How can I help my toddler learn and grow?

This is a time when a toddler's vocabulary and expressions increase significantly. Parents can help this learning process. Toddlers like it when you:

• Let them touch and hold books while you point to and name the pictures.
• Use real words instead of baby talk — "give me" instead of ta ta or "bottle" instead of baba.
• Take the time to listen to them.They want you to hear all of their new sounds, words and ideas.
• Give them simple directions to follow — "Go find your red boots".
• Use lots of different words when you talk to them:
  • opposite words like up and down, in and out
  • action words like "running", "splashing"
  • descriptive words like "happy", "big", "little", "clean", "dirty"
• Encourage them to play with other children — at the library, play groups, playground and park.

Playing with your child and including language in the play will support your child's language development.

Toddlers may cry over things that may not seem important to adults. It could be a broken toy, an unfinished tower of blocks or a tiny scratch. Don't minimize or dismiss your child's emotions. You need to remember that their feelings are real to them.

Your child needs you to comfort her and help her understand what's going on. You are the most important person to her. Your calm voice and a hug make her feel safe and secure.

You can help your toddler begin to learn about her own feelings.

• talk with her and name the feelings — "You're sad, you're upset"
• don't push her into any situation that she is not ready for — for example, she may be fearful of patting a cat or dog or saying hello to a new person
• explain the meaning of sounds that may be upsetting for her, such as a noisy fire truck siren or a dog's bark
• be patient

Play with your toddler every day. He learns through play and loves to have you with him.

You can teach your child many important things through play. He can learn how to share and what to expect in everyday situations. For example, playing "going to the doctor" can help prepare your toddler for the next check-up.

You don't need special toys for play. Many household items such as pots and plastic containers can easily become castles, ships or hats. Learn more about games, toys and play for your toddler.

To help your toddler learn through play:

• Let him choose the activity and the direction of the play. Don't worry about following the rules of the game — let him explore.
• Support his curiosity and talk to him about the things that grab his attention.
• Praise him when he accomplishes something, such as builds a tower of blocks or finds a hidden ball.
• Sing and play music while you play.
• Read to him every day. Find the right book for your child's age at your local public library.

Plan a play date or visit a local playground or an Ontario Early Years Centre to let your child play alongside other children and make friends.

Always make sure the playing space is safe. Choose the right car seat for your child.

Learn more activities to support your toddler's development.

Learning how to set limits for your child that are appropriate for his age is important. A toddler will grow into a child who can learn how to control himself and to respect others when a parent is gentle but firm. You will need to:

• be patient
• choose rules that make sense for the age of your child
• be sure your child understands them
• use them consistently
• don't hit or spank your child — this teaches your child to be fearful and it doesn't help him learn how to control his behaviour
• take care of yourself so that you can build your patience and confidence in parenting

Read more about setting limits for your child through a positive parenting style.

Toddlers can be picky eaters. They may decide they like one particular food and not be interested in trying new foods and tastes.

Your child might not like everything right away. She won't always be hungry at meal times. You'll need to be flexible about how much food she eats. Think about how much your child eats over a few days rather than just in one. What and when she eats may change from day to day.

Try to avoid having strict rules about what your child has to eat and when. Toddlers are relentless explorers. They will let you know when they need more food. You can decide:

• what foods to offer
• when to offer meals and snacks
• where your child will eat

Trust your child to decide:

• which foods to eat
• how much to eat

It is important to share meals together. This is a chance for your toddler to learn healthy eating habits by watching you and your family and be part of the conversation.

Read more about healthy eating for children and how to make food more interesting for your toddler.

Most toddlers sleep between 10 and 13 hours per day. This is a period when your toddler may no longer need a nap. To help your toddler develop healthy sleeping habits:

• have a bedtime routine and be firm about it
• avoid long or late afternoon naps
• make sure the bedroom is cozy and quiet
• know your child and how best to soothe her
• give her a favourite blanket or stuffed animal to settle with

If you are ready to return to work or school you need to plan for child care that meets your child's needs.

Your toddler will need help settling into a new environment. Learn more about the transition into child care.

As a parent, you have a big role to play in keeping your child's teeth healthy and clean. Good oral health is important to kids' overall health.

Dental care starts at home, with good eating habits and daily cleaning of the teeth. Brushing, flossing and visiting a dentist regularly can help your child maintain good oral health.

For more information about dental services that may be available for your child visit Healthy Smiles Ontario.