Your 1 Year Old Toddler Week 7
What to do if Reading “The Hungry Caterpillar” is Turning Your Brain to Mush
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By her first birthday, your child should be using a few words correctly – such as “Dada,” “Mama,” or “Bye-bye.” Until she is able to fully communicate, she’ll use hand gestures and/or babbling to tell you what she needs. Write those cute words down now before you forget them, because one day you’ll want to remember. Don’t forget to include the date!
Don’t worry if your child struggles to get his point across, even to the point of throwing a tantrum. Not being able to communicate is frustrating! Between 12-18 months your child’s language skills will explode, sometimes overnight. Continue to talk to your child and engage him in conversation. Teach him how to listen by looking at him intently when he’s talking to you.
Reading to your child is a wonderful way to expose him to language. It is never too early to teach her a love of books, even if all she does is try to eat them at first. If reading “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” repeatedly is turning your brain to mush, try reading your magazines or books out loud to your child. A win/win!
Teach conversation skills by pretending to “call” your toddler. Anything can become a telephone with a little imagination! A shoe, a banana, or even your hand can be talked into. Ask questions and pause to allow time for your toddler to respond. One day she might surprise you!
Scary Mommy Tip: Keep in mind that your child will repeat ANYTHING he hears, which could create a potentially mortifying experience for you. Start paying attention to what you say within earshot!
HOMEWORK:
5 Perfectly Understandable Reasons For Toddler Tantrums
17 Things Toddlers Never Say (That We Wish They Would)
If Moms Talked To Each Other The Way They Talk To Their Kids
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