your toddler hits himself and respond with patience and support, it can help him grow up using healthy alternatives for managing emotions and expressing desires.
For further insights on this subject, be sure to check out the article “Understanding Why Kids Hit Themselves: Techniques to Stop the Behavior”.
It is not unusual for toddlers to get to stages where they refuse taking naps yet it is quite evident that their bodies still require them. Parents may find this challenging but there are several strategies that can be used to make your toddler sleep through the nap hours.
First, you can observe your toddler’s behavior to know why he/she might be refusing naps. This may be due to the fear of missing out on activities, increased awareness of the environment or as a result of a desire for more independence. Understanding the root cause helps in determining how you should go about it.
A consistent nap routine is crucial. Toddlers thrive on routine and predictability, so establish a calming pre-nap ritual that you follow each day. For example, reading a book together, dimming the lights and playing soft music or even just engaging in some quiet playtime before settling down would work. It also signals your child when he/she has to take time off from their daily activities.
Check if your toddler has a suitable place for sleeping during the day. Creating an environment that promotes sleep will help them doze off quickly. Some of these include blackout curtains, white noise machines and comfy beds which make the room an appealing resting area for those little sleepyheads.
Another strategy is giving choices. Do not force him/her into anything but rather give minimal choices like picking favorite stuffed animal or choosing one book among many others to read before sleeping in order not to create resistance towards being taken care of by anyone other than his/her mother.
In case your child continues resisting taking a nap, try having quiet time instead. Letting him stay quietly in his room even without sleep for specified period during daytime could lead them into falling asleep later by helping them relax after doing nothing at all.
Watch out for any signs of overtiredness that may hinder napping by the toddler. Such signs include rubbing eyes, yawning or being generally irritable. Putting your child down for a nap before they become too tired is one way to help them sleep through.
Keep calm and be patient. Nap resistance is a common phase and can take time to resolve. Being consistent while using these strategies and staying positive no matter what will definitely make a difference. Additionally, it is better to adjust your tactics as the situation calls on.
In case resistance on bedtime continue over extended period without change in your baby’s mood, consult with a pediatrician who may give more advice as well as rule out any underlying factors interfering with sleep patterns.
It takes patience, consistency and knowledge to help a toddler through a phase of nap refusal. Encourage them to get enough rest so as not to affect their growth by making the environment supportive and maintaining a calm routine.
Are you wondering “how can I get my toddler to stay in bed”? Getting a toddler to stay in bed can be a challenging task, but it’s an important step in establishing healthy sleep habits. Here are some strategies:
These techniques require patience and consistency but eventually your toddler will be able to sleep through the night and develop healthy sleep patterns. Remember all children are not similar; hence one should try different methods till they find what works best for them.
Parenting a toddler with a strong will is both challenging and rewarding. Strong-willed children are often self-reliant and obstinate, which can be good characteristics for their future. However, these attributes may also result in power struggles and testing limits. Here are some tips to assist you in effectively bringing up an independent but assertive toddler.
First, take time to understand your toddler’s way of thinking. Willful toddlers like to feel autonomous and control what happens within their environments. When one acknowledges the feelings of such kids with empathy, they get heard as well as understood.
Providing choices for your determined tots make them feel empowered. Instead of giving direct orders, suggest two acceptable alternatives. As an example, ask “should we change into blue or red shirts?” This approach enables them to decide from given boundaries.
Stay calm and consistent in your responses always. Toddlers having strong wills can push buttons and test limits on several occasions. Set firm but fair rules about behavior, communicate them calmly then follow through on those guidelines firmly and consistently while ensuring that there are no arguments or tantrums have ever been entertained.
Use encouragement and rewards to reinforce positive conduct in a strong-willed child. Reward the efforts made by this child by praising his/her accomplishments all the times. You shall foster self-esteem in a strong willed child.
Consistent daily routines enhance security in strong-willed toddlers, thereby reducing resistance through the predictability of daily events. This leads to harmonious coexistence within the household, especially regarding activities such as eating time and bedtime, among other needs.
Not every issue has to be fought overed; save your strength for the most important rules/limits while being prepared for less critical issues occurring between you two.
Allow them to do things on their own at a level that is appropriate for their age, like dressing themselves up or helping with simple household chores, in order to encourage independence. This way they feel more competent and self confident.
