ECPECT TO BE LATE.

Maybe you had to wait for your toddler to "do it myself" (just try and stop them). Or, maybe they impressively filled a clean diaper just as you got into the car. Whatever the reason, this phase will make even the most punctual adult miss the mark occasionally. 

LOOK FORWARD TO A FEW FASHION STATEMENTS

Expect a few mismatched outfits, magic marker tattoos, sticker collages, and other various states of creative expression. In this phase you will choose not only your battles, but also which messes will just have to be tolerated. 

THEIR STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE HAS BEGUN.

You feel it the first time they try to feed themselves and dump applesauce down the front of their shirt. Just remember, by letting them do some things "myself," they're not only learning new skills, they're also developing the confidence they need in order to move to the next phase. 

Your toddler's changing ability is a crisis - for you, and for them. This is a season filled with uncertainty, imperfection and even failure as they struggle to keep up with all their newly developing skills. The way you consistently meet their needs, engage their senses, and provide discipline will help them develop confidence. 

THINKS LIKE AN ARTIST

You help them learn when you... ENGAGE THEIR SENSES

WANTS TO KNOW "AM I SAFE?"

You capture their heart when you ... DEVELOP THEIR CONFIDENCE.

IS MOTIVATED BY SAFETY

You coach their moral abilities when you RESPOND CONSISTENTLY.

• YOUR ONE-YEAR-OLD IS CHANGING

PHYSICALLY

• Start to walk (12-15 months)

• Walks backwards and sideways (15-18 months)

• Scribbles with crayons (15-18 months)

• Climbs up and down stairs; jump in place (18-24 months)

MENTALLY

• Follows simple instructions

• Benefits from repetition

• Learns through engaging their five senses

VERBALLY

• Popints to objects when you name them (18 months)

• Says 10-20 words, mostly nouns and pronouns (18 months)

• Says 40-50 words and forms two word sentences (24 months)

• Understands more than they can communicate

EMOTIONALLY

• Recognises basic emotions in others

• Has trouble sharing

• May begin role-play activities

• Displays separation anxiety

• Plays next to, rather than with, playmates