Month 19 - A Push-Pull Relationship

Your child's growing independence can sometimes be at odds with her need to have you nearby all the time. Don't be surprised if she walks away from you, only to cling to you a moment later. It's all perfectly normal. Reassure her that you're there for her, and encourage her to follow you if she wants to be close. In this issue, read about your child's latest developmental milestones, get tips on burn prevention, learn ways to cope with hitting, and more.

For My Toddler - Month 19

Climbing, Running, and Dancing Between 18 months and 2 years, toddlers are consumed with the desire to explore. Climbing into, around, and on top of anything within reach — from the coffee table to the kitchen cabinets — has become more and more exciting. (Remember, it's your job, not your child's, to worry about heights!) Your child will run everywhere rather than walk, and he'll dance, twist, and try out new motor skills like balancing and twirling. Keep one hand free so you can grab hold of him at any moment. Read More...

Burns Be Gone Burns are painful, and they damage your toddler's skin. You can help prevent them by keeping the handles of hot pots and pans turned toward the inside of the stovetop at all times, and covering or barricading exposed heaters, heater grates, fireplaces, grills, and anything else in your house that has a hot surface. If your child does get burned and the burn blisters, take her to her health care provider for treatment. Read More...

Try, Try, and Try Again Most young children are reluctant to try new foods (there's even a name for this — food neophobia). So don't be offended if your toddler wrinkles his nose and spits out your carefully prepared offering. And don't take his initial rejection as a final judgment on the dish. Research shows that offering a new food several times, a day or two apart, will likely lead to success. The effort is worth it — willingness to try new foods and a varied diet lead to healthier lifelong eating habits. Read More...

For Me

Helping Little Sluggers Has your otherwise friendly toddler suddenly started hitting people? Many children this age start communicating their feelings physically, partly as a way to get your attention and partly because their language skills are still limited. To curb the behavior, make a show of noticing when she communicates without hitting. Positive rewards for acceptable behavior teach better than negative consequences for bad behavior. Read More...

Clothing-Optional? These days, your little striptease artist may take off his clothes as quickly as you can get them on. Don't despair! Children practice new skills as often as possible — it's all part of their natural drive to master the world around them and become more independent. Instead of getting into battles, have your child help you dress him, even if it takes three times as long. Read More...

Thank you Pampers for this information!