Instead of traditional time-out, try time-in where you spend few moments together calming your tot down and helping him/her become aware of their emotional state. This method strengthens bonding as it teaches children how to manage emotions better.
When parenting a strong-willed toddler, it takes patience and flexibility. Expect setbacks and realize it’s a learning journey for both yourself and your child. Be patient as your toddler grows and modify plans accordingly.
If you start feeling overwhelmed, seek help from other parents, family members or attend parenting support groups. Sharing experiences and advice can provide valuable insights and encouragement.
By understanding and embracing your strong-willed toddler’s unique traits, you can guide them toward positive behaviors while nurturing their independence and confidence. How can they ever know that we are on their side if we don’t walk with them? These kids will certainly take us through rough waters but the reward is great.
When to switch a child from a crib to a toddler bed is an important question and the answer can differ with various situations. There is no answer for all, but some indicators may help you determine when it’s time.
The majority of the kids move to a toddler bed at the age between 18 months and 3.5 years old. The main factor that tells you that it is already high time to move to another type of sleeping equipment like toddler beds for boys or girls, is if your kid starts climbing out of its crib. Climbing out can lead to falls and cause injuries, therefore it should not be taken lightly. When your kid starts making attempts, you should know that they are ready.
Also consider how your child has grown physically. Sleeping in their cradle might be uncomfortable if they are getting too tall or too heavy for it. Similarly, if the mattress of a baby’s cot is on its lowest position and still the kid can readily climb over, shifting him or her into a toddler bed would be much safer.
Emotional readiness plays an integral role too. Some children begin showing signs that they want more autonomy and may ask about moving to a “big boy” bed; this could mean they are prepared emotionally for the switch-over.
At this point practical considerations also have roles in decision-making process; you may decide to move your older child from crib to toddler bed because you need it again for another baby as well as other reasons such as wanting freedom during intimacy with spouse.
Make sure there are positive vibes around transitioning your child into his new sleeping arrangement once decided upon by both parties. You can make this possible by allowing them choose new covers or participate in arranging where the bedding will go in their new bedroom.This makes them feel in charge, which makes them more excited about altering things.
To ensure a safe sleep environment, toddler proof the room. Anchor furniture to walls and eliminate any hazards. Use a bed rail to prevent falls and place a soft rug or carpet next to the bed.
Keep a consistent bedtime routine to help children adjust to their new bed. The same rituals will offer comfort and security that they can depend on as they transition from one crib to another.
Remember, each child is different so be flexible and patient. Some kids may take on their beds soon after they are placed in there while others may require more time for adjustments. With a supportive approach and attention to your child’s readiness, the transition to a toddler bed can be a smooth and positive experience for everyone involved.
Dealing with daycare biting can be very confusing and alarming for parents or caregivers. Biting is a common occurrence among toddlers and usually happens when they are frustrated, lack communication skills or want attention. Some ways to prevent biting in the daycares include:
Firstly, you should know why your toddler may bite another child. The major causes of toddler bites include teething pain, frustration due to limited verbal abilities; need for extra attention or just checking out their world. Find the root cause first.
Communication between parents and caretakers is vital here. Ask the teachers about the bites so that one can understand how often it happens and why. This will help identify possible triggers which will make it easier for one to control such cases. For instance, does this occur during times of transition, when sleep deprived or while interacting with others?
Ensure that you have an agreed plan with the daycare team. This would help your toddler realize that biting is an unwanted behavior because repetition is key in understanding at this age group. They must intervene right away whenever a biting incident occurs by calmly telling the child that it hurts and is not allowed.
Teach your little one other ways to express themselves instead of using their mouth to bite people around them. You could also teach your toddler some language skills since most children resort into biting as way of expressing their frustrations .Using simple phrases like “use your words” can also remind them.
When your toddler plays nice, shares or communicates using words, praise them consistently as this positive reinforcement can encourage repetitive actions while deterring from any further biting incidents.
If teething contributes towards biting incidents then provide appropriate teething toys for chewing on as part of managing this situation at home. Make sure your child has safe things they are allowed to chew on to ease discomfort in their gums thus making them less likely to bite peers.
Establishing quiet predictable routines at both home and daycare facilities would promote calm environments where toddlers are likely to bite less due to reduced stress levels.
