2 Year Olds Are Capable Of More

There are certain things that a whole lot of parents believe are impossible to teach an older (2 year old) toddler.  I beg to differ.  Having worked with kids for a VERRRRRY long time and having four (older) children of my own, it is definitely possible.  Toddlers, and kids in general, are capable of so much more than they're given credit for.  Here is a short list.....

*Using normal language.  Stop baby talking them.  It's not "milk-y"...it's "milk".  It's not a "baba", it's a "cup."  You're not doing them any favors teaching them to talk like a baby once they've hit 2 years old.  

*Using utensils.  I'm not saying that all kids have the coordination to use them 100% correctly but if you start it young, they can and WILL learn.  On top of that, they will get into good habits that will help them as they age.

*Picking out their own clothes.  Provide them weather-appropriate choices and they can and will pick them out.

*Putting on their own clothes (most of the time).  They are capable of putting on appropriately sized clothes most of the time.  They might put their pants on backwards but they're on.  They might put their socks on inside out but they're on.

*Cleaning up their toys.  Nothing drives me more crazy than watching parents clean up their kids' toys.  They're one hundred percent capable.

and finally.....

*Learning basic street-safe skills.  If you start them young, you can teach them how to walk on sidewalks instead of bolting.  Some kids are harder than others to teach but they can all be taught.  It just takes some patience.

Parents of 2 year olds, KNOW that your kids are capable of so much more.  The skills they learn when they're young will be so helpful as they age.