1 2 Physical Growth of the Toddler • Height and weight increase steadily in spurts at a slower rate than the infant – Generally reach half adult height by age 2 – Average weight gain is 3 to 5 lb per year – Height increases an average of 3 in per year • Fontanels close by 18 months • Head size more proportional to body by age 3 • 3 Organ System Maturation • Neurologic system – Brain reaches about 90% of size by age 2 • Respiratory system – Alveoli increase in number until age 7; trachea and airways small compared to adult • Cardiovascular system – Heart rate decreases; blood pressure increases 4 Organ System Maturation (cont.) • Gastrointestinal system – Stomach increases in size; small intestine grows in length; stool passage decreases. • Genitourinary system – Bladder and kidney reach adult function by 16 to 24 months; bladder capacity increases; urethra remains short. • Musculoskeletal system – Bones increase in length; muscle matures; swayback and pot belly appear due to weak muscles until 3 years old. 5 1 – Bones increase in length; muscle matures; swayback and pot belly appear due to weak muscles until 3 years old. 5 Growth Theories Freud’s theory focuses on the satisfaction and/or frustration of expelling feces (anal stage). Piaget’s theory focuses on development of the senses of the toddler. Erikson’s theory focuses on achievement of autonomy and self-control. Kohlberg’s theory focuses on the moral development of the toddler. • 6 Motor Skill Development (Toddler) • Gross motor skills – Include running, climbing, jumping, pushing or pulling a toy, throwing a ball, and pedaling a tricycle • Fine motor skills – Progress from holding and pinching to the ability to manage utensils, hold a crayon, string a bead, and use a computer 7 Speech Development (Toddler) • Receptive language development: the ability to understand what is being said or asked – Typically far more advanced than expressive language development (ability to communicate desires and feelings) • Common occurrences – Echolalia: repetition of words and phrases without understanding – Telegraphic speech: speech that contains only the essential words to get the point across 8 Sensory Development • Use all senses to explore the world • Vision progresses 9 8 • Use all senses to explore the world • Vision progresses • Depth perception matures • Hearing at adult level • Sense of smell matures • Taste discrimination not completely developed 9 Emotional and Social Development of the Toddler • Focus – Separation •Seeing oneself as separate from the parent • Individuation – Forming a sense of self and learning to control one’s environment lead to emotional lability. • Egocentrism – Focus on self 10 Typical Behaviors of the Toddler • May rely on a security item • Becomes aware of gender differences • May display aggressive behaviors • May show fear of loss of parents and of strangers • Becomes more self-aware; does not have clear body boundaries – Separation anxiety may reoccur – May resist invasive procedures • 11 Promoting Growth and Development of the Toddler Through Play • Play is the major socializing medium for toddlers. • Toddlers need 30 minutes of structured physical activity and 1 to 3 hours of unstructured physical activity per day. 11 • Toddlers need 30 minutes of structured physical activity and 1 to 3 hours of unstructured physical activity per day. • Parents should limit television and encourage creative and physical play instead. • Toddlers engage in parallel play (playing alongside another child) instead of cooperative play. • Toddlers are egocentric and do not like to share. • The short attention span of toddlers will make them change toys frequently. • Toddlers do not need expensive toys. 12 Promoting Safety for the Toddler • Provide a childproof environment • Use a safe car seat in back of car • Provide a safe home environment – Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke – Prevent injury – Prevent poisoning • 13 Sleep and Dental Health Requirements for the Toddler • 18-month-old: 13.5 hours of sleep per day • 24-month-old: 13 hours of sleep per day • 3-year-old: 12 hours of sleep per day • A typical toddler should sleep through the night and take one daytime nap • Most children discontinue daytime napping at around 3 years of age • 30 months toddler has full set of primary teeth 14 Nutritional Plan • Lay foundation • High in nutrient-rich foods • Toddlers who consume a strictly vegan diet (no food from animal sources) are at risk for deficiencies in vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron. Supplementation with these 15 14 • Toddlers who consume a strictly vegan diet (no food from animal sources) are at risk for deficiencies in vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron. Supplementation with these nutrients should occur to promote adequate nutrition and growth. • 15 Promoting Self-Feeding in Toddlers • Use a child-sized spoon and fork with dull tines • Seat the toddler in a high chair or at a comfortable height in a secure chair • Never leave the toddler unattended while eating • Minimize distractions during mealtime 16 Common Developmental Concerns of the Toddler • Toilet teaching • Negativism • Temper tantrums • Thumb sucking and pacifiers • Sibling rivalry • Aggression 17 Signs a Toddler Is Ready for Toilet Teaching • Regular bowel movement • Expresses knowledge of need to defecate or urinate • The diaper is not always wet • The toddler is willing to follow instructions • The toddler walks well alone and can pull down pants • The toddler follows caregiver to bathroom • The toddler climbs onto potty chair or toilet 18 Teaching Strategies to Minimize Issues With Sibling Rivalry • Attempt to keep the toddler’s routine as close to normal as possible • Spend individual time with the toddler on a daily basis • Involve the toddler in the care of the baby 19 18 • Spend individual time with the toddler on a daily basis • Involve the toddler in the care of the baby 19 Focus of Discipline for the Toddler • Limit setting • Negotiation • Techniques to assist the toddler to learn problem solving 20 Role of Parent • Talk and sing to child to encourage conversation and promote language development • Read to toddler every day 21 Guidelines for Choosing a Preschool for a Toddler • Parents agree with goals and an overall philosophy. • Teachers and assistants are trained in early childhood development as well as CPR. • Classes are small with an appropriate adult-to-child ratio. • Disciplinary procedures are consistent with the parents’ values. • Parents are able to visit at any time. • School is childproofed inside and out. • Appropriate hygiene procedures are in place. •