In case this continues, despite the above measures, it is important that you consult a pediatrician or psychologist who specializes in children. They will offer new perspectives as well as specific steps for your child.
Therefore, patience, consistency and partnership between parents and caretakers are necessary while dealing with biting at daycare. If you want to find out more on this topic, also read the article ‘How to Stop a Child from Biting at Daycare: Nurturing Positive Social Behavior’.
When a child misbehaves and both parents are there, it can be confusing and annoying. This behavior may be due to different causes such as seeking attention, testing boundaries or feeling safer hence becoming more likely to act out. Here are some strategies which can help you to deal with this situation in the best way.
First, see if your child wants attention from you. At times children who are around both parents misbehave so that they can catch the attention of all or they want to test how much they can get away with. Your partner and you should reward your child’s good conduct by giving them positive attention so that it becomes a learning situation for them.
Examine how consistent you and your partner have been regarding discipline and parenting approaches. Children may not understand what is happening when their behaviors are met with inconsistent responses. It is very important that both parents have an agreement on rules, expectations and consequences. Talk frequently with each other about this topic so that you’re providing consistent direction towards disciplining your kid as well as supporting each other in setting limits.
Observe your child’s behavior for patterns. Is there a specific moment or occasion when such actions take place? Like during moving between activities; during meal-times or even when you two appear too preoccupied? Identify these patterns so that before things worsen, one can anticipate on events leading up to a situation.
Establish clear boundaries and rules set and enforced by both parents . Ensure fairness in the application of punishments for bad behaviour whether one parent is present or not. This enables them know what is expected of them hence making it easier for them to gauge appropriateness of their actions.
Whenever addressing misbehavior speak calmly but firmly to the child involved. Never respond angrily or frustratedly since this will only escalate things further. Instead, tell the baby quietly why his action was wrong while letting him know what he should have done instead. Then give some alternatives followed by praises whenever the child does as he was told.
Spend quality time with your child when both parents are around. Do things that you and your child enjoy that can create a positive bond between the two of you. This may balance their needs for attention and avoid acting out for attention purposes.
Where all these fail, it might be necessary to consult a child psychologist or family therapist. These professionals can provide advice on tailored strategies which can address the root causes of this behavior.
Thus, dealing with misbehavior in front of both parents requires: consistency, effective communication and understanding of the issue. When these techniques are applied together as one unit, there is improved cooperation among members hence making life easy for everyone and shaping children’s character as required.
It is not easy to deal with a toddler who beats you – it can be challenging and emotionally draining. The best way to manage this situation is by being calm and consistent in order to effectively deal with the behavior itself and help your child learn other ways of expressing their emotions.
Initially, remain calm when your toddler strikes you. Do not get angry at them or frustrated as this will only worsen the situation making your kid even more distressed. Breathe deeply and keep your feelings under control so that you can answer in a composed way.
Quickly address the issue by explaining calmly but firmly that hitting is wrong. Use simple terms that a toddler would understand like “We do not hit. Hitting hurts.” Make sure you convey that hitting is wrong without making the child feel guilty or afraid.
Then redirect your child’s attention to something positive after addressing the behavior. Give an alternative way for them to express what they are feeling or desiring, like using words or engaging into a calming activity. If for example they become angry; teach them how to share their anger with words instead of actions like guiding them towards some relaxing toys/games.
Teach your toddler appropriate strategies for managing their emotions, including coping mechanisms for anger and frustration. Urge him/her to put his/her feelings into words rather than take deep breaths as one way he/she can use calm down well. Going through these skills together makes it possible to empower children better in handling their emotions.
When dealing with hitting behaviors, consistency matters most. It is important that all parents and caretakers respond uniformly towards any action of hitting.
Keep hitting in context. Sometimes tiredness, hunger, or overstimulation can cause toddlers to act out violently. Identifying and addressing these triggers can help prevent future incidents. To reduce the chances of such behavior, establish a routine for sleeping, eating, and playing.
Positive reinforcement should be provided to encourage the correct behavior. In this case, praise your toddler every time they show their emotions or needs in a non-violent manner.
To handle a hitting toddler, keep calm, provide firm guidance and alternatives for expressing feelings. By being consistent with discipline and dealing with root causes, you can help your child develop better coping mechanisms as well as improve overall emotional regulation.
