The Everything Guide to Raising a Toddler: All You Need to Raise a Happy, Healthy, and Confident Toddler Book

Introduction xi

01 One Giant Step 1

Getting Around, Toddler Style 2

Collision Course 4

How to Make Your House Safe for Walking 8

On Toddler Time 9

The Well-Shod Toddler 10

Fun Activities for Walking Toddlers 11

Action Plays 12

Exercise and Creative Movement 14

02 Language Brain Power 16

Childish Imitation 17

Add a Little Something 17

Possession 18

Lots to Talk About 19

Talking with Toys 19

Whether to Walk or Talk 20

Concrete to Abstract 20

The Language Ladder 21

Encourage, Gently 22

Life Lessons 24

Explaining the World 26

First Words 27

Naming Parts of the Body 29

Parents as Teachers 30

Grappling with Grammar 31

03 Gender and Sexuality 32

"Where Do I Come From?" 33

Gender Issues 33

Sugar and Spice Stereotypes 35

Seeking Sexual Identity 37

Set an Example 38

Let Me Be Naked! 40

Toddler Genitals 42

Sexual Abuse 43

PDA-Parental Displays of Affection 45

04 Brainy Toys 47

Choosing Toys and Materials 48

What the Experts Say 49

Fun and Games 49

Kitchen Utensils 51

Natural "Toys" from Outdoors 53

Art Materials 53

Blocks 54

Shakes, Rattles, and Rings 55

Pull Toys 55

Bubbles 55

Puzzles 56

Make Your Own Finger Paints 57

Dramatic Play 58

Down 'n Dirty 58

Forbidden Toys 60

Check It Out! 60

Toys, Toys Everywhere 61

Storage Solutions 63

05 Nos and Tantrums 64

Red Alert Tantrums 65

You're the Adult 70

Your Own Anger 72

Activities to Calm Your Toddler 75

06 Emotional Intelligence 77

Toddler See, Toddler Do 78

Learning to Trust 79

Time Out from Multitasking 80

It's Complicated 80

Parents as Safe Havens 81

Stranger Anxiety 82

Contact Comfort 83

Feelings 101 85

Learning to Wait 88

Me Do It! 91

07 Potty Training 92

Early Learning 93

The Lowdown on Diapering 93

Fearless Potty Training 95

Who's in Charge? 96

What's in a Name? 99

Get Ready 100

The Next Steps 102

Bed Wetting 105

08 Safety First 108

Instant Trouble 109

Safety at Home 109

Poisonings 112

Buckle Up ... Carefully 115

Swimming Pools 117

Kitchen Safety 117

Keeping Your Cool 118

Basic Lifesaving Skills 120

First-Aid Kit 123

Medication Safety 124

09 Techno-Tots 126

Television 127

Intelligent Internet Use 130

Technological Devices 132

Software and Games for Toddlers 135

10 Discipline 139

Box Parenting 140

Little Learners 141

Teaching about No 141

Accentuate the Positive 143

Why Not? 144

In Case of Danger 146

Too Much Praise 148

Praising Self-Control 150

Time-Out 150

Disciplined Sleep 152

Spanking 153

Discipline with Snacks and Meals 154

11 Everybody Eats 155

When to Wean? 156

High Chairs and Booster Seats 157

Solid Foods 158

Go Organic 159

Kitchen Helpers 160

One-Hit Wonders 161

Calorie Counting 162

Food Essentials 164

Vitamins 168

Leisurely Meals 169

Make Food Interesting 170

Restaurant Survival 171

12 Is It Bedtime Yet? 172

How Much Sleep? 173

The Battle of the Bed 174

The Family Bed 175

From Crib to Toddler Bed 176

Winding Down 179

Exercise 180

Sleep Time Rituals 180

Sleep Cycles 181

Holding Firm 182

Nightmares 183

13 Very Special Toddlers 185

The Gifted Toddler 186

Special Gifts 190

Little Question Box 191

Gifted Play Activities 193

Special-Needs Toddlers 198

Attention Deficit Disorder 199

Other Disabilities 200

14 Families Plus 203

And Baby Makes Three 204

Divorce 206

Single Parenting and Dating 207

Parents of the Same Sex 208

Grandparents 209

Babysitters 211

Caregivers' Home Safety 213

15 Potpourri of Toddler Activities 216

Brainy Language Fun 217

Your Little Sous-Chef 219

Holidays, Parties, and Celebrations 220

Activities for a Rainy Day 224

Puppets 227

Stormy Weather Fun 229

Make a Train 231

Make Play Dough 232

Art Box 233

Appendix A Recipes: Cooking for and with Your Toddler 235

Appendix B Resources 270

Appendix C Developmental Tasks 280

Index 286