Toddler Growth & Development

• parallel play

  children play with similar toys in similar ways, but not together
• receptive language

  ability to understand what is being said or asked, more advanced than expressive language
• Erikson's toddler stage

  autonomy vs shame and doubt

  achieves autonomy and self-control, separates from parent, withstands delayed gratification, negativism abounds, imitates others, spontaneously shows affection, enthusiastic about playmates, can't take turns in games until 3 years
• motor skills of a 12-15 month old

  walks independently, feeds self finger foods, uses index finger to point
• motor skills of an 18 month old

  climbs stairs with assistance, pulls toys while walking, masters reaching, grasping, and releasing, turns book pages, removes shoes and socks, stacks 4 cubes
• motor skills of a 2 year old

  runs, kicks ball, can stand on tiptoe, carries several toys or a large toy while walking, climbs onto and down from furniture without assistance, builds tower of 6-7 cubes, right or left handed, imitates circular and vertical strokes, scribbles, turns knobs
• motor skills of a 3 year old

  climbs well, pedals tricycle, runs, walks up/down stairs with alternate feet, bends over easily, undresses self, copies circle, builds tower of 9-10 cubes, holds pencil properly, screws/unscrews lids, turns book pages one at a time
• average number of words for a 2 year old

  50 words, 2 word sentences
• separation anxiety

  most common between 9-14 months, can re-emerge between 18-24 months
• appropriate toddler toys

  household items, blocks, cars, plastic animals, dolls, putting shapes into matching holes, jigsaw puzzles, push and pull toys, wagons, musical instruments, chalk, sand/water play
• best way to promote language development in toddler

  read to them every day
• car seat for a 2 year old

  rear-facing car seat in middle of back seat
• age that toddlers should be weaned from the bottle

  by 12-15 months
• oz of milk per day

  16
• oz of juice per day

  4-6
• healthy diet in toddler

  small, bite size foods, do not restrict fats in toddlers, food jags normal, avoid no spill sippy cups

  avoid nuts, chewy/sticky foods, raw carrots, peanut butter, popcorn
• appropriate ways to help toddler behavior

  use timeouts for children > 2.5, do not make toddlers share, offer choices, firm and even tone, no yelling
• tips for toilet training

  use potty seat, gentle praise, let child clean up mess, training pants, doll that wets, potty books
• tips for temper tantrums

  intervene early with activity change to prevent tantrum, remain calm, ignore behavior, avoid eye contact
• genu varum (bowlegs)

  normal up to age 3

  persistent beyond - blount disease