Young children go through a period of rapid growth in their early years, where they learn to walk, talk, and explore. During this time, they develop their social skills and emotional regulation by looking to caregivers for support and guidance.
Each toddler in New South Wales is provided with a personal health record known as the “blue book”. This resource is essential for keeping track of a child’s growth, development, immunisations, and health checkups from birth until they reach five years of age.
New_Subtitle_1
It’s crucial to protect your child from diseases by adhering to the NSW Immunisation Schedule. Vaccinations are offered free of charge to eligible children to ensure they receive early protection.
Evidence of immunisation status is required for enrolling your child in childcare, preschool, and school.
Remember to always consult with your child’s healthcare provider for the most up-to-date information on vaccinations and keeping your child healthy.
New_Subtitle_2
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis) are all preventable diseases that can be vaccinated against.
- It is important for individuals to stay up to date on their vaccinations to protect themselves and others from these contagious illnesses.
- Vaccines have been instrumental in reducing the incidence of these diseases and preventing outbreaks.
- Consult with your healthcare provider to ensure you are following the recommended vaccination schedule for you and your family.
New_Subtitle_3
In addition to routine vaccines, it is recommended to get annual flu shots to protect your child from common influenza strains. Refer to the Influenza factsheet for more information.
*Some providers may charge an administration or consultation fee.
New_Subtitle_4
Regular health checks allow monitoring of your child’s health and development and provide an opportunity to address any concerns with a healthcare professional.
Make sure to bring your child’s blue book to all appointments as a reference.
New_Subtitle_5
It is important to maintain a healthy diet and encourage physical activity to promote overall well-being in children. Limit sugary and high-fat foods, and ensure they have access to nutritious meals and snacks.
Regular exercise and playtime are essential for physical and mental development. Encourage your child to engage in activities they enjoy to keep them active and happy.
New_Subtitle_5
- Healthy eating
- Sleep
- Dental care
- Sun protection
- Growth
- Immunisation
New_Subtitle_6
- Child’s behavior
- Toilet training
- Encouraging active play
New_Subtitle_7
- Sibling relationships
- Parenting methods
- Emotions and behaviors
- Participation in playgroups or childcare
- Smoking or vaping
Babies transitioning into toddlers experience significant growth and increasing emotional complexity.
Tracking developmental milestones can help address any potential challenges early on and ensure your child’s healthy growth.
Early assessment and intervention play a crucial role in achieving optimal developmental outcomes for children.
If you have concerns about your child not meeting specific milestones, consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
New_Subtitle_8
Gross motor skills involve larger muscle movements for basic tasks, while fine motor skills focus on intricate movements to interact with the world.
There are expected milestones for motor skills development within specific age ranges.
New_Subtitle_9
Language skills enable children to communicate their thoughts and needs through speech.
Speech development milestones vary based on age, showing gradual improvements over time.
It is important for parents and caregivers to encourage language development in children by engaging in conversations, reading to them, and exposing them to a variety of vocabulary. Speech therapy may be recommended for children who have difficulty with speech sounds or language development. Early intervention can help improve communication skills and overall language abilities in children.
New_Subtitle_10
Social and emotional skills involve interacting with others and regulating emotions.
Developmental delays may occur, but early intervention can provide the necessary support for positive outcomes.
Regression in certain skills is normal in child development, especially during transitions or changes.
If you have concerns about regression, seek advice from a doctor.
New_Subtitle_11
- If you are the favourite parent:
- If you are the other parent:
- Try to spend quality time with your child and show them love and support.
- Communicate openly with your child and try to understand their feelings.
- Avoid comparing yourself to the favourite parent and focus on building a strong relationship with your child.
New_Subtitle_12
- Involve the other parent in activities while acknowledging your child’s feelings.
- Show positive interactions between yourself and the other parent to reinforce their role.
- Remind your child that you both love and care for them.
- Encourage open communication between all family members to promote understanding and cooperation.
- Set aside time for family bonding activities to strengthen relationships and create happy memories.
- Seek professional guidance or counseling if needed to navigate co-parenting challenges effectively.
New_Subtitle_13
- Acknowledge your child’s feelings and provide comfort and support.
- If the other parent is unavailable, gently explain the situation to your child.
New_Subtitle_14
From six months onward, children become aware of their permanent presence, leading to separation anxiety. If this anxiety affects your child’s well-being, seek assistance from a doctor.
New_Subtitle_15
Sibling rivalry can arise from jealousy or disputes over attention. It’s important to understand and manage these feelings with positive reinforcement.
To address sibling rivalry, discuss feelings openly, establish clear rules, and spend individual time with each child.
New_Subtitle_16
Toddlers engage with peers and adults through individual or social play. Encourage and follow your child’s lead in social situations.
New_Subtitle_17
Between 12 to 24 months, toddlers learn about sharing and turn-taking. From 2 to 3 years, they engage in parallel play.
New_Subtitle_18
Supervision during playdates helps teach social skills like conflict resolution and sharing.
New_Subtitle_19
Assist toddlers in resolving conflicts and managing emotions positively. Address any physical altercations promptly and model appropriate behavior.
New_Subtitle_20
Mood swings and tantrums are frequent in toddlers as they develop emotional skills. Tantrums may occur when the child is unwell, tired, or stressed.
It’s important to help toddlers understand and name their emotions, teaching them healthy ways to express themselves. Encourage them to use words to describe how they are feeling and offer support in finding solutions to their problems. Additionally, creating a calming environment and establishing routines can help prevent tantrums and promote emotional well-being.
New_Subtitle_21
- Ensure the safety of the child during tantrums and provide comfort.
- Listen actively and encourage calming techniques, such as deep breathing.
- Stay calm yourself and try to understand the reason behind the tantrum.
- Avoid giving in to unreasonable demands but also avoid harsh punishments.
- Set clear boundaries and consequences for inappropriate behavior.
New_Subtitle_22
- Tantrums are purposeful, while meltdowns are more instinctual reactions.
New_Subtitle_23
- Maintain consistency in parenting and set clear expectations.
- Prepare your child for transitions or changes in routine.
New_Subtitle_24
Consistency and preparation in parenting aid in effectively managing tantrums. Offer your child two choices to promote independence and respect their autonomy. Praise, reward, and show attention when your child exhibits positive behaviors. Teaching emotional awareness and calming strategies can assist in managing emotions. Ensuring adequate sleep for your toddler can enhance their mood and behavior.
Writing backwards may be associated with creativity and cognitive flexibility, potentially indicating unique thinking processes rather than learning difficulties. Different brain wiring could explain why some children write backwards. Parents can employ strategies to support children exhibiting backward writing behavior.
Observing your child’s backward writing habits may raise concerns. It’s important to consider whether this behavior is linked to a learning disability or developmental delay. Backward writing may reflect creativity, cognitive flexibility, and a different thinking style. It’s common for children who are still mastering handwriting to reverse letters or words. Backward writing could give insight into how the brain processes information.
While backward writing may not necessarily be alarming, it’s crucial to assess the situation and monitor your child’s progress. Using visual aids, practicing tracing, focusing on fine motor skills, and providing positive reinforcement can aid children who write backwards. If the behavior persists or is accompanied by signs of learning challenges, seeking professional guidance may be necessary.
Understanding the reasons behind your child’s writing behaviors can help you support their development effectively. Every child progresses at their own pace, and patience and support can guide them through this phase. Support your child with visual aids, practice, and exercises to enhance fine motor skills. Embracing their unique learning style will contribute to their educational journey.