Medium
At this age, the focus is on creating a healthy beginning and fostering positive social, emotional, and moral development that will extend through your child’s lifespan.
Medium
Build routines
Predictable schedules help toddlers feel safe and secure.
Nourish your child and enhance mealtimes
- Feeding is about more than nutrition—it’s also about connection. Whether breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or sharing meals, use this time to nurture closeness and trust.
- Toddlers’ appetites change with growth. Trust their natural signals of hunger and fullness instead of forcing food, bribing, or negotiating.
- Offer a variety of healthy choices and let your child decide how much to eat. This builds body awareness, respect for themselves, and a healthy relationship with food.
Structure and discipline with respect
- Toddlers often resist requests as they test independence. Avoid bribes or harsh punishment—these can damage trust and self-esteem.
- Make tasks fun: turn cleanup into a race, or let them help squeeze toothpaste on the brush.
- Offer limited choices (“Do you want to pick up toys before or after snack?”) so they feel a sense of control.
- Always explain the “why” behind rules and be consistent.
- Avoid corporal punishment. Gentle discipline models respect for the body and helps kids learn self-control.
Allow your toddler to say “no” sometimes
- Saying “no” is a practice in self-advocacy—a skill they’ll need later to resist peer pressure.
- If the situation is minor (clothing choices, a hug), respect their decision.
- For safety rules (car seats, sitting during meals), enforce boundaries calmly and with empathy.
Be a positive role model
- Toddlers learn through imitation. Show them your values in daily life (honesty, self-control, kindness).
- Be mindful of how you model alcohol or tobacco use—avoid involving children in these habits or normalizing them.
Take care of yourself
- Parenting is demanding. Prioritize your own health, friendships, and interests so you can parent with patience and balance.
- Connecting with other parents can provide encouragement and perspective.
Form a strong bond and teach about feelings
- Responsive caregiving—holding, listening, and engaging—creates healthy attachment, which protects against future risk behaviors.
- Encourage other close relationships (grandparents, trusted adults) to expand your child’s support system.
- Help toddlers label emotions and needs (“You’re angry because she took your toy”). Validate their feelings instead of dismissing them.
- Be patient with tantrums. Stay calm and close, helping them learn safe, healthy ways to release stress.