Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5

Growth & Development: Can I Help?

Time to Pretend...

Your toddler is growing up right before your eyes. They're probably able to leave you without getting too anxious, and adjusts to new situations like preschool more easily. They're starting to create ways to entertain themselves, such as boys playing fireman or girls pretending to be the mommy to their dolls. They may love to help you with chores and are pretty good at following instructions when it's time to put away their toys or wash their hands for dinner.4

Improved Communication Skills...

Your toddler may show some understanding of the alphabet and the idea that letters form words and stories. As he/she approaches their fourth year, they'll probably be solving problems such as asking a friend to trade toys so they can each have a turn.

Toddler Tips

Good Advice for Mom

  • Ask your child questions. The best way to know your child has an earache is him/her telling you - just ask. But if they can't talk clearly yet, there are other clues. If they pull or tug at their ear, have a fever, have fluid draining from the ear, are fussy, are eating less, have an upset stomach, have diarrhea, start waking in the night or crying in their sleep, call your doctor. A pesky ear infection may be to blame.5
  • Be aware of your child's developing identity. Are you imagining things, or did you hear your child bossing his/her toys around, congratulating themselves on behaving well and talking to an imaginary friend? If they're a normal three-year-old, you heard right. This "self-talk" is your child's way of gaining self-control and thinking about their place in the world, and is quite healthy.6
  • Make language and reading development fun. Your toddler is just starting to learn the alphabet and recognize words. To help them along, it can be fun to point out everyday words like the letters on a stop sign or the logo on a favorite store. Give them a subscription to a children's magazine to give them something new to read on a regular basis. They'll also love getting their own mail!7

4 “Your 3-Year-Old,” “Your 3 ¼-Year-Old,” “Your 3 ½-Year-Old,” and “Your 3 ¾-Year-Old”http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

5 “Ear Infections”http://parentcenter.babycenter.com

6 “What Your Child's Words Reveal”www.child.com

7 “Learning to Read-Age by Age Guide”www.aap.org

Consult your physician or dental professional if using another fluoridated product.

Helpful Tips
for Parents

Don’t Bug Me!

Playing outside is one of the joys of summer, but your toddler isn’t the only one taking advantage of the warm weather. Bugs are on the rise this time of year, but insect repellent can help protect your child from biting insects
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Vitamin Efficiency

Multivitamins seem like a good way to ensure your toddler gets the nutrients he needs. But before you add the fun shapes and sweet flavors to his routine, talk to your pediatrician. Many think multivitamins are unnecessary for children unless they lack certain vitamins and minerals because of a food sensitivity or poor diet. If you decide multivitamins are right for your toddler, give him a children’s formula to prevent toxic doses, keep them out of his reach and teach him vitamins are medicine and not candy.

Source: Mayo Clinic website at www.mayoclinic.com, August 4, 2006

Now Hear This!

Listening skills are vital to your child’s education, verbal communication and interpersonal relationships. He’ll start learning to listen as young as two when you practice and encourage these good habits: Get down on his level and make eye contact while talking. Don’t interrupt unless there’s a question. Divide listening and talking roles. Pay attention to what he says and respond with a nod or a comment. Ask him to repeat what you’ve talked about and compliment him for being a good listener.

Source: “Teach Your Kids Listening Skills (the Real ABC's),” by Jodie Lynn, www.family.go.com, accessed October 15, 2007.