Month Seventeen

Toddlers love to help out, learn and feel part of the adult world. Try to include him in as many activities as possible, rather than restricting him to ‘baby’ toys and games.

If you’re making dinner get him to help by sprinkling cheese on a pizza or giving him a bowl and wooden spoon so he can make his own creation. Get him to help you make cupcakes – he will love to put his hands in the mix and help mommy.

If you are in the garden give him a little plastic fork or spade and a little patch of earth so he can help you out. Remember to make your garden safe before taking your child out to play there.

Sing and dance as much as you can with your toddler. By now he should be bopping along to music when he hears it and he will become your perfect dance partner! See games to play with older babies.

Your toddler may be able to remove an article of clothing at this stage, so make sure he knows when and where he can take his clothes off – in your home is fine, at the mall is not! The same goes for when he tries to take his diaper off – obviously something you want to put a stop to.

He may also be able to say a few words at this point. Don’t worry too much if he doesn’t quite get them right, saying ‘doh’ for dog for instance. Just repeat the sentence back to him using the correct pronunciation: “I can see the dog too”, so he learns from you. See helping your toddler to talk.

Your toddler’s ball skills will be improving all the time and he may be able to kick a ball and even throw it at this stage. You can encourage him by having a kick around in the park or throwing a soft ball at him. Catching is a lot harder and will take some time to master.

Also read how to encourage an enquiring mind to help your toddler's educational development.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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Last Modified: 11/07/2007

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