To discipline a 1-year-old, you need to take a different approach from the one used on older children because at this age, toddlers are still gaining their understanding of social norms and self-control. Instead of resorting to traditional disciplinary actions, try guiding and teaching your toddler with patience as well as consistency. Here are some effective strategies for managing behavior in a 1-year-old:
Establish Simple And Clear Limits – At this age, children begin to understand the idea of rules. Use simple and clear language when setting boundaries like “no hitting” or “gentle hands.” Always stick with these boundaries so that your child learns what type of behavior is expected.
Use Positive Reinforcement – Praise and rewards should be offered whenever the child does what they were told or behaves well. This way, positive reinforcements will help them understand which behaviors are appreciated thereby making them want to repeat those behaviors again.
Keep Cool And Stay Consistent – Your reactions towards behavior should be calm and consistent. If you react out of frustration or anger it can confuse your child even more and make things worse. Say in a calm voice why the behavior was unacceptable and what they should rather do.
Create A Safe Environment – Toddlers at such an age are usually curious by nature hence may explore their surroundings in ways that might involve risks. Therefore, prepare a safe environment that has been baby-proofed; this will reduce chances for dangerous activities within a defined area. Remove any harmful items and set up places where kids can safely explore.
Model The Right Behavior – Children learn by seeing what adults do and copying them. Be a role model for the things you want to see in your child. For instance, if you would like your kid to be gentle with toys, demonstrate this act of gentleness with a calm voice while interacting with him or her.
Give Options – By giving your toddler two limited choices, they can feel more control over their lives and have fewer tantrums. For example, ask him/her to pick between two outfits or choose from two snacks. It helps develop decision-making skills in them and also reduces frustration levels.
Understand His/Her Needs – Sometimes toddlers’ misbehaviors are a sign that they are hungry, tired or uncomfortable. Make sure all your child’s basic needs are met and deal with any other issues that contribute to his/her behavior.
Do Not Use Time-Outs – For one-year olds it does not usually work because they don’t fully comprehend time-out or separation concept yet instead focus on redirection as well as gentle guidance.
Disciplining a 1-year-old involves patience, consistency, and positive guidance. Set clear limits, redirect behavior, and reward good conduct so that the young one learns and develops in an environment where there is support.
When a 3-year-old defecates in his or her trousers and doesn’t seem to care a bit, this can be both strange and irritating parents or caregivers. The act may be caused by various reasons such as developmental stages, lack of understanding or emotional problems. Here are some ways that will help you effectively deal with the situation.
Firstly, analyze whether your child is truly prepared for potty training. By this age, most kids are usually potty trained although readiness levels may differ. For example, staying dry for long periods could indicate when it is time to start potty training. Others signs that should indicate you need to start your child’s toilet training include showing interest in using the bathroom and following simple commands. However, if they don’t fully meet these criteria then perhaps it’s best to give them some more time.
Creating a routine is another thing that might help positively. After meals, before napping or sleeping at night are some regular times which you can encourage your kid to use the toilet. This way, even if it is not repeated every day, will become a habit.
Your kids must be motivated through positive reinforcement. Going to the toilet after being praised by parents, who also celebrates with them at their achievements, will boost their confidence.
When a child seems indifferent about pooping on himself there could be feelings of discomfort or fright associated with toilets. Make sure that the child-friendly toilet has been made available. This makes all the difference between enjoyable moments during potty times and stressful ones.
It is also important to keep calm in such situations and avoid punishment, as reacting out of frustration will only make things worse regarding potty training, potentially causing your child to dislike using the toilet. Use the opportunity to gently remind your child about using the toilet and help them clean up without shaming them.
In fact, you can utilize such moments as a way of teaching your child how to maintain proper hygiene. Make it simple for kids by telling them why they need to use a potty and how to ensure cleanliness after that.
Every other time when there’s a change in the normal routine or stressful issues arise, it may be external factors that will affect toilet training. Give your kid extra support and assure them more if he or she is undergoing any major transitions such as joining preschool or welcoming a sibling.
In situations where accidents persist in spite of all efforts made, or if you suspect your child has medical problems like constipation, consult with your pediatrician for possible underlying health issues.
