Choosing foods

Don’t regularly feed your toddler foods you know he doesn’t like. It’s good to try to introduce new foods to your child, but do so slowly. If your child doesn’t like something, wait awhile to try to feed it to him again.

Meal times are hard enough as it is without trying to force your toddler to eat something he doesn’t like.

From creativehomemaking.com.

Iron Rich meals and vitamin C

When serving iron-rich meals, include foods that contain vitamin C (tomatoes, broccoli, oranges, and strawberries), which improve the body’s iron absorption.

From: kidshealth.org

1000-calorie diet for todders

Your toddler needs about 1,000 calories a day to meet his needs for growth, energy, and good nutrition.

If you’ve ever been on a 1,000-calorie diet, you know it’s not a lot of food. But your child will do just fine with it, divided among three small meals and two snacks a day.

From: American Academy of Pediatrics

Building dexterity and strength in toddlers

Mastering how to use their hands is one of the most important things your baby or toddler will be learning in the next few years of their life. But while they are learning how to hold and manipulate objects other very important brain functions, like language, are also developing.

You can help your child build strength and dexterity in their hands by playing some fun and easy games with them and doing some simple exercises.

From: brighttomato.com.au

Exploring writing

Allow older toddlers to begin exploring writing instruments (pens, markers and crayons).

Provide them with other toys and activities (e.g., pouring water) that develop the hand-eye coordination and fine motor skill necessary for writing.

From: Zero to three.org

Tired toddler tip

Wearing your 2 to 3 year old in a soft cloth carrier, backpack or sling can still be a huge lifesaver.

When your toddler is tired, over stimulated or otherwise out of sorts, wearing them will help them to settle down and maybe even go to sleep!

 From: theattachedparent.com

How to test for fever without a thermometer

When testing for fever without a thermometer, use the lip test. Touch your lips to the forehead of the baby.

From: huggies.com

How to model emotional intelligence

Model emotional intelligence. Your kids are watching very closely. They see how you respond to frustration, they see how resilient you are, and they see whether you’re aware of your own feelings, and the feelings of others.

From: academyforcoachingparents.com

tooth decay

Your toddlers diet is key to ensuring strong teeth that resist decay. Your child needs to get plenty of calcium, vitamin D and dairy products.
From: AskBaby.com

Sharing and playdates

Playdates can be a drag when kids haven’t mastered the art of sharing. When it’s your turn to host, go through your kid’s toys beforehand, asking her to pick a few special things she’d prefer not to share.
From: Parents Connect.com