Unit of Bala Mandir Kamaraj Trust
Two-and-a-Half – Three Years
The Tester
Parenting Tips!
- Toddlers learn about social interactions and relationships by observing and imitating their elders.
- Toddlers have discovered they have a will and like to exercise it. Saying “no” is a natural and healthy part of development.
- Improving physical skills gives toddlers independence and a sense of accomplishment.
WHAT
Toddlers experience a wide range of emotions, often rapidly shifting between them. They may seek independence one moment and regress the next. Temper tantrums are common as they struggle to express their feelings.
WHY
Toddlers are developing their identity and asserting independence while needing safety and love. They lack the cognitive skills to manage emotions.
HOW
Help your toddler navigate their emotions by acknowledging and validating their feelings. Avoid comparisons with others to encourage self-expression and emotional growth.
WHAT
Toddlers achieve significant gross motor milestones, such as running faster, jumping with both feet, throwing, catching, and riding a tricycle. They also enjoy attempting routine tasks independently, like dressing and brushing their teeth.
WHY
Improving physical skills gives toddlers independence and a sense of accomplishment, motivating them to practice daily.
HOW
Encourage your toddler to explore their skills and abilities while ensuring safety. Offer support when needed, allowing them to maintain their independence while developing new abilities.
WHAT
Toddlers learn social interaction by observing and imitating adults. They enjoy being with friends but still typically engage in parallel play.
WHY
Toddlers learn behaviours through observation and imitation, often role-playing and mimicking adult actions.
HOW
Model the behaviours you want your toddler to adopt, such as sharing and caring actions. This helps them build positive relationships and develop social skills.
WHAT
By three, toddlers can grasp time concepts like "before" and "after," and seek information about upcoming events. They identify differences in objects, shapes, and pictures.
WHY
Toddlers thrive on routines, which provide a sense of safety and security.
HOW
Maintain a consistent daily routine and inform your toddler about changes in advance. Encourage noticing small differences to support pre-reading skills.
WHAT
Three-year-olds often say "no" as a form of self-assertion. They become more creative and imaginative, wanting to engage in adult conversations and repeat stories.
WHY
Toddlers have discovered they have a will and want to exercise it. Saying “no” is a healthy way for them to assert themselves and feel in control. Their listening skills are also developing through stories and conversations.
HOW
Offer limited acceptable choices to encourage cooperation, such as "Do you want cereal or pancakes?" Use "no" sparingly and provide positive alternatives instead.
Health & Hygiene
- Hand Hygiene: Encourage regular hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Oral Hygiene: Support your child in brushing their teeth twice a day with a small amount of toothpaste.
- Bathing and Toileting: Ensure your child is supervised during bath time and teach them proper bathing and toileting habits.
Nutrition
- Nutrition Count: Toddlers are full of energy and curiosity, and need to get enough energy and nutrients from their daily diet to fuel their active lifestyle.
- Balanced Diet: Ensure a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and protein in their diet.
- Healthy Snacks: Offer healthy snacks from multiple food groups, like fruit and dairy.
Safety
- Safe Exploration: Encourage safe exploration while teaching basic safety rules. Ensure they stay close to an adult in public.
- Street Smarts: Continue to introduce simple safety concepts, like holding hands near roads.
- Vehicle Safety: Always secure your child in a car seat with a seatbelt in the back seat.
Special Attention
Consult your doctor if, by three years, your toddler shows any of the following signs of possible developmental delay:- Does not speak clearly or continues to drool excessively.
- Does not engage in pretend play or show interest in social interactions.
- Exhibits persistent emotional distress or difficulty managing emotions.
- Struggles with basic gross and fine motor skills and activities.
- Experiences severe separation anxiety that interferes with daily activities.