Around your toddler's second birthday, you may wonder what happened to your adorable, sweet child.
All of a sudden, you may start seeing behaviors like:
Screaming Temper tantrums Kicking and biting Fighting with siblings Total meltdowns It's the "terrible 2s." Your child's behavior is a way of expressing her need for independence, and her frustration at not being in control all the time.
This trying time will pass. In the meantime, deal with meltdowns by being patient but firm and maintaining a consistent routine. Remember, you're the adult.
Your Toddler's Development This Month
Meals aren't always enough to satisfy a hungry toddler, especially a picky eater.
Your child needs 1,000 to 1,200 calories a day. That includes meals and two to three snacks.
Not every snack is equally healthy. Eating too many fatty or sugary treats or drinking more than 4 ounces of juice daily can lead to obesity. Extra-large portions can also be a problem. A toddler-sized snack is only about half a cup of cereal or crackers.
Here are some healthy snack ideas:
Sliced strawberries or apple Whole-wheat crackers Small pieces of cheese Applesauce Low-fat yogurt (watch the added sugar -- some are loaded with it) Half a cup of low-fat milk
Foods that are high in fiber and protein will keep your toddler full, so she won't be begging for another snack an hour later. It's also a good time to start shifting to a lower-fat diet.
Your child is still growing, but not as fast as newborns do, so it's normal for 2-year-olds to not eat quite so much or be a little less interested in eating a variety of foods.
But remember, your child may not accept a new food until she's seen it 10 times. So keep letting your child try new foods, but without pressure. Never turn meal time into a battle.
All of a sudden, you may start seeing behaviors like:
Screaming Temper tantrums Kicking and biting Fighting with siblings Total meltdowns It's the "terrible 2s." Your child's behavior is a way of expressing her need for independence, and her frustration at not being in control all the time.
This trying time will pass. In the meantime, deal with meltdowns by being patient but firm and maintaining a consistent routine. Remember, you're the adult.
Your Toddler's Development This Month
Meals aren't always enough to satisfy a hungry toddler, especially a picky eater.
Your child needs 1,000 to 1,200 calories a day. That includes meals and two to three snacks.
Not every snack is equally healthy. Eating too many fatty or sugary treats or drinking more than 4 ounces of juice daily can lead to obesity. Extra-large portions can also be a problem. A toddler-sized snack is only about half a cup of cereal or crackers.
Here are some healthy snack ideas:
Sliced strawberries or apple Whole-wheat crackers Small pieces of cheese Applesauce Low-fat yogurt (watch the added sugar -- some are loaded with it) Half a cup of low-fat milkFoods that are high in fiber and protein will keep your toddler full, so she won't be begging for another snack an hour later. It's also a good time to start shifting to a lower-fat diet.
Your child is still growing, but not as fast as newborns do, so it's normal for 2-year-olds to not eat quite so much or be a little less interested in eating a variety of foods.
But remember, your child may not accept a new food until she's seen it 10 times. So keep letting your child try new foods, but without pressure. Never turn meal time into a battle.
