Having trouble keeping up with your energetic 2-year-old? Now that walking's old hat, she's probably moved on to running, jumping, and hopping, too. When she gets all wound up, let her go - otherwise you'll have a restless, cranky child on your hands as the day wears on. You can channel some of her energy by setting up little games. Have her pick ( Read more... )

Happy birthday to your toddler! And congratulations on becoming the parent of a 2-year-old. Many toddlers - girls especially - are physically ready to begin the process of potty-training now. If your toddler can pull her pants up and down, follow simple instructions, stay dry for three or four hours (a sign that her bladder muscles are developed ( Read more... )

Your toddler may wield a fork and spoon like a pro and drink out of a cup without spilling, but that doesn't mean mealtimes are smooth sailing just yet. He may be more interested in conducting little science experiments on his tray table - like pouring his orange juice into his cereal bowl - than eating. Or he may insist on sitting on your lap and ( Read more... )

Your toddler may now be able to throw a ball overhand with ease, although she'll probably miss her target most of the time. The whole-arm coordination that allows her to roll or throw a ball at something (or someone) usually comes somewhere between 18 months and 3 years. If your toddler is ball-shy, start with rolling games, which will be easier ( Read more... )

Your toddler doesn't whine to be annoying; he's just easily frustrated and sticking with a tactic that works. It's hard not to cave in when your child starts in with the grating, fingernails-on-the-blackboard voice, but you're better off holding your ground. If you can show your toddler that whining won't get him anywhere, he's more likely to give ( Read more... )

It's too soon to sign your toddler up for formal music instruction (experts say its best to wait until around age 3). But that doesn't mean your child can't benefit from an early music program for tots or from listening to a range of music at home. Cheerful, simple rhyming songs such as "Baa-baa black sheep" or "Down by the station" are easiest for ( Read more... )

Me do it!" is a frequent refrain among 22-month-olds. As your toddler becomes more self-aware, he'll likely want to do more things for himself. Setting limits is important, of course, but you can let your toddler take the lead sometimes, like choosing which clothes to wear (even if it means he leaves the house in mismatched colors), wetting the ( Read more... )

1. Go here.
2. Pass it on.
( my answers )

A NEW KIND OF PLAY Your toddler is beginning to discover the joys of spending time with other children. Although at this age toddlers only really play alongside each other, rather than together, the idea of sharing and co-operating is slowly emerging. But these are difficult concepts to take on board. So expect struggles and tantrums along the way ( Read more... )

Your toddler can probably hop off the bottom step of a staircase by throwing one foot forward and letting the other follow. But true jumping, where both feet leave the ground at the same time and then land squarely, is a skill that requires excellent balance so it may take a few more months to master. You can help her practice two-footed jumping by ( Read more... )