Parenthood is a journey filled with many phases, each with its own highs and lows. The toddler phase is particularly exciting for parents and children alike. It starts when your child learns to walk. At this point, your little one is thrilled with their new mobility and is ready to explore the world.
As a parent, you’re happy to see your kid attain the new milestone, and you’re looking forward to making beautiful memories with them while they discover the world. On the other hand, you probably wonder about the best way to teach your child what they should know at their age. You also worry about your child’s safety because toddlers are so keen on conquering their environment that they don’t mind the consequences.
For starters, you must ensure that your home is safe enough for your little one. Scan your home for safety hazards from your toddler’s viewpoint. You can get down on your knees and hands while doing your search to pinpoint things that might interest your toddler. Unplug electrical appliances when you’re not using them and get plug protectors for unused electrical outlets.
Also, don’t leave water in buckets when not in use. Even small amounts of water can pose a drowning risk for your toddler. Keep all items that could pose a choking hazard away from your toddler’s reach, such as plastic bags, balloons, and small toys that can fit into their mouth. Always have a replacement seat and toddler tables for extra precaution. Even after putting the necessary safety measures in place, you should be prepared for emergencies. Consider learning CPR and having first-aid supplies at home.
You can find out from your healthcare provider the first thing to do at home before going to a hospital if your kid is running a fever due to a cold or because they’re teething. According to Sunshine Urgent Care, a team that provides urgent care in medical emergencies, ”Sometimes your child needs to be seen by a provider faster than your pediatrician can accommodate. It’s stressful to have a sick child or family member and not be able to get an immediate appointment with your primary care physician.”
Generally, toddlerhood is a period of learning for both toddlers and parents. This article discusses crucial things every toddler parent should know. Keep reading to learn more.
Your Child Is Unique
Many parents assume that development is the same for every child, so they compare their toddlers with those of their family and friends. You shouldn’t do that. During toddlerhood, children’s brains develop rapidly, each at its own rate. So much growth takes place at once that your little one may not put it all together at once. After learning something new, your toddler might be so focused on what they’ve learned that they ignore things they knew earlier.
For instance, your toddler who used to love meal times may suddenly lose interest in eating when experiencing a language explosion. Also, your little one who just learned how to run may decide that running is more fun than walking. For the next couple of days or weeks, your toddler may be so busy running around the house or the park when you go out.
Some children even have gross language or motor delays and sleep regressions at this stage. You need to be patient and understand that the challenging aspects, such as the sleepless nights, won’t last long. Focus on enjoying each moment that passes by with your little one.
Self-Regulation Is Essential
Self-regulation is your toddler’s ability to understand and manage their behavior and reactions to feelings and activities happening around them. It includes being able to focus on specific tasks, refocus on new ones, control impulses, and manage reactions to strong emotions like anger, excitement, and frustration. Self-regulation also encompasses your toddler’s ability to calm down after something upsetting or exciting and behave in ways that help them get along with other people.
Practicing self-regulation is crucial for your toddler because it helps them learn, become more independent, behave in socially acceptable ways, and make friends. They’d be able to share toys, take turns when playing games and express their emotions appropriately. One of the ways your little one can learn self-regulation is through playing independently.
Allow your toddler to play on their own without overbearing intervention and supervision. They can play for short periods and practice working through minor disappointments and frustrations. If they’re finding it challenging to do a task like identifying the right hole for a shape puzzle, don’t jump in immediately to help. Try waiting a few seconds before intervening. That way, your little one will begin to regulate their emotions and possibly master new skills as they complete new tasks.
