The child of 2 years and 1 month

Keeping up with your child’s pace is more difficult. Have you prepared a comfortable and good running shoe? Because it is what you will need to go after him, who with the most stable steps runs and jumps everywhere.

The protections around the house may not be as reliable as before. He manages to jump the small stair gate or even open it. Find a way to unlock the door locks and reach the next level of the drawers.

Even with all this excitement, after 2 years the interaction with the child is much more interesting. It responds better to stimuli and advances in development are clearer.

The list of words grows and questions about things must arise. The first phase of the whys begins and tends to be intense, you will have to answer many questions about things, but use simple answers.

 

Stimuli and Games

If the child is already at school, be informed about the activities carried out and find out how you can extend this learning. Talk to your child about what you did at school and take an interest in the songs learned.

If you have decided to wait a few more years to enroll, schedule activities that assist in motor, cognitive and social development. Outdoor tours are always welcome and guarantee great experiences.

You can encourage learning by singing songs that teach counting to 10, for example. It is even valid to show the internet version at first, but create the interaction between you. It doesn’t need to be tuned, just fun. Enjoy and dance together.

Show family photos and ask who they are. Encourage the child to identify parents, siblings, if any, grandparents and closest relatives. This activity trains attention, observation, memory and speech, as well as helping the child to recognize people.

An important incentive has to do with the child’s hygiene. Teach her how and when to wash her hands, how to properly brush her teeth and start teaching her how to apply the soap. Buy accessories that encourage this practice, such as colorful toothbrushes and animal faces or characters. Bath time is easier if accompanied by toys.

A simple memory game is pretty cool. Use few combinations, between two or four. Celebrate and praise each achievement, but also support if you don’t find the match in the first few attempts.

 

Food

With the growth rate slowed after 2 years and the terrible two phase, the child tends to want a smaller amount of food. Before stressing about this, understand that children have a small stomach compared to adults and are satiated faster.

If the little she eats keeps her alert and healthy, with favorable weight gain, there is no need to worry. Now, if there is weight loss or impairment in development and growth, it is important to talk to the pediatrician about ways to get around this and if there is any disease that can interfere with food.

What should be noted is that the child has three meals during the day, with two snacks between them. Make sure the menu has:

– proteins, such as eggs and meat

– fruits, give preference to fresh ones, but juices are also welcome

– fibers and cereals

– vegetables and greens

– milk and dairy products, in case of allergies, look for other sources of calcium. Pediatricians indicate the intake of whole milk only after 5 years of age, before that dairy compounds are recommended.

 

Sleep

Think, adults can also be annoyed when they go through changes, why can’t children? If all the changes that represent the 2 years result in a more restless and difficult sleep, be patient and maintain the sleep routine at night.

You can seek help from professionals who specialize in baby sleep, who are prepared to identify the problem and advise on the solution. Learn more about the Baby Sleeper, Tantrums and Neuroscience and Baby Bom de Fork courses.

 

What to observe in child development

Each child is unique. While some speak and interact very well, others are more closed. It is good to avoid comparing your child to children of the same age and to force activities.

However, it is considerable to observe certain developmental patterns and to talk to the pediatrician if you have questions about it. Perform certain activities with the child and see if they:

– understands the proposed information and orders

– responds to stimuli

– has a verbal or gestural repertoire

– can communicate

– takes objects

– identifies body parts

– knows everyday objects.

If you have difficulty or lack of interest, seek the guidance of a professional.