Communication and Social Development
Between 24 to 30 months, your child most likelyuses language to express what he is feeling and thinking.He can makelonger sentences (3-4 words).His favourite words may be “no”, “me” and “mine”. Encourage him to express his ideas and thoughts. Ask questions about what he sees, what you have just read in a book, what he would like to do. Continue to show him how to formulate proper sentences.
When it comes to playmates, he isinterested in friendships but has trouble sharing.As he explores his own identity and his place in the world, he maymimic other children,as if to “try it out” to see if it fits him. He may haveone or two good friendsat this age, but social interaction doesn’t always come easy. Acknowledge his feelings and teach social skills at the same time. For example, you could empathize with his desire to play with a toy, but suggest that he let someone else have a turn.
From 30 to 36 months,he continues to develop his capacity to express his thoughts and feelings.By age 3, he may use as many as 900 words.He canask questions, understand sentences with two or more ideas and may know his first and last name.Continue to expand his vocabulary by introducing new words. Prompt interaction with questions that require more than just a “yes” or “no” answer and be patient with his many “Why” questions.
Activities to Stimulate Toddler Development
Opportunities to support your toddler’s positive development are all around you. Take advantage of everyday tasks and events to help him learn and develop, all the while providing him with the best nutrition to nourish his milestone achievements.
Communication Development
Strong communication skills can be extremely advantageous as your child matures. Foster his language development right from the very beginning with these simple and enjoyable activities:
Talk him through an activity.
- Explain what you're doing as you do it. Speak clearly.
Let him see your face as you speak.
- This way he can watch how your mouth makes sounds.
Speak at his level.
- Don't use baby talk, or difficult words.
- Stress the syllables.
Listen to him.
- Build his confidence by showing him that what he says is important.
Encourage communication.
- Say the words for objects you see every day.
- Encourage him to say them back.
Don't point out mistakes.
- Instead, repeat the whole sentence saying the word correctly.
Read together every day.
- Early exposure to reading promotes strong reading skills in school-age children.
Read predictable books.
- Soon he'll be "reading" it by herself.
- Some good examples are: I Went Walking, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Little Red Hen, and Goodnight Moon.
Use the mirror.
- Let him make faces and name his body parts.
Explore his world.
- Walk around your neighbourhood.
- Talk about what you see.
Play with writing.
- If he's interested in pencils and paper, let him try.
Play object Hide-and-Seek.
- Hide a favourite toy and ask him to find it.
Play naming games.
- Point to familiar things and ask him to name them.
- Act out action words, like crawl, jump, or sleep.
Sing.
- Introduce nursery rhymes, finger plays and counting rhymes. Listen to recordings.
- Play imitating games, like "This is The Way We Wash Our Face" or "I'm A Little Teapot."
Social Development
Positive reinforcement, encouragement and support are intrinsic to your child's healthy emotional and social development. Here are some ways to help nurture his emotional and social growth:
Spend time together.
- You are his favourite role model.
Establish a routine.
- He can find comfort and reassurance in the familiar, though you can vary it a little on special occasions.
Hold him when he's upset.
- Speak calmly and quietly until he feels better.
Encourage empathy.
- Share his emotions. Let him see you happy or sad when he is.
Be patient with regressive behaviour.
- Stay calm and try to understand its source.
- Encourage communication. Say the words for objects you see every day.
- Encourage him to say them back.
Read together every day.
- Start with predictable stories, so he can "read" them too.
- Incorporate them into your daily routine.
Use the mirror.
- Let him make faces and name his body parts.
Explore his world.
- Walk around your neighbourhood.
- Talk about what you see.
Share.
- Set a good example with snacks, toys or books.
Why is Nutrition Important?
Early childhood nutrition is closely linked to language development. DHA (an Omega-3 fat found in breast milk and DHA-enriched infant formula) supports increased cognitive ability by facilitating brain growth and development.
