Thinking, Feeling and Doing

• I might be very demanding, possessive and stubborn.
• Between 18 and 21 months, I might be very clingy and need more attention from you.
• I get frustrated very easily and might have temper tantrums.
• I do not have temper tantrums to be “bad” but because I do not know enough words to tell you how I feel.
• I might feel more insecure and fearful. I need you to help me feel more secure.
• I might have very set ways of doing things. For example, I might want to get ready for bed in exactly the same way every night. These routines help me to feel more secure.
• I will try to please you. For example, I might give you my dish when I am done eating.
• You can help me learn positive behavior by praising me when I do something good, such as taking turns, sharing, eating well, washing my hands, brushing my teeth or using the toilet the right way.
• I am getting my own sense of humor.
• I know my own face in the mirror.
• I enjoy playing and even like playing on my own.
• I am learning how to play with other children but I am not very good at sharing my toys.
• I am beginning to play make-believe.
• I am starting to think about what might happen if I do something.
• I try to control things that happen around me by saying “no” or even hitting and screaming.

Toilet Habits

I might tell you when I am wet or need a clean diaper and might fuss when you are changing my diaper. I am getting better at controlling when I pee or poop. My diaper might even stay dry some nights. I know why and how to flush a toilet. These are all signs that I might be ready for toilet training.

Sleeping

• I will probably sleep about 9 to 13 hours a day, including naps.
• I might take one long nap in the afternoon or two shorter naps. I might even stop napping by the time I am 3 years old.

Playing

• I like to play make-believe with toys, animals and people. Some of the toys I might like are dress-up clothing, puppets, play dough, kitchen sets or tool sets and other toys that can help me pretend.
• I can sort things by shape and color, like blocks, toys or cans of food.
• I can do simple puzzles.
• I love to move around. Some of the activities I might like are running, piggyback rides, rolling on the floor, sliding and climbing.
• I like to play near you and might want to help you with your work.

Discipline

• Set up routines and rituals for meals, bedtime and other regular activities.
• I need limits and loving adult supervision.

Child Care

• If I need child care, talk to a community health nurse. She can tell you what to look for in a child care setting.

Eating

• My mealtimes will be much happier than they were in my first 18 months.
• I will drink less milk as I eat more solid foods.
• I need to eat a variety of foods from the four main food groups: vegetables and fruits, milk products, grain products (including breads), and meat and meat alternates.
• If I do not like vegetables, give me a variety of fruit and fruit or vegetable juices.
• You can also try giving me raw vegetables instead of cooked.
• I might be fussy or picky with my food. My appetite will go up and down. I might eat a lot one day and then just pick at my food the next day. I might only want to eat one type of food for two or three days and then refuse to eat it the next time you give it to me.
• Give me lots of time to eat and don’t push me to finish my meal. I know how much food I need to eat.
• Do not give me food as a reward when I’m good or take away food to punish me when I’m bad.
• Let me practice using a child size fork and spoon to feed myself.
• Please be patient when I spill my food or drink. I am still learning to coordinate what I see with what I do with my hands.
• I like to eat with you and my family. Talk to me and include me in the family meal.