Baby Sitting World

It’s very difficult to accurately describe the stages that children pass through at each age, because every child is unique and each develops at his or her own pace. Some of the accomplishments that I described in previous posts for a child at a certain age, may have been things your child had been doing long before that age. And on the flip side, some people may be concerned that their child isn’t there yet. These “milestones” are very general and usually occur anywhere from 6 months before a given age to a year or more after.

At one year old, most babies are pulling themselves up and standing or walking while holding onto furniture. Some have been walking for a few months already while others won’t take their first unassisted steps for a couple of months to come. Most are climbing whether they can walk or not, so sitters and parents alike – Beware! You will be amazed how fast a baby can climb a flight of stairs or climb the furniture. Never let a baby out of your sight for a moment.

A one-year-old’s fine motor skills are developing as well, and she will be able to pick up small crumbs of food with her thumb and forefinger in addition to opening lids and making some scratches on paper with a large pencil. She will be getting better at building block towers and will love playing with pots and pans and plastic bowls. Be sure all cabinets with glass items or dangerous chemicals are sufficiently locked or put those items in cabinets out of reach.

Play with the baby by copying her sounds then making your own sounds for her to copy. She will still enjoy peek-a-boo and pop up toys, stacking cups and anything with push buttons. Keep your eye on these curious babies at all times because there are dangers all around them.

Lisa McLellan
Babysitting Services, Classes, and Tips

Often called the “terrible twos,” this stage of life from about eighteen months to three years old is when your toddler begins asserting himself and wanting to make his own decisions. In his effort to do this, he often experiences clashes with his parents, babysitter, or whoever is in charge and is making decisions for him.

Aside from what seems to be behavioral explosions, two year olds are having “developmental explosions.” Around two years old, toddlers are doing simple puzzles, enjoying ride on toys (although they probably won’t be able to peddle until around 3 years old), and are starting to draw and color with crayons.

The list continues on here. So, if you are a babysitter or childcare provider, here are some ideas to help keep the two year olds you care for, keep busy. Two year olds enjoy taking an age-appropriate doll into the bathtub, they enjoy music making toys, playing house or grocery store or any other activity that mimics real life. They also enjoy themed playsets, stuffed animals and T-ball.

At this age you may notice the toddler in your life asking “why” to everything you say until you get all the way back to the Big Bang Theory! Two year olds still aren’t sharing at this point and may claim that everything is “mine!” But, some may begin sharing and taking turns at age 3 or 4. Most won’t be very good about sharing until at least 7 or 8 years old, but it is still helpful to continue teaching about sharing as they grow.

A two-year-olds creativity is blossoming and they enjoy using play dough, finger paints, and coloring books. They also can balance on one foot for a second or two and climb up stairs one at a time.

Not all children will exhibit the classic “terrible twos” behavior characterized by angry outbursts, defiance, and temper tantrums. But for the parents of those who do, understand that it is a normal stage of development and the outbursts and temper tantrums are often just ways that a toddler who is frustrated by his inability to communicate or control a situation, expresses his anger, wants, or needs.

Lisa McLellan
Babysitting Services, Classes, and Tips