Bananas Baby Briefs: 18 – 24 Months

Now What? Baby's Almost Two!

Have you noticed lately that your toddler does the opposite of what you say, or seems very stubborn or throws temper tantrums? Well, congratulations, your child has just reached the “Almost Two” stage: not quite a baby anymore, but still not talking much. Your child is very smart and likes to test you.

This can be a very trying time for any parent or caregiver. It’s okay to feel exasperated at times. Remember, when you get upset or frustrated, so does your child. Try to be firm and loving at the same time. At this age, children love to go on walks and look at animals and other new objects. Explain to them very clearly and slowly what they are seeing. Then repeat it. You will notice that they try to repeat what you say. This is how your baby will learn to speak.

What Can I Do With These Toddlers?

• Give them as much attention as possible
• Make them feel good about new skills and encourage them if they fail
• Take them on walks
• Read to them
• Use words – talk to them
• Sing
• Play catch with large balls
• Play with finger puppets
• Untie shoe laces
• Unzip zippers
• Wind up toys
• Stack things with them or show them how
• Help them put things into and out of boxes or other small places
• Say NO when they do something you don’t like

What Do These Toddlers Like To Do?

• Scribble
• Dance
• Open drawers
• Explore new situations
• Talk
• Copy what you do
• Look at books
• Wind up toys
• Turn knobs
• Push buttons
• Do things for themselves
• Feed themselves
• Listen to music
• Take a bath
• Put on hats
• Put on adult shoes
• Imitate sounds (cows, dogs, etc.)

Activity: The child is surrounded by many sounds. Make a game out of imitating common sounds. When a jet goes by overhead, say “Listen, it goes zoom. Let’s try to zoom too.” When a truck goes by, imitate its sound. Chirp like a bird, or meow like a cat at the same time telling the child what makes these sounds. Children learn in this way and at the same time enjoy themselves.

This is a time when children are very explorative. Make sure your house is babyproof!

CHILDREN GROW AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. ENCOURAGE, BUT DON’T PUSH!

If you want to discuss your child care arrangement or the growth and development of a child in your care, call the BANANAS Warm Line or attend some of our many workshops and classes. BANANAS is located at 5232 Claremont Avenue, Oakland, CA 94618. For general information, call (510) 658-7353, or check our website at www.bananasinc.org.

Thanks to Erma Woodrow and Judy Alley for their suggestions.

© 1979, BANANAS, Inc. Revised 2005.