Dealing with a 3-year-old who poops on themselves regularly can be difficult at times. In order make them feel comfortable using the bathroom and create good habits, you should provide supportive environment and consistent approach.
For more parenting advice, you can talk to Sophie, our clever AI parenting expert.
Sensory development is a fundamental aspect of child growth. It involves the acquisition and refinement of skills related to recognizing and interpreting information received through the five senses. By having a variety of experiences, children develop important skills for their cognitive, physical, and social development. Visual experiences, for example, help children develop the ability to recognize and interpret shapes, colors, and patterns, which provides the foundation for visual perception and cognitive processing skills. Auditory stimuli help children develop language and communication, as well as memory. Healthy sensory development is critical for children’s attention, concentration, and self-regulation skills. When children are exposed to a variety of sensory stimuli, they learn to adapt to different environments and effectively regulate their responses to sensory input.
Fine motor skills refer to the precise control and coordination of small muscles, especially in the hands and fingers, to perform tasks that require dexterity and precision. These skills play a critical role in various aspects of life, such as academic performance, hobbies, and everyday activities. Fine motor skills are essential for tasks such as writing, drawing, buttoning clothes, using utensils, and handling small objects. It also contributes to hand-eye coordination and enables individuals to perform activities that require accuracy and spatial awareness. The development and refinement of fine motor skills not only supports academic achievement, but also promotes creativity, problem-solving skills, and overall physical and cognitive development.
Gross motor skills refer to the ability to control and coordinate large muscle groups to perform physical activities and movements. These skills include the use of arms, legs, and trunk muscles to accomplish tasks such as walking, running, jumping, and climbing. They are vital to overall physical development and play a critical role in a child’s independence and exploration. Gross motor skills enable children to play sports, games, and outdoor activities, and promote strength, coordination, balance, and overall physical fitness. Developing and refining gross motor skills in childhood is important for improving physical abilities and laying the foundation for a healthy and active lifestyle.
Emotion regulation refers to the ability to effectively manage and regulate one’s emotions in a healthy and adaptive manner. This includes recognizing and understanding one’s emotions, as well as implementing strategies to control their intensity and duration. It plays a vital role in promoting emotional well-being, maintaining stable relationships, and navigating challenging situations. Developing emotional regulation skills allows individuals to express emotions appropriately, cope with stress, and make sound decisions.
Brain development in childhood refers to the complex and ongoing process by which the brain’s structures and functions evolve during the early years of life. During this time, the brain growths rapidly, dissolves unnecessary connections, and builds vital neural pathways. Brain development in childhood affects physical, social, emotional, and intellectual aspects, shaping cognitive abilities, language skills, emotional regulation, and social interactions. The brain’s adaptability, known as plasticity, allows it to adjust and reorganize in response to experiences and environmental stimuli. Nurturing relationships, a stimulating environment, proper nutrition, and positive experiences are important to support optimal brain development in childhood.
Screen time is the time a child spends using electronic devices such as televisions, computers, tablets, and smartphones. It’s important to highlight that excessive or inappropriate screen time can be detrimental to child development. It can hinder physical development by limiting active play and promoting a sedentary lifestyle. Social and emotional development can be impaired because screen time limits face-to-face contact and impede the development of essential social skills. Intellectual development can also be compromised, as excessive screen time can disrupt cognitive processes, attention span, and language development.
The link between misbehavior, refusal, and the hindrance of the 3 Basic Psychological Needs refers to the connection between a child’s challenging behaviors, such as defiance or refusal, and the unmet or thwarted psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. When these fundamental needs are not adequately met, children may engage in disruptive behaviors to assert autonomy, demonstrate competence, or seek attention and connection. Understanding this link highlights the importance of fostering an environment that supports children’s autonomy, promotes their sense of competence, and nurtures positive and meaningful relationships, to reduce the likelihood of challenging behaviors.
The 3 basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness refer to fundamental psychological requirements that are essential for human well-being and optimal functioning. Autonomy involves the need for independence, choice, and the ability to make decisions across various personal values and interests. Competence pertains to the need to feel capable, effective, and competent in accomplishing tasks and challenges. Relatedness entails the need for connection, belonging, and meaningful relationships with others. Satisfying these three basic psychological needs is critical to an individual’s positive psychological development, motivation, and overall psychological well-being.
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