Parents worry from the day their child is born. When you have a newborn you worry about their breathing, eating, eliminating etc. When they are a teen you worry about peer pressure, academics, etc. With each age you get a unique set of things to worry about. So, what do moms and dads most commonly worry about with their toddlers? The following are some of the typical worries a parent with a toddler might have:
1.If they are nice to other kids. Toddlers are going through a tough stage. They have had a lot of attention to this point. They have their own toys, books, and so on. and have not really been expected to share. Usually they do not play with other children a whole lot. So, this means that when they do start playing and having play dates they are not exactly open to letting someone else play with their toys. Sometimes toddlers do not communicate well, so their frustrations come out in the form of hitting, biting, spitting, pulling hair or other things. This can be very worrisome and stressful for parents.
2.If they are healthy. Another big worry parents of toddlers have is whether or not their child is healthy. Most toddlers start to grow out of their baby fat, and get a little bit leaner. They are not nursing or eating fortified baby foods, and sometimes convenience takes over, and they may not be getting the kinds of foods they should be. Also, many toddlers start to get picky, and their favorite vegetable, and the only vegetable they may be getting is French fries. Balanced meals and regular doctor check ups is a great way to alleviate that worry.
3.If their teeth are healthy. Many toddlers drink juice all day, and sometimes even take it to go down at night. Many toddlers resist brushing their teeth. This can result in highly unhealthy teeth. This is a major worry, and one that needs to be addressed. Starting at about one year old, your child should be getting twice yearly dental check-ups, and you should make it a routine to brush and if possible even floss nightly at a minimum.
4.If they are growing enough. Many parents worry if their toddler is growing at the right rate. When your child is a baby you take them in for checkups every couple of months, so you have some professional input on whether or not your child is growing properly. However, once they hit the toddler stage most parents only visit the pediatrician when their child is sick, and once a year.
5.If they are smart enough. Kids all develop at different rates and many parents compare their toddler to their neighbor’s toddler, or the kid in their church, etc. If you are worried about the brain development of your toddler you can take them in to the doctor. Otherwise, just make sure you do learning activities and help them to stimulate their brain. Read to them, sing to them, teach them colors, sounds, and so forth. If they are speaking well enough and hitting other milestones at the appropriate times is a real concern, but it is important to remember that all children develop on their own time table.
6.If they are watching too much television. TV is an easy way to occupy your child so you can get things done, however, occasionally it becomes an unintentional babysitter. Many parents worry that they are letting their child watch too much television or movies.
Being concerned as a parent with a toddler shows that you are a good parent and that you care about your child. It is always smart to address your concerns with your pediatrician, especially if they keep you up at night.
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to