18 Months

How your toddler's growing
You may observe a spurt in physical development this month. Your toddler is surer on his feet, loves to climb all over your furniture and might even join you or his dad in a game of ball or other physical play if he concentrates hard enough. He can also hold a clear memory of an object in his mind well after you remove it from his sight. You can take advantage of this new capability by playing hide-and-seek with his favourite toy.

There may be days when all that physical energy is more than you can handle. Rather than fight it - after all, you can't do anything to change it - throw off your shoes, put on some music, grab your little one and invent some new dance steps together, or go outside to let him run off some stream. Your toddler won't need shoes until he begins to walk. When he does, you may have to pay a little more for quality but it's worth it.


Your life: setting boundaries
As your child's "no"s become more frequent, so will your questions about how to control him. Set clear limits by telling him what is and isn't acceptable behaviour. He won't always remember what you've said, but if you keep repeating it he'll start to get the idea. And do your best to set a good example; show him the kindness, respect and good manners you'd like to see him demonstrate. Steps like these can help your toddler to choose the right thing to do or the nicer way to behave.

Your health visitor or GP may get in touch with you between now and your toddler's second birthday to check whether you have any worries about his development -- it's a good opportunity to discuss any questions you may have.