Read and sing to your child often.

Talk about and describe pictures in books.

Use simple words with your child.

Tell your child the words for her feelings.

Ask your child simple questions, confirm her answers, and explain simply.

Use simple, clear words to tell your child what you want her to do.

Create time for your family to be together.

Keep outings with a toddler brief—1 hour or less.

Do not expect a toddler to share.

Give older children a safe place for toys they do not want to share.

Teach your child not to hit, bite, or hurt other people or pets.

Your child may go from trying to be independent to clinging; this is normal.

Consider enrolling in a parent-toddler playgroup.

Ask us for help in finding programs to help your family.

Prepare for your new baby by reading books about being a big brother or sister.

Spend time with each child.

Make sure you are also taking care of yourself.

Tell your child when he is doing a good job.

Give your toddler many chances to try a new food. Allow mouthing and touching to learn about them.

Tell us if you need help with getting enough food for your family.

Use a car safety seat in the back seat of all vehicles.

Have your child's car safety seat rear-facing until your baby is 2 years of age or until she reaches the highest weight or height allowed by the car safety seat's manufacturer.

Everyone should always wear a seat belt in the car.

Lock away poisons, medications, and lawn and cleaning supplies.

Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) if you are worried your child has eaten something harmful.

Place gates at the top and bottom of stairs and guards on windows on the second floor and higher.

Move furniture away from windows.

Watch your child closely when she is on the stairs.

When backing out of the garage or driving in the driveway, have another adult hold your child a safe distance away so he is not run over.

Never have a gun in the home. If you must have a gun, store it unloaded and locked with the ammunition locked separately from the gun.

Prevent burns by keeping hot liquids, matches, lighters, and the stove away from your child.

Have a working smoke detector on every floor.

Signs of being ready for toilet training include

• Dry for 2 hours

• Knows if he is wet or dry

• Can pull pants down and up

• Wants to learn

• Can tell you if he is going to have a bowel movement

Read books about toilet training with your child.

Have the parent of the same sex as your child or an older brother or sister take your child to the bathroom.

Praise sitting on the potty or toilet even with clothes on.

Take your child to choose underwear when he feels ready to do so.

Set limits that are important to you and ask others to use them with your toddler.

Be consistent with your toddler.

Praise your child for behaving well.

Play with your child each day by doing things she likes.

Keep time-outs brief. Tell your child in simple words what she did wrong.

Tell your child what to do in a nice way.

Change your child's focus to another toy or activity if she becomes upset.

Parenting class can help you understand your child's behavior and teach you what to do.

Expect your child to cling to you in new situations.

Your talking child

Your child and TV

Car and outside safety

Toilet training

How your child behaves