Having a child at home that ranges from 18 months to 3 years is quite challenging. This is the stage where an infant turns into a toddler who seeks his/her autonomy and independence as well as temper tantrums. How to handle them? Here are some tips to help you enjoy the toddler years:

-    Play: Toddler’s play is called a parallel play wherein two toddlers playing separately. To avoid having a fight, provide two similar toys. Best toys to give are pull-push trucks or waddling truck that will help in walking, building blocks, balls and even pencils and crayons for scribbling. They can also be given toys that can explore their imaginative side provided that it’s safe to use.

-    Language: One of the milestones that are developing at this kind of stage. Toddlers learn new words to use. They mimic what they hear from others.  Parents should talk to them in a clear and complete manner; avoiding baby talk will help toddlers to learn to use words correctly.

-    Emotions: This stage also is where possessiveness heightens. The word “mine” maybe prominent and also temper tantrums are more evident. Temper tantrums can be best handled by avoiding it. Give your toddlers right attention for positive behavior. Also, setting control over little things by offering choices rather than asking questions that will evidently result in a “no” answer. Lastly, know your child’s limit and behavior so giving activities will be appropriate.

-    Safety: To decrease parent’s worries concerning child safety, ensure that electrical outlets have safety plugs. Keep cords, sharp objects and poisonous substances out of reach.  Don’t give small objects that they can put in their mouth. These tend to choke them up. Have a place that is child proof to ensure safety.

Giving toddlers ample time with their limited independence will help you have a less-stressful and more enjoyable time together.

Play is of vital importance in the life of a child. It is an outlet for the wholeness of their creativity. Basically, it helps in the child development.

Play helps children weave together all the elements of life as they experience it. All the aspects of a child’s life is promoted through play- may it be, mental, physical, social, critical or emotional.

Children (depending on their age) do not all play the same way. There are unique stages that children go through as they grow by which each stage is completely interconnected for the development of the next stage. Their progress varies.

There are stages of a child’s play.

Basically for an infant, solo playing is the typical.  Physical movements are random and not purposeful. An infant plays independently or alone.

For a Toddler, playing independently with educational toys is the usual. Toys that promote body movements are the recommended toys to be given for this age group.

On the other hand, a preschooler enjoys playing near others, watching and imitating them while older preschool children begin to play with peers.  That is also the time they begin to borrow and to lend toys. This age group often initiates make-believe play.

School-aged children are more advanced now at this time. A school-aged child enjoys competitive games and sports, formal board games, and still engages in some fantasy play.  Rules are very important during play with the school-aged child.

When puberty arises, socialization is the bottom line of the game. An adolescent enjoys competitive games and sports.

Here is an interesting and tried-and-tested outcome of child development under different home and environment conditions from collabforchildren.org. This one’s an interesting take on the impact of parenting:

- If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
- If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
- If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
- If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.
- If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.
- If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence.
- If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.
- If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
- If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.
- If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.
- If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.

Letting your toddler sleep with you in the master bedroom may be an easy choice to make. But it may have ramifications in child development - particularly in independence and self reliance. Now how should you go about it? Here are some insights to think about:

Think about your toddler’s routine. Changing your evening routine a little bit could make things easier on you and your little one. This can be especially true if your toddler’s climbing into bed with you is keeping you or your partner from sleeping. Evening routines including quiet playtime and a soothing bath are the best ways to calm a toddler before lights-out.

Avoid over-stimulation. If you want your child to go to sleep and stay in their own bed, you want them to be tired, but not overly simulated. Set the stage for bedtime with lowered voices, bathing, brushing their teeth and then a story. Once your toddler learns your new routine, everyone will find sleeping in their own bed easier to do.

Don’t be surprised if your toddler cries or whines while they’re learning to remain in their own bed. Sometimes the crying can pull at your heartstrings, but try not to let them get the better of you. You may even hear the pitter-patter of little feet coming to your room to try and climb in bed with you. What do you do now?

Well, that depends on what you and your partner decide on ahead of time. If the two of you don’t mind at first, let your toddler in to snuggle up and go back to sleep. After your toddler has fallen asleep, your toddler can be taken back to their own bed.

If, however, you’ve decided it’s time to stop them from sleeping with you, one of you needs to get up and take them back to bed. No fussing is necessary. Calmly carry or walk them back and tuck them back into bed. Don’t forget their favorite teddy bear. Turn on a very dim nightlight and say goodnight very quietly. Next, despite their cries, turn and leave the room.

While there’s nothing inherently dangerous in allowing a toddler to sleep with you, it can put a kink in your relationship with your spouse. Many people, however, advocate a family bed. Ultimately the choice is up to you and your family.

Remember, however, you don’t have to be strict about never allowing your toddler back in bed with you. There’s nothing quite like early morning snuggles with your little one. If your child is sick, you may also want to bend the rules. Let them know that you expect them to stay in their own bed unless given permission to join you.

Finally, consider whether or not your child is ready to sleep in their own bed. When you ask yourself whether or not your child should sleep with you, remember that it’s a huge step for them. Do what you can to make the transition an easier one and you’ll all be able to enjoy a good night’s sleep.

Toddlers are not antagonistic by nature and they may be very excited about the arrival of a new baby in the home. However, as with any other growing pains, toddlers may normally have feelings of negligence when he/she feels that the new baby has now become the center of attention. This is why as parents it is your duty to keep communication lines open with your toddler for excellent child development.

This starts by consistently involving your kid with your pregnancy from the beginning. Condition him/her that the new baby will need his/her love. Bring them to your doctor appointments so that your toddler can see the gradual development of his/her sibling. Moreover, you can always bring them during shopping for baby supplies and needs. Try toseek his/her opinion for the types of bottles and blankets the new baby may need.

If your toddler is not up to this, make sure to spend more quality time with him. Read stories about babies together. Always assure them that he/she will always be special and that you will need them to be a very caring big brother/sister.

When the baby is already born, keep including him/her in the loop about the developments of the new baby. But most importantly, do not forget to spend quality time with him/her. When the baby is sleeping, make sure you can have your own time together: to read about children stories and to sing songs together. You can also involve the help of your extended family members. If the toddler’s grandparents offer to take care of the new baby or to treat your toddler to an outdoor trip, accept the help as this will allow you to focus on one of your child.