Two Year Visit

Language Development

• Model appropriate language.  Two year old children should begin using two word sentences (such as “go home” and “want milk”).  They will be able to follow simple 1 or 2 step commands (such as “pick up the toy and bring it to me”).

• Read to your child every day.  It is normal for toddlers to want to hear the same story over and over.  Ask your child to point to objects on the page or to finish a familiar phrase.   

• Singing songs and talking about what you are seeing and doing will help with language development.

• Talk and question slowly so your child can process the information without pressure.

• If you need to have your child look at you before you know she is listening, let us know.  It is important to identify hearing problems early.  A child with frequent ear infections may more commonly have hearing problems.

• If your child squints, holds books very close to her face of fails to look at things you point to, be sure to tell your pediatrician.

• Expand your child’s experiences by visiting museums, zoos, library programs, and musical programs for children and other things that are age appropriate.

• Family meals are an excellent way to support language and social development.  Eat together as a family as often as possible.

Behavior

• Praise your child for good behavior and accomplishments

• Spend individual time with your child.  Focus on the child by playing with him, hugging or holding him, taking walks, painting, playing with toys and puzzles.  

• Listen and act respectfully toward your child.

• Appreciate your child’s desire to investigate.  Use it as a teaching opportunity to keep them safe.

• Help your child express feelings such as joy, anger, sadness, fear and frustration.

• Promote a sense of competence and control by allowing your child to make choices between two equally acceptable options.

• Encourage family members and caregivers to be consistent, patient and respectful.

• Encourage your child to play with other children, but don’t expect him to share toys yet.

• Limit TV time to no more than 1-2 hours per day.  If you let your child watch TV, watch it together and talk about what you see. Remember that even if a television program is appropriate for your child, the commercials may not be.

• It is not too early to begin to enjoy physical activity such as walks, biking, hiking or play tag.

• Teach your child to sneeze and cough into his shoulder.  Teach your child to wash his hands after using a tissue.

 Preparation for Toilet Training

• Help your child wash her hands after diaper changes or toileting and before eating.  Role model good hand washing to your child.

• Clean potty chairs after each use.

• Encourage toilet training when your child is dry for about two hours, knows the difference between wet and dry, can pull his pants up and down, and wants to learn.

• Dress your child in easy to remove pants.  

• Establish a routine.  Place her on the potty every one to two hours, and provide a relaxed environment by reading or singing while she is on the potty.  

• Remember that children use the potty more often than adults—up to ten times per day. Plan for toilet breaks when traveling, even if it is only a short trip.

• Never force, punish or shame a child for accidents or reluctance to try to use the potty.  Praise him for his efforts and interest and keep reading stories about potty training with him.  

Safety

• Be sure your car seat is safely installed in the back seat.  

• Don’t start your vehicle until everyone is buckled up.  Children learn from parent’s behavior.  

• Your child should never be exposed to second hand smoke.  Do not allow smoking in your house or car.  If you smoke, please ask your physician for resources to help you quit.

• Your child should always be supervised when in and around vehicles. Hold your child when others are moving forward or backing out of a driveway as the driver may not be able to see a small child.

• When riding a tricycle or in a seat on an adult bicycle, your toddler should wear a helmet approved by the CPSC.  Make sure the helmet fits securely and is low on the forehead.

• Keep your toddler in a fenced play area and watch him.

• Keep your toddler away from moving machinery, lawn mowers, overhead garage doors, driveways and streets.  

• When your child is around water, a supervising adult should be within arms reach to provide “touch supervision”.

• Surfaces on playgrounds should be soft enough to absorb a fall.

• Limit time in the sun.  Use sunscreen with an SPF rating of 15 or higher on your toddler.  Use a broad brimmed hat to shade her face, ears and nose.

• Teach your toddler not to approach unknown dogs or any dog that is eating.

• Check your smoke detectors to make sure they are working on each level of your home.

• Install a carbon monoxide detector/alarm, certified by the UL, in the hallway that separates the sleeping area from your living area.  

• Keep matches and burning candles out of reach.

• Watch your child near a hot grill, stove, or open fire.

Preschool Considerations

• Child care and preschool can offer young children the opportunity to develop social skills with other children and can help children transition into kindergarten.  There are also books for parents who choose not to use preschool that can suggest activities to help children with that transition.

Oral Health

• Brush teeth twice daily as they erupt. Use a soft toothbrush and starting at age 2 you can use a pea sized drop of toothpaste.  Teach your child to spit out the toothpaste when he is done.

• Make sure your pediatrician and dentist are aware if you do not have fluoridated water.  They may give you fluoride supplements.

• Children should see a dentist twice yearly.

• If your child still sucks a finger or thumb, use positive reinforcement, including rewards or reminders, to discourage this habit.

Nutrition

• At this age your child should be able to eat what the rest of the family is eating, as long as pieces are cut small to avoid choking.

• Remember, nutrition habits start now.  Include low fat choices and fruits and vegetables.  Avoid sugary drinks and juices.  We recommend low fat milk and water.

• Portion size is important.  Children will eat smaller portions.  If food is left after each meal, your portion size may be too large.