Here are some suggestions from Bright Futures experts that may be of value to your family
Assessment of Language Development
Your Talking Child
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Talk about and describe pictures in books and the things you see and hear together.
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Parent-child play, where the child leads, is the best way to help toddlers learn to talk.
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Read to your child every day.
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Your child may love hearing the same story over and over.
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Ask your child to point to things as you read.
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Stop a story to let your child make an animal sound or finish a part of the story.
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Use correct language; be a good model for your child.
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Talk slowly and remember that it may take a while for your child to respond.
Television Viewing
Your Child and TV
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It is better for toddlers to play than watch TV.
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Limit TV to 1–2 hours or less each day.
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Watch TV together and discuss what you see and think.
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Be careful about the programs and advertising your young child sees.
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Do other activities with your child such as reading, playing games, and singing.
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Be active together as a family. Make sure your child is active at home, at child care, and with sitters.
Safety
Safety
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Be sure your child's car safety seat is correctly installed in the back seat of all vehicles.
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All children 2 years or older, or those younger than 2 years who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their car safety seat, should use a forward- facing car safety seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat's manufacturer.
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Everyone should wear a seat belt in the car. Do not start the vehicle until everyone is buckled up.
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Never leave your child alone in your home or yard, especially near cars, without a mature adult in charge.
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When backing out of the garage or driving in the driveway, have another adult hold your child a safe distance away so he is not run over.
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Keep your child away from moving machines, lawn mowers, streets, moving garage doors, and driveways.
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Have your child wear a good-fitting helmet on bikes and trikes.
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Never have a gun in the home. If you must have a gun, store it unloaded and locked with the ammunition locked separately from the gun.
Toilet Training
Toilet Training
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Signs of being ready for toilet training
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Dry for 2 hours
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Knows if she is wet or dry
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Can pull pants down and up
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Wants to learn
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Can tell you if she is going to have a bowel movement
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Plan for toilet breaks often. Children use the toilet as many as 10 times each day.
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Help your child wash her hands after toileting and diaper changes and before meals.
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Clean potty chairs after every use.
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Teach your child to cough or sneeze into her shoulder. Use a tissue to wipe her nose.
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Take the child to choose underwear when she feels ready to do so.
Temperament and Behavior
How Your Child Behaves
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Praise your child for behaving well.
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It is normal for your child to protest being away from you or meeting new people.
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Listen to your child and treat him with respect. Expect others to as well.
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Play with your child each day, joining in things the child likes to do.
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Hug and hold your child often.
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Give your child choices between 2 good things in snacks, books, or toys.
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Help your child express his feelings and name them.
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Help your child play with other children, but do not expect sharing.
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Never make fun of the child's fears or allow others to scare your child.
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Watch how your child responds to new people or situations.
What to Expect at Your Child's 2½ Year Visit
We will talk about
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Your talking child
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Getting ready for preschool
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Family activities
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Home and car safety
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Getting along with other children