THE PHASE WHEN NOBODY'S ON TIME, EVERYTHING'S A MESS, AND ONE EAGER TODDLER WILL INSIST, "I CAN DO IT"

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.

THIS YEAR YOU WILL 'INCITE WONDER' SO YOUR CHILD WILL KNOW GOD'S LOVE AND MEET GOD'S FAMILY.

Your one-year-old listens to your words. So this phase is the perfect time to begin talking, singing, and praying together with your toddler. Begin by simply incorporating faith into your daily routines.

SAY THINGS LIKE :

"GOD MADE ME, GOD LOVES ME, JESUS WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND FOREVER"

"LET'S GO TO CHURCH"

(Connect with a faith community)

"JESUS LOVES ME"

(Sing songs together)

"GOD THANK YOU FOR....; GOD PLEASE HELP US ...."

(Pray aloud while you are with your one-year-old)

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

You have approximately 884 weeks and counting ...

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