From the time your child hits the toddler years, you can rest assured that the time ahead is going to be lively. It really is an exciting time watching your tiny tot grow into an independent pre-schooler. Here at FFHQ, we know how trying these days are, so we have put together a few things you should expect in the years ahead to give you the added benefit of knowing how interesting and fun these times will be.
From the time your child hits the toddler years, you can rest assured that the time ahead is going to be lively. It really is an exciting time watching your tiny tot grow into an independent pre-schooler. Here at FFHQ, we know how trying these days are, so we have put together a few things you should expect in the years ahead to give you the added benefit of knowing how interesting and fun these times will be.
Independent
As tots grow they will begin to feel more independent and may refuse to have you do things for them. This will of course cause some friction at times as if these tiny tots are anything in life, they are dedicated to a cause once they put their minds to it. Yes, they are stubborn! They will learn how to ride their trike, kick a ball and play with blocks. They will sing, dance, laugh and have conversations with you too. They will learn every single day and change at a rate of speed so fast, you will barely notice the changes.
Emotions
As your toddler begins to learn more about the world around him he will become happy, sad or angry at times while he tries to figure life out. He will push boundaries and try and get what he wants, when he wants it and act up when things don’t go his way. Toddlers usually love being imaginative and will spend hours imagining a world you know nothing about. As he grows older and plays with others he may need to learn about sharing and how to be mindful of people’s feelings and emotions. For example, your child may take a toy from another child without a second thought but then realise his actions when the child becomes upset. This is learning about empathy and caring for others.
Curiosity
Toddlers to pre-schoolers are learning about their bodies too and will notice the differences between girl and boy especially if your child has many siblings or cousins. Otherwise, this is something he will learn while at playgroup. Through socialising your child will learn more about language and become a talker, but he will also reiterate stories to people and be able to recognise objects. Instructions will become easier for your child and though he will make mistakes he will be eager to learn. This may get him into trouble when he wants to climb, stick fingers into things he shouldn’t and smash up stuff, but he is finding his way and you can’t let him away with it, but know that, this process is perfectly normal.
New skills
Your child will learn how to socialise, how to be independent and how to show empathy but he too has other skills to learn including potty training, personal hygiene and creativity skills – with art, drawing and Play-Doh. Your child will be learning all the time and he should be able to hold a pencil while trying to write his name, follow/recognise colours and dress himself. By now your child should be able to clean up after themselves or at least try while learning how to take responsibility for their play area or bedroom. Creativity is a huge skill all tots need to learn, and they should be able to draw, paint, dance, tell stories, sing songs and begin to basic cooking.
By the time your child is a pre-schooler, you will have a mini version of yourself and they are great fun! Enjoy every minute.
Written by Emma Hayes staff writer at FFHQ who also blogs at www.emmamadjotters.com.