14 Months – 2 years
General Behavior
- Beginning to use spoon; may have difficulting inserting spoon into mouth
- Beginning to speak, putting words together
- Solves problems
- Shows pride in accomplishments, likes to help
- Begins to play with others
- May have temper tantrums
- Asserts independence but strongly prefers familiar people; may be shy around unfamiliar people
- Recognizes ownership of objects (i.e. “mine”)
- Begins to understand what adults want them to do, but do not yet have the ability to control themselves
- Throws and picks up objects
- Walking
Positive Parenting Practices
- Provide music, books, magazines
- Set realistic limits and be consistent
- Praise for success
- Let child see mouthing of words
- Allow child to do small tings to help dress and undress himself (but do not push him to achieve beyond his capabilities)
- Allow and help child to express feelings
- Encourage verablization and expression of wants
- Place in bed before child reaches an excessive state of fatigue/excitement
Discipline Options
- Continue distractions for unacceptible behavior and reward for acceptable behavior
- Ignore tantrums unless child hurts himself
- Set reasonable limits on behavior
2 – 3 Years
General Behavior
- Interested in peers (leading, following, and competing)
- Enjoys conversations
- Beings simple reasoning
- Asks questions (“Why?”)
- Beings potty training
- Engages in role playing or make-believe activities
- Self-centered (does not understand that parents and siblings have needs too)
- Feelings can be hurt; ways to deal with stress are still limited
- Attends longer to stories and television
- Has a difficult time sharing
Positive Parenting Practices
- Encourage napping at signs of fatigue or irritability
- Encourage imagination and dramatic play activities
- Regularity and consistency promote good sleeping habits
- Give attention to disirable behavior
- Model positive traits you wish your child to possess
- Assure child that you understand his feelings
- Very active; don’t let them out of sight!
Discipline Options
- Use clear-cut limits
- Be specific about what you expect
- Use gentle firmness, no hitting
