Child Development and Positive Parenting : Toddlers & Preschoolers

by CDC

(Page 2 of 4)

Toddlers (2-3 years old)

Developmental Milestones

Because of your child's growing desire to assert her independence, this stage is often called the "terrible twos." However, this can be an exciting time for you and your toddler. He will experience huge intellectual, social, and emotional changes that will help him to explore his new world, and make sense of it.

During this stage, your toddler will be able to follow two- or three-phrase commands, sort objects by shape and color, imitate the actions of adults and playmates, and express a wide range of emotions.

Positive Parenting

• Set up a special time to read books with your toddler.
• Encourage your child to engage in pretend play.
• Play parade or follow the leader with your toddler.
• Help your child to explore her surroundings by taking her on a walk or wagon ride.
• Encourage your child to tell you his name and age.
• Teach your child simple songs like Itsy Bitsy Spider, or other cultural childhood rhymes.

Child Safety First

Encourage your toddler to sit when eating and to chew her food thoroughly.

• Check toys often for loose or broken parts.
• Encourage your toddler not to put pencils or crayons in his mouth when coloring or drawing.
• Never leave your toddler near or around water (that is, bathtubs, pools, ponds, lakes, whirlpools, or the ocean) without someone watching her.
• Never drink hot objects while your child is sitting on your lap. Sudden movements can cause a spill.

Preschoolers (3-5 years old)

Developmental Milestones

As your child grows into early childhood, his world will begin to open up. She will become more independent and begin to focus more on adults and children outside of the family. He will want to explore and ask about his surroundings even more.

Her interactions with family and those around her will help to shape her personality and individual ways of thinking and moving. During this stage your child will be able to ride a tricycle, use safety scissors, show awareness of gender identity, help to dress and undress himself, play with other children, recall part of a story, and sing a song.

Positive Parenting

• Continue to read to your child. Nurture her love for books by taking her to the library or bookstore.
• Let your child help with simple chores.
• Encourage your child to play with other children. This helps him to learn the value of sharing and friendship.
• Help your child's language by speaking to her in complete sentences and in "adult" language. Help her to use the correct words and phrases.
• Be clear and consistent when disciplining your child. Model the behavior that you expect from him.

Child Safety First

As your child becomes more independent and increases her interaction with the outside world, it is important that you and your child are aware of ways to stay safe. Here are a few ways to protect your child.

• Tell your child why it is important to stay out of traffic. Tell him not to play in the street or run after stray balls.
• Be cautious when letting your child ride her tricycle. Keep her on the sidewalk and away from the street.
• Check outdoor playground equipment. Make sure there are no loose parts or sharp edges.
• When your child is playing outside, keep watch over him at all times.
• Practice water safety. Teach your child to swim.
• Teach your child how to interact with strangers and how not to interact.

About the Author

www.cdc.gov
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the 13 major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is the principal agency in the United States government for protecting the health and safety of all Americans and for providing essential human services, especially for those people who are least able to help themselves.