1 to 3 years (toddlers)
- From about 18 months to 3 years, toddlers learn to become individuals, as they are able to walk, jump, run, search and think. Children start to say ‘no’ and feel they can do things for themselves when moving around. Respect the ownership of your child’s possessions and teach your child to respect that certain things belong to certain people. Give your child space to develop their independence.1
- Show your toddler how to behave by being a good role model: children learn by watching you.
- Talk about what you are doing and involve them in daily routines, they can help with putting away toys, or pouring a drink. Keep your child safe and away from sharp or hot things.
Play and read together
- Take your toddler to the park or playground, where they can run, play and interact with other children. Talk to them about what you see outside.
- Paint, draw, and colour with your child.
- Visit your local library, many libraries have activities and story times for children. Some libraries have storytelling in other languages for young parents from non-English speaking backgrounds.
- For more information and ideas, see Raising Children: toddlers.
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Adapted from Northern Migrant Resource Centre, Parenting in a New Culture: The Preschool Years, Raising Australian born Chinese children effectively (2004). ↩
