When I Play With Other Babies
Even though I’m getting to be so big, I still may not know how to play with other babies. Babies are more interesting for me to look at and make noises to, but I don’t understand sharing or taking turns…
Even though I’m getting to be so big, I still may not know how to play with other babies. Babies are more interesting for me to look at and make noises to, but I don’t understand sharing or taking turns…
One of the most important things you can do for me, no matter how old I am, is to help me feel prepared for what each day will bring. This means trying to keep a routine, or schedule, for me…
When I get very upset when I fall or get a boo-boo, what I may be saying is, “I’m afraid my body is injured, too.” You can support me by being matter-of-fact. Reassure me that you will take care of…
I love to touch things and see what happens. I want to turn knobs, push buttons, open boxes, and turn pages. Find ways for me to get busy with my hands. You may want to buy some toddler-safe finger paint…
What I may be saying is, “I am trying to figure out what is happening. I am trying to get a sense of some control over all that is going on.” You can support me by joining in my play.…
A fun thing for me to do when you are in the kitchen is to play with my kitchen band! What is that? It is a collection of pots and pans you don’t mind that I play with, rubber storage…
I may be saying, “I miss my deployed parent, and it’s hard dealing with all of these changes.” You can support me by offering clear, simple words for what I may be feeling: “You look sad, are you missing Mommy?”…
When I show interest, curiosity, or desire to help with caring for my injured parent, I may be saying, “I want to help. I like to feel confident and competent.” You can support me by giving me tasks I can…
Sometimes, I need to be quiet and slow down my activity. What can we do when I need to be quiet? How about looking at books, listening to recorded stories, or drawing pictures? I can grow my imagination and develop…
If I cry, kick, scream when you leave, even if it’s only for an hour and I’m with someone I know and like, I may be saying, “I need you. I depend on you. I’m afraid you are going to…
I am growing and learning so many things so quickly! Yet, I am still so young. I still haven’t mastered the ability to control my emotions. That is something that began when I was born but will continue to develop…
Sometimes, visiting a big place with lots of strangers can be scary, especially if I see people who are sick, or who are hurting. If I am not ready, please leave me with a trusted adult so that I won’t…
When I share that I am missing my deployed parent, I may be saying, “I need something to remind me of Daddy. It helps me feel safe and close to him.” You can help keep connections strong at home: bathe…
I am so busy exploring, wanting to touch everything, you will be stopping behaviors I cannot do because I might break something or I might get hurt. Remember to also teach me what I can do. When you stop a…
I may be saying, “Sometimes I’m angry,” or “I have so many feelings inside and no words for them that I lose control.” What you can do to support me is stop me firmly and gently. Tell me “It’s not…
It might be helpful for you to know three easy steps in setting limits for me. (1) Stop the behavior. For example, firmly take my hand and tell me in a serious voice: “No hitting. Hitting hurts.” It is important…
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