Toddlers: 14-30 Months
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Toddlers Like to:
Refine their motor skills by
walking/running/climbing.
Scribble
Explore everything!
Imitate adults
Label objects using newly learned
words.
Tell adults what they need and
want.
Test the rules to see if they are
real.
Hold a picture of Mom or Dad in
their mind when they are not with them.
Do some things for themselves.
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Before the Visit
Caregivers Can:
Be sure toddler is rested and
fed…this is a most difficult age for visits if there is no play area.
Do not bombard toddler with rules
ahead of time…toddler will either not remember or test them anyway.
Show toddler lots of pictures of
the incarcerated parent.
If possible make arrangements ahead
of time so that you can be prepared to cut visits short if toddler cannot
follow the rules.
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During Visits
Parents Can:
Play word games…label objects, make
silly noises, etc. ask where’s your nose etc.
Walk around if allowed.
Label objects, colors and people
for your child.
Give toddler choices whenever
possible…even little ones…do you want to sit here or here? Do you want one
kiss or two?
Give clear rules/limits with
consequences but try to tell toddler what they can do, not what they are
not supposed to do. ” Walk, Junior. If you run you will have to sit on
Mom-Mom’s lap” is better than “Stop running.”
Toddlers are really frustrating,
even to free world parents. It is especially hard when you want the visit
to be perfect. Be patient but firm. Toddlers need both from parents and
giving them both understanding and discipline is good parenting!
Prepare yourself emotionally for
the possibility of needing to cut the visit short if toddler cannot sit
still or follow the rules. As unfair as it is to you to miss out on time
with them, it is also unfair to be angry with a toddler for not being able
to meet unrealistic expectations.
Show pride in toddler’s
accomplishments while accepting that many emotional needs are still similar
to a baby’s.
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