Parents Guide

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St. Mary's County

Parents Guide

Parents Guide
The Beginning Years

Pregnancy

Birth

Being a Parent

Breastfeeding

More About Feeding Your Baby

Caring for Your Infant

As Your Baby Grows

Child Safety

Toddlers

Feeding Toddlers and Young Children

Helping Your Child Learn

Learning to Use the Toilet

If Your Child Has a Disability or Special Need

Preschoolers

Choosing Child Care
Parenting as Your Child Grows
Parenting and Your Family's Well Being
Resources in the Guide

The time from eighteen months to three years is one of the most exciting periods of growth. Toddlers are able to do many new things. They run, jump, climb and have conversations with you. They begin to explore their power and independence. And they have their own thoughts about what they want and don’t want, like and dislike. You will often hear the words “No!”, “Mine!” and “I can do it myself.”
Toddlers are testing their limits and yours. They want to be independent, but they still depend on caring adults.
Your child may act like a three-year-old one minute and a one- year-old the next. He may have tantrums or break into tears because he can’t do everything for himself. As you guide him, he will learn self-control and become more considerate of others.

A Great Time to Learn Two Languages
Jasmine is learning Persian at home as well as English.

Children Learn Through Play
Your toddler learns through all his senses as he plays. He learns by moving, climbing, fitting into spaces and carrying and dumping things. His waking moments are filled with discoveries. Find ways to give him safe and interesting experiences. Call National Parent Info Network. Visit www.npin.org or www.zerotothree.org.

Children Develop Differently
Children develop and learn at
different rates. Accept your child as he is and try not to compare him with others. But trust your instincts if you think there may be a problem. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s development, talk to your doctor or call California Early Start.

Learning Language
From 18 to 36 months, children learn many new words and use them in new ways. They first learn words for family, pets and favorite things. Later, they begin to use language for “make-believe.” They begin to label their feelings and tell you when they are happy, sad or mad.
Your toddler may learn new words every day or may listen for months and then begin to speak in full sentences. If your child has no words at 18 months or no phrases at 30 months, ask your doctor how to have your child evaluated. Your child may need more help to learn language.