The child of 2 years and 4 months

Physical development has a slowdown, while cognitive development is at full speed. The child’s learning at 2 years and 4 months is progressive. New words and phrases appear and she knows how to express herself well.

She likes and wants to interact with other children, but sometimes some disagreements can happen. This is because she still sees everything as hers, toys, people, spaces.

Discovering how to express her emotions and have her wishes met, she will demonstrate intensely, with a tantrum, crying and screaming. Knowing how to deal calmly but firmly also helps the child.

She learns to draw circles and lines. The drawings start to have more colors. They risk painting. Sometimes we have an impulse to want to teach how to paint, but let it explore creativity.

The school, the interaction with other children and other daily activities are the best tools for her to learn. If she still doesn’t do everything like other children, talk to the pediatrician about it, but never force her to go beyond the rhythm.

 

Stimuli and Games

The child can already jump with both feet and kick the ball without having to support himself. He also throws the ball over his shoulder with a little more force. To stimulate these movements, use creativity with targeted games.

Some children have not yet fully released their speech like others. Talk to your pediatrician and perhaps a speech therapist to find out if it is normal for your child. Interactive toys and books can be very useful at this time.

Another way to stimulate speech is to wait for the child to say what he wants before doing it. Often, in the rush of everyday life, when we understand with a gesture, we soon run to meet the need. Wait a minute, ask her what her name is.

Stacking games get bigger. The challenge now is to make the largest tower of objects you can. Wooden blocks, own toys and even kitchen pots will do. You can take the opportunity to ask the colors and count how many she has managed to put on.

If she wants to choose clothes to go out with, let her do it. Ask which one she wants or show her the drawer. Well coordinated, this activity stimulates decision-making and creates autonomy. After choosing, she can try to wear the clothes.

 

Food

The variety of foods is quite large. Creating a weekly menu and trying to maintain a routine make your life easier and good for your child. Divide between the right amount of grains, proteins, carbohydrates and sugars.

The fruit is indicated to be served fresh, however you can make a vitamin for breakfast or afternoon snack. Breads, toast and cookies can be included in this list. Perhaps, the child chooses only one type of food.

At lunch, keep in mind that the child eats the same foods, not the same amount. Two tablespoons of rice, two of beans and a small portion of meat and vegetables guarantee nutrition.

Pasta and puree are also on the menu. Perhaps she wants to mash the potatoes during preparation. The important thing is to always try to vary the options, even if the child insists on wanting the same thing.

 

Sleep

Some factors can disrupt the sleep routine and cause a kind of sleep regression. An illness, the arrival of another baby, the crisis of 2 years, until some change in the things the child is used to, like the beginning of school, for example.

Since the 2-year phase is characterized by learning to make decisions, you can change the sleep ritual a little. Let her choose which book to read or which sheet she wants to sleep on that night. Play a fun and at the same time calm, so that bedtime becomes pleasant.

If she slept well in the dark room before, she may now need a weaker light to get to sleep, but turn off after she falls asleep. A pet or object, such as a smaller pillow or cloth diaper, helps to calm fear.

In the event of a greater fear, which even impairs sleep, talk to your pediatrician and perhaps a psychologist for guidance on what you can do to help your child.