Physical Toddler

TODDLER refers to the name of the stage when a 1-3 year old discovers the new ability of walking. 1. The first steps are wobbly, with toes pointed outwards and arms held out for balance. With practice, the child improves steadiness, balance, and body control but will walk or run with feet further apart. 2. Some toys / activities that promote walking are push walking toys, pull walking toys, riding toys, walking games 3. A toddler takes on the Stairs by first climbing up on hands and knees and then sliding down. Next they practice walking up the stairs by holding hands or the railing and placing both feet on the step. The toddler finds “Stair Challenge”, going downstairs alternating feet, to be a very difficult task to master. 4. Shoes for a toddler should facilitate walking by having a flexible sole, non-skid bottoms, and be comfortable. Have your child with you and do the standing pinkie test. Look at the cost of the shoe and the material of the shoe. (beam)

2. SELF-HELP-SKILLS, doing tasks and caring for themselves, will lead to a feeling of independence. 1. Toddlers can begin to feed themselves simple finger foods. Guidelines….. Serve small proportions: give 1 TBL of food per age (the size of the child’s hand) Cut food into small pieces. Do not force feed or show anger during mealtime Keep mealtime pleasant and positive Eat together as a family – have the toddler sit at the table with the family Sit with your child and talk with them as they eat Provide child size eating utensils and dishes, unbreakable, facilitate success Offer only one new food at a time Never use food as a punishment or a bribe. Make food look appealing in color, shape, size, texture, temperature, variety Remove the food from the child when there is more playing than eating Allow the child to help in simple food preparations and setting the table Low sugar and low salt foods Snack

2. Between the ages of 1and 3 years old, allow the child to wash and dry themselves during bath time 3. Help a toddler learn to care of their 20 primary teeth by brushing right after eating, using a small toothbrush, tiny toothpaste, floss 4. Encourage a toddler to learn how to dress themselves by providing clothes that facilitate self-dressing: (tags, pictures, easy put on and take off), being patient with them, choosing their own clothes. 5. When choosing clothes for a toddler, explain and give examples of these 5 areas: – A. Comfort: freedom to move, not scratchy or stiff…… – B. Allowance for Growth: waistbands (elastic and one-piece), overalls, lager sizes, stretch fabric, 2 piece – C. Durability: toddlers play hard and get very dirty so: strong fabric, well- made, washable…… – D. Economical: clothes are expensive and you will buy a lot of them – E. Self-help Features: tags, pictures, closures (zippers, Velcro, drawstrings…), color of child’s choice……. 2 examples Child Activity

3. There is a wide range of physical abilities during this age and because each child develops at their own rate, some toddlers learn skills earlier and others much later than AVERAGE. – These variations can be caused by physical size, health and diet, interest, temperament, opportunities, etc... Fine and Gross Physical Milestones:

4. HAND-EYE COORDINATION, moving the hand precisely to what is seen, is poor, but with practice it improves. To help a toddler improve their dexterity, skillful use of the hands and fingers, provide blocks, beads, crayons, musical toy pianos……. Toddler’s Drawings: Pen lid Close eyes and draw a farm animal

5. Begin TOILET TRAINING when the toddler is physically and emotionally ready, NOT by a certain age. 1. Being calm, encouraging, giving praise, and having a matter-of-fact attitude makes this very challenging task easier. When accidents occur, be calm, encouraging, giving praise, and having a matter-of-fact attitude 2. If the child gets frustrated and resists trying, stop and try again in a couple of weeks. 3. Day and night time training should be attacked separately. Once they have one down, begin working on the other

6. Physical GROWTH of a toddler slows down considerably after the first year. 1. Children from 1-3 years old gain about ½ a pound per month. Growth in height slows by about half. 2. There is rapid growth, however, in a toddler’s arms and legs.

7. Body changes in a toddler’s PROPORTION helps to improve their balance and motor skills. 8. Physical MOTOR SKILLS are divided into two types, Large (Gross) and Small (Fine). 1. Large skills involve use and control of the back, leg, shoulders, arms… Examples: 2. Small skills involve use and control of the fingers Examples:

9. The strengthening of the SPINE through active play, makes it straighter so that the toddler’s posture (stance and walking) is more upright. 10. Toddlers want to be INDEPENDENT so encouraging and providing self-help skills is very important 11. Because a toddler is more mobile and naturally curious, a caregiver must always think about the child’s SAFETY by setting up an environment where they can play and explore.