Month thirty-four
As your child becomes more used to (and hopefully less aggressive) towards other children it might be a good idea to introduce the idea of sharing.
Some children with older or younger siblings may be familiar with sharing already (and if you have twins they definitely will be) but it is not always as easy once he is with another child who is looking through his toy box. The problem stems from the fact that many toddlers don’t understand that something being taken away isn’t permanent, so when another child plays with his toy, he thinks it’ll be gone forever. If you can get your child to share successfully it can mark the start of a whole new phase of developing sensitivity to and respect for others, and will make your toddler a happier and more responsible little person. See our top tips on teaching your child to share.
Memories
Your child’s memories are starting to develop and he’ll love to hear all about himself. Showing him pictures of when he was a newborn, pointing out family members and telling him how happy you were when you first met him, will boost his sense of self and his self-esteem. Show him pictures of his first birthday and encourage him to think about his third birthday, which is fast approaching. If you traced his feet when he was little or painted handprints, put his hands and feet against them now to show him how big he has grown. Draw around his hands and feet again and tell him you will look back in a year to see how much more he has grown. Consider making a height chart for his room so he can help plot how tall he gets from month to month.
Being helpful
This month your toddler is not too young to understand the concept of being tidy. You can teach him to put away his toys, or not to take all the toys out of the toy box, just the one he wants to play with. You can include him in simple chores such as sorting though the laundry and loading it into the washer (but remember the washer and dryer can be dangerous if your child were to get in, so fit locks or explain he is not allowed near them unless you are with him). He can help you to sweep the floor or help to prepare easy parts of a meal. Making cupcakes remains a firm favorite with most children, especially when it comes to licking the bowl of frosting at the end!
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.