The power of picture books for developing visual memory
As adults, it might not seem to be a difficult task to notice and remember several objects in a picture. In fact, we do it all the time probably without realising, but this is a skill which has been learnt and improved over time. Recent studies[1] show this is not something we are born able to do, and your toddler will still be developing this skill. There is a simple way you can help them practise by noticing small details in picture books.
Your toddler will now be able to focus on more of the smaller details in an image, perhaps spotting an animal or object that is hidden on the page (as long as the illustration is still fairly simple), rather than focusing only on the biggest or more central image.
Boundaries and choices – some tips to find the balance for you and your toddler
Your toddler will be much more aware of their own wants and needs now, including their desire for autonomy. It's something we all have: to feel we can make decisions about the things that happen to us. Fulfilling their need to be in control is important, but may also cause frustration for you both. Balancing choices and boundaries can help
Give choices when you can
Sharing could make your toddler feel happy – but only if you don’t make them do it!
Most of us experience our toddler either snatching a toy from another child, or having their toy taken – followed by someone being hit, crying, shouting or screaming. What is great to hear if you’re wondering about helping your toddler to share, is that researchers found sharing makes children happier – but there are a few things that need to be in place for that to be the case![1]
Sharing when there are lots of something might be easier at first
“I goed park!” – why your toddler’s mistakes are more than just cute
As your toddler talks more and more, you probably notice some mistakes – they might say, ‘goed’ not ‘went’ or ‘blowed’ not ‘blew.’ These are adorable, but also show some really important grammatical knowledge, and learning. Here’s why these errors are so great to hear...
When your toddler makes a mistake, they are showing you that they have noticed a pattern in language.
Reading with your toddler – our tips to make it fun for you both
Sharing stories with your toddler can build a love of reading, start a conversation or simply be a good way to relax together. But sometimes your toddler might be eager to turn pages, so you find yourself trying to read as much of the story as you can before the next page turn, or they might listen briefly then notice a squirrel outside and you’ve lost them! We have a few tips that could keep story time relaxing for you both.
NO, that's not what I meant! How to navigate your toddler's changing understanding of 'no'
When your toddler first started using the word no, the meaning was probably clear: “I don’t want that,” or maybe “I don’t want to do that.” Now they are starting to use 'no’ with another word – and this is where you might need to take a moment to work out what they mean.
Your toddler might say, “No cup!”
Is it really that hard to put on and take off shoes?
Ever since your toddler first started wearing shoes, it may have seemed like they were on a mission to get them off their feet! But now that they are becoming more capable of planned, controlled movements, your toddler will be less likely to randomly kick their shoes off, and start to take care and time over the process of putting them on and taking them off.
At this stage, we are only expecting your toddler to slip their feet into and out of certain types of shoe. Wellington boots, slippers and wide shoes are best for them to practise with. Footwear with laces – especially boots – are best kept for when their fine motor skills have developed a bit further, but shoes with zips, Velcro® or wide openings will help prepare them for these future types of footwear.
How being energetic and active is great for fine motor development
Toddlers are full of energy, curiosity and intrigue. It feels like they are never still, always moving on to something new. The wonderful thing about this is being busy and active is great for their development! Here we look at some of the benefits movement has on their ever-enhancing fine motor skills.
Being active stimulates their vestibular sense (balance)
Calm Down, Boris by Sam Lloyd
What a wonderful book! Boris is a lovable, cheeky monster who adores giving people a kiss. You can stick your hand into the Boris puppet and bring him to life; your toddler will probably love doing this too!
Being a puppet, Boris' mouth can be opened and closed in the same way that scissors can be opened and closed. This means that even without practising scissor skills, your toddler will be doing the action required for this skill.
A story for when your toddler (or you) needs a hug – The perfect hug by Joanne Walsh and Judy Abbott
Sometimes, at the end of a long day, or when life is feeling a bit hard, all your toddler might need is a hug. Panda is looking for the perfect hug – what will it be?
This could be a great story for when it’s time to calm down; your toddler might enjoy looking at the pictures, and maybe even trying out a tickly hug.
