Win the battle of the terrible 2s
24 months
When
your little one turns two, and sometimes even before, you might be wondering
what happened to your adorable, sweet baby.
All of
a sudden you may start noticing behavior like:
- Screaming
- Temper tantrums
- Kicking and biting
- Fighting with siblings
- Total meltdowns
This
is "terrible 2s." Your child's behavior is a way of expressing his
need for independence, as well as his frustration at not being in control all
the time.
This
testing time will pass. Teach your child phrases like "my turn,
please" and encourage him to express his thoughts in a calm manner and
using words rather than fists. In the meantime, handle crises by being patient
but sticking firmly to a consistent daily routine. Remember, you are an adult.
Your baby's development this month
Food
is not always enough to satisfy a hungry baby, especially a picky eater.
Your
child needs 1000 to 1200 calories per day. This includes meals and two or three
snacks.
Not
all snacks are the same. Eating too many fatty or sugary treats or drinking
more than 120 ml of juice a day can lead to obesity. Portions that are too
large can also be a problem. A toddler's snack is only about half a cup of
cereal or crackers.
Here
are some healthy snack ideas:
- Sliced strawberries or apple
- Whole-wheat crackers
- Small pieces of cheese
- Applesauce
- Low-fat yogurt (watch the added sugar -- some are loaded with it)
- Half a cup of low-fat milk
Foods
high in fiber and protein will keep your little one full so he won't beg for
another snack an hour later. This is also a good time to start transitioning to
a low fat diet.
Your
baby is still growing, but not as fast as newborns, so it's normal for a 2 year
old not to eat as much or be a little less interested in a variety of foods.
But
remember that your child may not accept a new food until he has seen it 10
times. So keep letting your child try new foods, but don't pressure him. Never
turn a meal into a battle.
Month 24 tips
- No matter how strong the tantrums are, keep your cool. Take a deep breath, exit the room, and regroup so you can calmly manage your behavior.
- Don't plan walks or activities at a time when you know your child is likely to faint - usually before bed or meal time.
- Your child can still take 1-3 hours of naps each day. Don't plan to sleep too close to bedtime or she will have trouble falling asleep at night.
- Some children wake up suddenly at night screaming. To avoid these night terrors, make sure your child gets enough sleep and doesn't get too tired.
- Coughing in babies is normal, but if the cough lasts longer than two weeks, it could be an infection, an allergy, or asthma. Check with your pediatrician.
- Do not let the child sit for more than an hour (unless he is sleeping). Get up, get out and move!
- Cut her food into bite-size pieces she can handle, and avoid candy canes, popcorn, or hot dogs, which can cause choking or gagging.