Parenting Tips for Toddlers (age 1-3)

Help Your Child Learn New Words:

• Encourage your toddler to explore and try new things
• Set up a special time to read books with your child.
• Play matching games like shape sorting and simple picture or number puzzles.
• Explain in simple way how things work.
• Encourage pretend play with your child.
• Play follow the leader.
• Help your child learn language by talking with them and adding to words they use.
•  If your toddler says “Mama” say something like, “Yes, you are right, that is mama.
  
  
  
• Encourage Your Child to Explore
• Ask your child to find different things and to name different  Shapes, colors and objects around the house.
• Encourage your child’s  ability to recognize common objects away from home.
• Encourage your child’s feeling of independence by letting them help get dressed or feed themselves.
• Respond positively to good behaviors more than you punish unwanted ones (and only use brief time outs)
• Or criticize the behavior, not the child. “Do not touch the hot stove, you could get hurt.” Is better than “You are being a bad boy!”etc.
• Ask your child to tell you their name and age.
  
  
  

  Help Your Child Express Themselves

  • Let your toddler make choices, like which game to play or what book to read.
  • Limit the choices you give to two or three, this lets them feel in control without getting frustrated 
  • Teach your child simple songs like Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Johny johny, and other childhood rhymes
  • Limit attention you give to tantrums and acting up. Teach your child better ways to show when they are upset.                                      
  •