As they learn more about their world, they also come
to realize that it can be threatening at times. Many
develop fears ranging from dogs to doctors, loud noises,
baths, dark passages, heights and strangers. Parents
may dismiss certain fears as silly or see them as a
sign of overall timidness or sissiness (in male toddlers).
Another complaint during this phase is your toddler's
insistence on eating one food only; experts recommend
going along with your child's desires. Although 'word'
development is on the progress, mispronunciation is
an issue. Play continues to grow; your toddler has the
skills to insert a playing card through a slot. He also
has developed large motor skills and coordination to
toss a ball with fairly good aim. He may also shift
away from imitation to true fantasy play.
Things your toddler can do
AT THIS STAGE
• dump an object in imitation
• use a spoon/fork (but not exclusively)
• run
Things your toddler may
possibly do AT THIS STAGE
• combine words
• identify 1 picture by naming
• name 6 body parts
• throw a ball overhand
• speak and be understood half the time
• use 50+ single words
Things your toddler may even
be able to do AT THIS STAGE
• identify 4 pictures by pointing
• build a tower of 6 cubes
Type 'A' Children
Recent studies suggest that the type 'A' personality
can surface in early childhood. Type A individuals are
often high-strung, intense, impatient, easily provoked,
very competitive; as preschoolers, these children tend
to have great rises in blood pressure when under stress
and when they hit school age, headaches, stomach aches,
sleeping problems and chronic fatigue are common complaints.
Their behavior sometimes lead to low self esteem, poor
listening skills, short attention span, difficulty in
socializing and trouble in school. Some however excelled
in school due to their competitive nature. It is not
confirmed but there seems to be a likelihood that type
A children will grow into type A adults. Though it is
unconfirmed, parents can do their bid to teach children
who seem high strung to relax, how to cope with issues
in non-aggressive ways. Parents should also avoid putting
pressure on their child to excel. Finally it will help
if parents themselves set a relaxed example by not running
in high gear all the time though this is difficult for
those who are type A themselves.
|
