21 To 24 Months - Your Toddler Learns To Use New Words
During the next year, your baby will learn to say about 300 new words. Your baby is learning how to use words. He has learned to say "NO!" In fact, "NO" may be one of his favorite words. He likes to show others all the things he can do. He will continue to ask many "What," "Where," and "Why" questions. Be very careful when you talk because he will learn to say what he hears you say.
Special Hint
Make sure he feels secure and knows that his needs for love and comfort will be taken care of.
Make sure he gets enough sleep.
Make sure he eats nutritious foods each day: milk, fruits, vegetables, meat or cheese, bread and grains.
Special Note
Remember, praising and being a good example for your child are much better teachers than using a loud voice to correct a child or punishing the child.SAFETY TIPS!
Climbing onto objects is a major activity, the toddler cannot judge heights - check windows to make screens are locked and secure.
Make sure that your toldder is buckled in the back seat in his car seat when you go for a ride in a car.
Things Your Child May Do At This Age
Walk with more direction to his movements and remember familiar places as well as things that happened at those places
Kick a ball forward without losing balance
Walk up and down stairs alone (while holding onto the railing)
Jump and stand on tip toes
Understand and follow simple commands
Point to specific objects he wants and tell you that he wants it
Understand longer, harder sentences
Ask many questions: "What", "Where", "Why"
Recognize, name and pick out common objects
Enjoy music and begin to develop a sense of rhythm
HEALTH HINTS:
Well Baby Check-ups: 24 months
Make your appointment now!
Things You Can Do Everyday To Help Your Child Grow
Play running, jumping and stooping games. For example, play an easy "Simon Says."
Let him walk upstairs, stack groceries, climb into a car and into his car seat.
Go for long walks. Point out and name the things you see.
String large beads, stack blocks and lace shoes with him.
Use simple sentences as examples for him to say.
Let him listen to music and sounds. Reinforce words such as soft and loud.
Reinforce words throughout the day. For example, when you put him in his high chair say, "It's time to eat. Let's sit down in your chair." Use the correct words for objects. Say the words for the objects when your child points to them. Repeating words for your child and linking them to things he can see, touch, hear, see and smell, will help your child understand words and how to use them.
Act out "opposite words" such as short and tall; big and little; heavy and light.
Allow him to feed and dress himself.
Allow him to help with simple chores.
Let him ask for what he wants.
Look at picture books and magazines with him.
Read to him every day.
Governor Bill Haslam
