THE TODDLER AND PRESCHOOLER PAGE

Ah, the learning, growing and exciting years of toddlers and preschoolers! These are probably the most important years for your child(ren). They are growing and learning every single day and although these years can be challenging they are exciting because there's nothing more rewarding and thrilling than watching these wonderful creatures grow and experience things for the first time!

Below are some resources that may be able to help during these wonderful years with your child! Enjoy! Also, please go to How I Grow: Birth to Five to find out more about these wonderful years!

UPDATED: 6/14/03

TODDLERS

Your toddler (1-3 years) will start the things below and should be doing them more and more independently as he or she progresses in age:

• Walking - starts off by holding onto furniture.
• Climbing on furniture.
• Feeding him/herself - at first with fingers, progresses to utensils.
• Becomes a Fussy Eater.
• Uses a cup
• Starts talking in babble at first, then progresses to saying words more clearly.
• Starts to understand more of what is being said to him/her.
• Knows name and names of others.
• Starts to play by him/herself more, but still likes to be around people.
• Starting at around 2, naptime may or may not start decreasing.
• Around 2 1/2 to 3 year old starts dressing self more.
• Toilet Training starts around 2.
• These are the EXPLORING YEARS!!!! Remember your child is really starting to see things for the first time!

Ages and States: Toddlers
Babies and Toddlers at ChildFun
BabyCenter: Sleep Aids For Babies and Toddlers
Baby Zone: Parenting and Toddlers
Dealing with Toddlers
Encouraging Toddlers To Eat A Variety of Foods
FDA/CFSAN: Information for Women with Infants and Toddlers
OnlinePlaygroup.com
Parent Soup: Parents of Toddlers Community
Parent Talk Newsletter: Toddlers
Swimming Lessons: Pool Safety for Toddlers
Talking About Me: Activities for Toddlers
Toddlers Page
Toddlers: Suite101.com
Toddlers Today
Toddlers: When Yours Doesn't Want To Eat
Zero to Three

PRESCHOOLERS

The preschool years are when you will really start to see the growth of your child. Even though they will still need lots of help and guidance from Mom and Dad, you'll see a lot more independence from your child! These are most definitely the learning years!

Your Preschooler will be:

• Will be talking much more.
• Can pretty much manage basic self-care (dressing, brush teeth, etc.)
• Able to play with other children, but sharing still needs to be taught.
• There still may be a naptime, but don't be surprised if your child doesn't want to take a nap anymore.
• Really likes to be read to and may start telling a story from a book in his or her own way.
• Can learn ABCs and numbers or may already know them.
• May still be a fussy eater
• Is most likely toilet trained, but may still make mistakes.
• Lots and lots of learning and growing!

PRESCHOOLER LINKS

A Preschoolers Idea
Ages and Stages: Preschoolers
Alison's Cool Preschoolers World!
Brainquest for Preschoolers
Cognitive Development in Preschoolers
Jana's Craft Connection Projects for Preschoolers
KID-Fit P.E.: Classes for Preschoolers
Parenting Preschoolers
Parenting Preschoolers: An Interactive Website
Preschoolers: Storytelling: A Powerful Learning Tool
Preschoolers Today
Preschoolers: Welcome to Great Learning