How I Support My Toddlers Milestones
This past weekend we had beautiful weather! For a Midwest girl, that means it was 55 degrees and overcast 😅 I can’t wait for our first 75 degree and sunny day!
Anyway, we decided to spend our morning at the park. This park is perfect because there’s soccer fields and trails to walk or run on, basketball courts, and a multi-level playground consisting of structures specific for toddlers to pre teens.
My daughter will be three in May which means that she was able to play on much more of the playground equipment than she did even last summer! It made for a fun, developmentally friendly day at the park.
Supporting your child’s milestones when it comes to risky play can look like this!
OFFER SUPPORT FROM A DISTANCE
Standing behind your child to spot them while climbing a new structure is much safer than physically assisting them. The less physical intervention, the better. Unless if your child specifically asks for help, watch them carefully conquer that structure!
APPLAUD THEIR EFFORTS
Make sure your child knows that what they did was awesome! I was in awe watching my daughter accomplish new things at the playground. It was a morning full of verbal encouragement for her determination!
I am anxiously waiting for our next park visit to see what Eliza accomplishes! She told me all morning how happy she was, and that filled my mama cup right up 🥹🤍
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Supporting your toddler's milestones is essential for their growth and confidence. Risky play, such as climbing and navigating playground equipment, helps children develop gross motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and resilience. To effectively support your child, consider these strategies: 1. **Observe and Encourage**: Allow your child to explore new structures independently, offering encouragement from a distance. This approach fosters a sense of achievement and builds their self-confidence. Use positive reinforcement by applauding their efforts, which reinforces their determination to explore further. 2. **Understand Developmental Stages**: As toddlers grow, their abilities evolve. Be aware of your child's developmental milestones and capabilities. For instance, by the age of three, many children are capable of more complex physical activities than they were at two. Tailor your support to match their developmental stage, ensuring activities are challenging yet safe. 3. **Create Safe Environments**: Choose parks or playgrounds designed for toddlers that provide safe equipment and spaces to explore. This not only allows for physical activity but also encourages social interaction with peers, crucial for emotional development. 4. **Promote Independent Problem-Solving**: When your child encounters challenges, encourage them to think critically about how to solve problems. Instead of immediately helping, ask guiding questions that prompt them to assess their situation and find solutions themselves. By implementing these strategies, you create an environment where your toddler can thrive, fostering not only physical skills but also resilience and confidence as they navigate their world.
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