Your Child's 2 Year Visit
NUTRITION
Most young children do well with 3 meals and 2 small snacks daily. Some toddlers drink so much milk and juice that they have no appetite when its time for more nourishing meals and snacks. Too much juice can cause diarrhea and lead to weight problems. A toddler doesn’t need more than 16 to 20 oz of dairy per day. Additional fluid requirements can be met with just plain water or very diluted juice.
What’s a Toddler portion?
About a ¼ of the serving you’d give an adult. A good rule of thumb is the size of your toddler’s palm. These servings may seem small, but it’s better to start small and give seconds of fruits or veggies or lean proteins if your child expresses that he is still hungry (with success comes opportunities for praise). Too big a portion can be overwhelming. Remember also that appetites and needs vary widely from day to day and child to child.
New Foods: A little at a time.
You may find it easier to introduce only one new food with other foods your child is already familiar with. There is no need to give typical “kids’ menu foods,” though, and you can enthusiastically offer a small serving of whatever food you’re having. Your child may excitedly want to try what mommy and daddy are eating, or they may be more cautious and not want to try until the 10th time a new food was offered. (By that time it was an old food!). So if at first you don’t succeed, don’t give up: keep offering small servings.
SLEEPING
Most 2 yr olds still require a midday nap. The child should sleep in her own bed if possible – discuss the move from crib to regular bed with the doctor. A 2yr old’s bedtime is usually around 7 pm. Establishing a bedtime routine and a consistent time for bed will help prevent many sleep problems. 2yr olds should be expected to fall asleep on their own and remain in bed until morning. Now is an excellent time to start reading books to your child as part of quiet time before bed.
Continue brushing your toddler’s teeth twice each day with a soft toothbrush using a sesame-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste. You can increase the amount to a pea-sized amount if they can demonstrate that they can spit out the toothpaste instead of swallowing it. Schedule a dental appointment for your child if not already seen by a dentist.
TERRIFIC 2’S
Sometimes it’s tough to parent a 2 year old. They are beginning to assert their independence and are difficult if not impossible to reason with. 2yr olds typically do not know what they want, except they are sure they don’t want to do what you want them to do. However, these years don’t have to be terrible, and can be terrific! Your child is simply moving from babyhood to childhood. A few comments to help you parent your 2 yr old:
Playmates are important, so allow your child to experience playing with other toddlers. Do not expect sharing at this age.
Limit TV viewing, 1-2 hours at most, less is better.
Discipline should be firm and consistent, but loving and understanding. Praise your child for his good behavior. “catch him being good”
Encourage your 2 year old to make choices whenever possible – but only those you can live with (“red shirt” or “green shirt”)
Use the two I’s of discipline (ignore or isolate) rather than the two S’s (spank or shout). Try to verbally separate the child and the behavior (“I love you, but I don’t like your touching the VCR”). Isolating your child briefly (1 or 2min) in time-out can be very effective (Remember, no attention, no toys, no fun while in time-out)
Provide alternatives (“No, you cannot play with the telephone, but you can play with these blocks”)
DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES
Says 30-50 words with 2-3 word sentences
Refers to self by name
Can follow a 2 step command, can kick a ball, jump forward, climb furniture, runs, throws a ball, walks up/down stairs
Helps with undressing, uses spoon/fork/cup
Enjoys imitating adults, parallel play with other children
Shows an interest in toilet-training