I'm writing this blog post in two parts. Part I is dedicated to my little chatterbox. Part II is about me!
Part I: My Little Chatterbox
My little chatterbox just turned 22 months old. He can talk very well, forming short sentences of 4-5 words each time he talks to us or when he wants to make his intentions clear to us. He can sing-along happily to his favorite nursery rhymes, especially those with numbers 1-10 and alphabets A-Z, or certain ones with words that rhyme, e.g. day, away, play.
I'm always in awe when he starts talking, singing, and behaving like a grown-up, or rather, a mini human being in the house. :D
Now, let's recap what he did when he was 21 months old. :D
According to babycenter.com, here are a few learning points for parents of a 21-month toddler and beyond.
#1: Recognize and acknowledge toddler preferences
Toddlers like things "just so." Along with tantrums and exploration, obstinacy is a hallmark of this toddler stage. Respect your child's preferences and interests, and let him make some choices, such as which shirt to wear. Make it clear that some things - particularly behaviors that affect safety - are not up for negotiation.
Here's a very good article called 'See the world through the eyes of your toddler' along with some great tips!
#2: Correcting without criticizing
Criticize behavior when you must, but avoid criticizing your child. Pointing fingers does little to teach proper behavior. Try phrasing statements to make clear which behaviors you like and which you don't:
"I don't like that screechy noise you're making. Please use a quiet inside voice, like this."
"I like it when you come right away when I call you."
#3: Polishing table manners
The typical 21-month-old has developed some decent self-feeding skills – like filling a spoon with food and getting it into his mouth, spearing food with a fork, and drinking from a cup. Whether your toddler is willing to use those skills consistently at the family table is another story.
Depending on your child's temperament, he may already be turning into a much tidier eater – or far from it. By his second birthday, he might find it distressing to spill a drink or get food on his hands or clothes. On the other hand, he might continue to use food like finger paint for months to come.
Try to avoid making a big deal about his eating habits. Continue to serve the family meal to your child, letting him pick what he wants from it. He won't starve, nor are these fussy behaviors likely to follow him into adulthood.
My latest blog posts about his meals:
7 Wholesome Meals for My 21-month Toddler
3 Easy Creamy Soups for Toddlers
6 ways to encourage your toddler to drink more water
#4: Setting routines
Try establishing and sticking to set times for napping, eating, and going to bed. A regular schedule helps your child feel more secure and in control. He can't tell time yet, so it also gives him a sense of what's coming next.
Routines make your life easier too – and not only because they simplify day-to-day planning. If your child knows what to expect every day, you'll probably encounter less resistance.
You don't have to be rigid. What's most important is that things happen in pretty much the same order at more or less the same time each day. Weekend bedtimes and morning wake-ups that are roughly the same as on weekdays help keep the routine on track.
What was he up to? Time to bombard this post with his cute photos!
Part I: My Little Chatterbox
My little chatterbox just turned 22 months old. He can talk very well, forming short sentences of 4-5 words each time he talks to us or when he wants to make his intentions clear to us. He can sing-along happily to his favorite nursery rhymes, especially those with numbers 1-10 and alphabets A-Z, or certain ones with words that rhyme, e.g. day, away, play.
I'm always in awe when he starts talking, singing, and behaving like a grown-up, or rather, a mini human being in the house. :D
Now, let's recap what he did when he was 21 months old. :D
According to babycenter.com, here are a few learning points for parents of a 21-month toddler and beyond.
#1: Recognize and acknowledge toddler preferences
Toddlers like things "just so." Along with tantrums and exploration, obstinacy is a hallmark of this toddler stage. Respect your child's preferences and interests, and let him make some choices, such as which shirt to wear. Make it clear that some things - particularly behaviors that affect safety - are not up for negotiation.
Here's a very good article called 'See the world through the eyes of your toddler' along with some great tips!
- Have a sense of humor. Try to laugh (respectfully) when your child is going through a phase.
- Slow down. Enjoy the moment.
- Appreciate the leaves and the bugs, toddler-style.
- Trust your judgement. There is no one "right" way to parent a toddler.
- Remember how young they are. Don't expect more from your child than he can deliver.
#2: Correcting without criticizing
Criticize behavior when you must, but avoid criticizing your child. Pointing fingers does little to teach proper behavior. Try phrasing statements to make clear which behaviors you like and which you don't:
"I don't like that screechy noise you're making. Please use a quiet inside voice, like this."
"I like it when you come right away when I call you."
#3: Polishing table manners
The typical 21-month-old has developed some decent self-feeding skills – like filling a spoon with food and getting it into his mouth, spearing food with a fork, and drinking from a cup. Whether your toddler is willing to use those skills consistently at the family table is another story.
Depending on your child's temperament, he may already be turning into a much tidier eater – or far from it. By his second birthday, he might find it distressing to spill a drink or get food on his hands or clothes. On the other hand, he might continue to use food like finger paint for months to come.
Try to avoid making a big deal about his eating habits. Continue to serve the family meal to your child, letting him pick what he wants from it. He won't starve, nor are these fussy behaviors likely to follow him into adulthood.
My latest blog posts about his meals:
7 Wholesome Meals for My 21-month Toddler
3 Easy Creamy Soups for Toddlers
6 ways to encourage your toddler to drink more water
#4: Setting routines
Try establishing and sticking to set times for napping, eating, and going to bed. A regular schedule helps your child feel more secure and in control. He can't tell time yet, so it also gives him a sense of what's coming next.
Routines make your life easier too – and not only because they simplify day-to-day planning. If your child knows what to expect every day, you'll probably encounter less resistance.
You don't have to be rigid. What's most important is that things happen in pretty much the same order at more or less the same time each day. Weekend bedtimes and morning wake-ups that are roughly the same as on weekdays help keep the routine on track.
What was he up to? Time to bombard this post with his cute photos!
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| Full of concentration: Playing with his father's mouse. |
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| Slow & steady: Balancing balls on bottles. |
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| His favorite toys: Choo-choo train and minions! |
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| Bonding: Father & son & Lego. |
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| Havoc time: Peeling off and sticking stickers. |
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| Eating mini crackers like a pro! |
Check out my blog post about 4 Fun Ways to Eat Mini Crackers (featuring Organix Goodies Organic Mini Cheese & Tomato Crackers)!
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| Drinking smoothie from his Squooshi! |
Here's how I use this awesome Squooshi reusable and refillable food pouch.
Part II: Celebrations in June
Hubby sent a bouquet of flowers to my office on the day of our wedding anniversary. :D
On my birthday, we went for a date without our toddler. Lol. Food and movie, just like old times. And margarita slushie. We should do this more often. :P
On my birthday, we went for a date without our toddler. Lol. Food and movie, just like old times. And margarita slushie. We should do this more often. :P
