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Parenting Guide

18 Months

Developmental Milestones

  • Shows affection by kissing parents.
  • Uses a vocabulary of four to 10 words and may combine two-word phrases.
  • Understands simple directions.
  • Points to some body parts correctly.
  • Walks fast.
  • Walks up stairs with one hand held.
  • Plays pretend.
  • Feeds self, drinks from a cup, and uses a spoon.
  • Imitates a crayon stroke on paper.

Parenting Tips

  • Be gentle and consistent with discipline.
  • Encourage your child to make choices whenever possible.
  • Keep rules simple.
  • Avoid power struggles with your child.
  • Show affection in the family. Be a good role model by practicing the behavior you want your child to value.
  • Read simple stories to your child regularly.
  • Make time for yourself. Raising a toddler can be demanding.

References

  • American Academy of Pediatrics. (2014). Ages and Stages. Retrieved from healthychildren.org
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Developmental Milestones. Retrieved from cdc.gov
  • KidsGrowth.com. (2014). Growth Milestones. Retrieved from kidsgrowth.com

Additional Resources