As a parent, you have the greatest responsibility and privilege of shaping the future of your precious little one. Taking care of your toddler can be one of the most rewarding experiences but also one of the most challenging. Toddlers are at a stage in their lives where they are constantly growing, learning, and discovering new things, and it is up to you to provide them with the necessary care and support to grow and thrive.
This can be overwhelming, especially if you are a new parent, but with the proper guidance, it can also be among the most fulfilling experiences of your life. With love, patience, and dedication, you can guide your little ones through this exciting journey and help them reach their full potential.
Understand Their Needs
Every child is unique and a person of their own. Even two children living in the same house can be very different. Stay patient when they are fussy or are throwing tantrums, and try to understand the frustration behind their actions. Address them in a soothing voice and make them feel safe. Once they are calm, talk to them about the event and attempt to make them understand why their reaction was unsuitable.
It may seem like a lot to put on their tiny shoulders, but over time it will help shape how your toddler thinks, perceives, and reacts to unfavorable situations. This will positively impact their mental health, and they will grow to be healthy and happy kids.
Ensure Regular Medical Checkups
Scheduling regular medical checkups for your toddler is essential for their health and well-being. Visiting the pediatrician can be helpful in several ways:
1.Early detection of growth and developmental problems like visual and hearing impairment, intellectual disabilities, or birth injuries like cerebral palsy
The diagnostic process for cerebral palsy involves observing issues like delays in developmental milestones, a stiff or floppy body tone, weak limbs, uncontrolled jerky movements, walking on tiptoes, or muscle spasms in severe cases.
2. Maintenance of overall health
During these checkups, the pediatrician will assess your toddler’s overall health, including weight, height, and immunization status. This helps ensure that your toddler is growing and developing as they should and receiving the necessary care to maintain good health. They will also guide you on how to take care of your toddler’s health and hygiene at home, helping prevent potential illnesses.
Make Mealtime a Happy Time
Establish a regular mealtime routine by eating at the same time each day. This can help to create structure and predictability for your toddler. Make mealtime a happy and relaxed experience by creating a positive atmosphere. Set the table, play some music, and have a conversation with your toddler to make it a time they start looking forward to.
Encourage them to eat nutritional foods that will help them thrive by using positive reinforcement, such as praising them for finishing their vegetables. Be patient, and don’t force them to eat anything they don’t want.
Turn off the television and other electronics during mealtime to minimize distractions and allow your toddler to focus on their food.
You might also involve them in meal preparation by letting them help with simple tasks, such as washing fruits or stirring the pot. This will help increase their interest in food and make mealtime more enjoyable.
Give Your Toddler Regular Vitamin Supplements
Toddlers can be picky eaters. As a result, they may not be receiving the appropriate amount of nutrients and vitamins from their food alone. To ensure that your child has a healthy body, give them Vitamin A, C, and D supplements as your pediatrician recommends. These vitamins have several benefits:
- Vitamin A improves vision. It also keeps their skin healthy and immune system strong.
- Vitamin C helps absorb iron from the food they eat. Iron is the key element of hemoglobin that carries oxygen through the blood.
- Vitamin D is essential for strengthening your toddler’s growing bones.
Encourage Physical Activity
Encouraging physical activity in toddlers is vital for their overall health and development. It can help improve their motor skills, coordination, and balance and boost their mood and energy levels.
Here are some ways to engage your toddler in physical activity:
- Make it fun. Encourage them to participate in activities they enjoy, such as dancing or jumping on a trampoline.
- Spend time with them outdoors. Go for walks, play in the park, or explore nature together to encourage movement and exercise.
- Incorporate physical activity into their daily routine. Encourage them to walk or run errands with you, climb stairs, or engage in simple household chores like carrying a shirt to the laundry bag. This encourages physical activity and inculcates in them a sense of responsibility.
- Encourage active play by providing your toddler with age-appropriate toys, such as colorful balls, blocks, or a ride-on toy. Toys that require them to think and use reason also help develop their cognitive skills.
- Children learn by example, so make sure to lead by example by participating in physical activities alongside them.
- Be flexible with your expectations for physical activity and allow your toddler to take breaks or rest as needed. Their bodies are small, and their physical capacity and stamina still have a long way to go.
Limit screen time
Limit your toddler’s screen time to 1 to 2 hours per day since it can be detrimental to growth, development, and physical activity levels. Excessive screen time has the following adverse effects:
- It delays the development of your toddler’s language, social, and motor skills.
- Long periods of sitting in front of a screen before bedtime interferes with your toddler’s sleep, making it more challenging for them to fall asleep and stay asleep. It is recommended that toddlers get 11 to 14 hours of sleep every day. Anything less than this makes them tired and irritable during the day, with less energy to engage in other activities.
- It can affect your toddler’s attention span, making it more difficult for them to concentrate and focus.
- It leads to inactivity, contributing to obesity, as toddlers are likely to consume unhealthy snacks while watching screens.
- It can also lead to behavioral issues such as aggression, impulsiveness, and restlessness.
Conclusion
Nurturing a tiny toddler is an adventure unlike any other. The journey is ridden with ups and downs, from scheduling regular medical checkups to ensuring they receive proper nutrition and engage in physical activity. Yet, amidst it all, the little moments of pure joy and wonder make the effort truly worthwhile. The twinkle in their eyes when they master a new skill, the sound of their laughter echoing through the house, and the pride in their accomplishments make every sacrifice worth it. So, as you continue on this journey, embrace the challenges and cherish the moments of pure magic. Your child will thank you for it as they grow and flourish into the amazing person they were meant to be.