Young Wrexham

Children 1-4 years old

Being the parent of a toddler can be fun but it can also be exhausting.

Your child is developing their own personality, learning about the world and discovering what they can and can´t do, which can be testing at times.

It is also important that you find time for yourself and to spend with your partner, if you have one, or your friends. Its a key stage in a child´s development so make sure you spend time with them, playing and learning every day.

There are small things you can do everyday that will help your child learn, such as:­

• Singing or dancing together
• Reading to them or together
• Counting things like the number of steps or cars you see
• Playing word games like ‘I Spy´
• Sand and water play is a good introduction to science
• Playing ball games
• Drawing pictures or playing with dough

Joining a parent and toddler group is a good way for you and your child to meet new people and socialise before they start nursery.

Nursery

From the age of three, a child can be enrolled at a local nursery.

• This is a big step for the child and the parents and it can be upsetting for both at first because it might be the first time they are separated for any period of time
• Nursery is an excellent place for children to mix with other children, develop social skills and learn more
• It is also a good way for them to prepare for primary school

Potty training

• Most children are ready to start potty training between the ages of two or three, but it can be later
• Signs they are ready to start include them being aware of their bowel movements and telling you when they are going to the toilet
• Boys usually take longer than girls to potty train

The ‘terrible twos´

• The ‘terrible twos´ might begin before their second birthday. You will find they are increasingly negative and seem to object to everything you do. This results in regular tantrums. It´s a normal part of growing up and is just a phase
• Try to stick to your guns and be firm with them, but still allow them to assert their independence

Immunisations

• At 13 months your child will be offered an MMR jab to protect them against Measles, Mumps and Rubella, also known as German Measles
• A booster jab is also required at the age of four
• Recent media reports have suggested a link between the MMR jab and autism but there is no scientific evidence to support this
• The government recommends that all children have the vaccine to protect them against the diseases and avoid potential health epidemics
• If you are concerned about the MMR vaccine, talk to your GP or visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/mmr