Toddler development
If you are the parent of a toddler, congratulations for finding the time to read this! Toddler years are busy years. Their bodies are growing rapidly, their minds are growing rapidly and their feet move rapidly! Toddlers have the reputation for being into everything and parents have to be constantly alert and ready to head off danger, yet still allow the child freedom to explore and experience.
Enjoy your child’s development, be in awe of their amazing achievements and congratulate yourself on a job well done. Don’t be too hard on yourself. No parent is perfect, we all learn on the job. Take time out for yourself. Your child will probably enjoy other children’s company and other adult interaction. This will give you the opportunity to relax and recharge your own batteries so that you can return to your child with a fresh outlook and all the love of a devoted parent.
There is a “normal” range for development, however children also develop at their own pace. If you are concerned that your child is not developing along with other children of a similar age, please see your GP, Practice Nurse or Child Health Nurse.
The following links have been selected by Lower Great Southern Communities for Children team. We have made every effort to select relevant sites that are informative and accurate. The material linked is to provide information only. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified practitioner therefore if you have any concerns see your GP, Practice Nurse or Child Health Nurse.
Language Development
This is a great site to answer questions about language development. It has many fact sheets available to help parents at any stage of a child’s development.
Speech Pathology Australia
Behaviour
Tantrums are a normal part of toddler development. Acknowledging this is one thing, but coping with it can be difficult. Often understanding why toddlers tantrum can help.
As toddlers become more independent, they test boundaries more and more. Often the toddler wants to be independent yet still desires the attention of the parents and care givers. Toddlers can easily become frustrated at their own physical limitations to manipulate the world around them. It is a frustrating time all round!
Even though it's frustrating at times, your toddler needs your love and understanding.
The following links may help you understand your toddler's behaviour, and perhaps give you some ideas of how to cope with this normal developmental stage.
Many Child Health Nurses run programs throughout the year for parents specifically focusing on child behaviour. One such program is “Triple P” http://www1.triplep.net Please ask your Child Health Nurse for more information regarding the next course in your area.
Other behaviour programs such as “1-2-3 Magic” are run intermittently throughout the Lower Great Southern region, through Child Health Nurses, Playgroups and other community groups. To find out more about these other behaviour management programs speak to your GP, Practice Nurse or Child Health Nurse or look out for the next program in the What’s On section of this site.
