Keep an extra watchful eye because your toddler is now turning into an active, independent little person who will often want to do things his/ her way.

Physically and mentally
• Brushes teeth (but still needs help)
• Feeds him/herself (but still needs help)
• Plays easily with smaller toys e.g. stacks small blocks more neatly
• Sorts toys into similar groups
• Walks, hops and runs proficiently
• Throws ball more confidently

Language and emotions
• Asks to do things him/ herself
• Names major body parts e.g. head, eyes, nose
• Constructs two-word sentences
• Prone to temper-tantrums and upsets as the world at large still seems a little strange
• Expresses discomfort with wet diaper
• Knows words for urine and bowel movements e.g. “wee-wee” or “poo-poo”

When your toddler is around two years old, at this stage he/she is able to enjoy a diet that is very close to that of the rest of the family.

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Many children are fully toilet trained by this age. However, if your child is late or has frequent accidents, don’t worry. Provide lots of encouragement and positive reinforcement and he/ she will soon be free of the diaper for good.

Physically and mentally
• Has an active imagination
• Dresses him/ herself (may still need help with buttons and zips)
• Has better hand-eye coordination, e.g. able to play with more intricate snap-together toys
• Descends stairs a step at a time
• Knows what is safe and what is not

Language and emotions
• Understands words like under, over, above
• Makes simple sentences
• Imitates favourite people
• Follows simple instructions
• Recalls what to do and when to do it
• Plays good-naturedly with other children (may still refuse to share)

Don't give up on new foods. Giving your tot a variety of nutritious foods will help expand his/her tastes and promote growth and development.

Serve a rainbow of fruits & vegetables. Feeding your toddler a variety of colours throughout the day means a variety of nutrients in his/her tummy—and helps ensure he/she gets his/her daily 5 servings of fruit & veggies.

Help your toddler refuel. Toddlers should eat about seven times a day. Snacks are small meals—and an opportunity to promote good nutrition.

Watch for your toddler's fullness cues. Toddlers are good at knowing when they're full so don't be concerned if he/she starts deciding when a meal is over.

Why train your baby to enjoy family mealtimes?

• To make mealtimes special for the whole family

• To encourage your baby to follow your good habits

• To avoid eating becoming a fight between parent and baby

How?

• Try to stick to set mealtimes and enjoy these times yourself.

• Vary the menus and make food presentation fun and appetizing.

• Choose a cooking style that keeps food as close to its original taste as possible

• Encourage your baby to like vegetables by combining them with something else, like pasta, noodles or corn.

• Adapt the portions of different types of food to cater to your baby’s liking

Sleep
At this age, children sleep for about 12 to 14 hours a day, usually taking only one afternoon nap.

Ideal toys for this age
• Play dough
• Sporty toys, e.g. toy golf sets, toy basketball hoop and ball
• Jigsaw puzzles (8-piece or less)
• Simple remote-control toys

Useful tips
Make your child your little helper by giving him/ her small tasks like arranging his/ her own table setting, putting away toys etc. Doing this now will encourage good habits for a lifetime.

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