Toddlerdom

It has always been amazing to watch children develop. In my practice as a nurse and now as a social worker it is so important to acknowledge where a child is on the curve of growth and development.

Now that I am some one's Nana, I am witnessing all over again the miracle of growth and development from the total dependence of the newborn to the early toddler stage.

It so easy to enjoy if we simply provide the early toddler a safe environment to explore, simple toys, baby proofed surroundings and about 3 hours of closely supervised floor time per day. Of course not 3 consecutive hours unless you truly want to exhaust yourself and baby.

Play group activities are not even necessary but help the little toddler see other children the same age.

At this stage they really just parallel play but they are aware of each other and their first concept of sharing will start to emerge here. The toddler is very me oriented and this is normal...it is not selfish at all. First they have to discover themselves and gradually other children come into the equation as playmates...but for now things and themselves are their primary interest.

Thanksgiving and the holidays are coming...I hope you return for some more " noows".

For now.

Nana

P.S. Check www.babycenter.com for some very helpful information.