Bright Futures Parent Handout
18 Month Visit
Here are some suggestions from Bright Futures experts that may be of value to your family.
Talking and Hearing • Read the instructions about your car safety • Have the parent of the same sex as your
TOILET-TRAINING READINESS
seat to check on the weight and height child or an older brother or sister take your
LANGUAGE PROMOTION/HEARING
• Read and sing to your child often.
requirements. child to the bathroom.
• Talk about and describe pictures in books.
• Everyone should always wear a seat belt in • Praise sitting on the potty or toilet even with
• Use simple words with your child.
the car. clothes on.
• Tell your child the words for her feelings.
• Lock away poisons, medications, and lawn • Take your child to choose underwear when
• Ask your child simple questions, confirm her and cleaning supplies. he feels ready to do so.
answers, and explain simply.
• Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) if you
• Use simple, clear words to tell your child Your Child’s Behavior
are worried your child has eaten something
what you want her to do. harmful. • Set limits that are important to you and ask
others to use them with your toddler.
Your Child and Family • Place gates at the top and bottom of stairs
and guards on windows on the second floor • Be consistent with your toddler.
• Create time for your family to be together.
and higher. • Praise your child for behaving well.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND BEHAVIOR
• Keep outings with a toddler brief—1 hour or
• Move furniture away from windows. • Play with your child each day by doing things
SAFETY
less.
• Watch your child closely when she is on she likes.
• Do not expect a toddler to share.
the stairs. • Keep time-outs brief. Tell your child in simple
• Give older children a safe place for toys they words what she did wrong.
• When backing out of the garage or driving
do not want to share.
in the driveway, have another adult hold • Tell your child what to do in a nice way.
• Teach your child not to hit, bite, or hurt other your child a safe distance away so he is not • Change your child’s focus to another toy or
people or pets. run over. activity if she becomes upset.
• Your child may go from trying to be • Never have a gun in the home. If you must • Parenting class can help you understand
independent to clinging; this is normal. have a gun, store it unloaded and locked your child’s behavior and teach you what
FAMILY SUPPORT
• Consider enrolling in a parent-toddler with the ammunition locked separately from to do.
playgroup. the gun. • Expect your child to cling to you in new
• Ask us for help in finding programs to help • Prevent burns by keeping hot liquids, situations.
your family. matches, lighters, and the stove away from
• Prepare for your new baby by reading books your child. What to Expect at Your
about being a big brother or sister. • Have a working smoke detector on every floor. Child’s 2 Year Visit
• Spend time with each child.
Toilet Training We will talk about
• Make sure you are also taking care of
yourself. • Signs of being ready for toilet training include • Your talking child
TOILET-TRAINING READINESS
• Tell your child when he is doing a good job. • Dry for 2 hours • Your child and TV
• Give your toddler many chances to try a new • Knows if he is wet or dry • Car and outside safety
food. Allow mouthing and touching to learn • Can pull pants down and up • Toilet training
about them. • Wants to learn • How your child behaves
• Tell us if you need help with getting enough • Can tell you if he is going to have a bowel
food for your family. movement
Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222
Safety • Read books about toilet training with your child.
Child safety seat inspection:
SAFETY
• Use a car safety seat in the back seat of 1-866-SEATCHECK; seatcheck.org
all vehicles.
The recommendations in this publication do not indicate an
exclusive course of treatment or serve as a standard of medical
care. Variations, taking into account individual circumstances,
may be appropriate. Original document included as part of
Bright Futures Tool and Resource Kit. Copyright © 2010
American Academy of Pediatrics. All Rights Reserved. The
American Academy of Pediatrics does not review or endorse
any modifications made to this document and in no event shall
the AAP be liable for any such changes.
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