Child development at 18 months: baby learns toilet training
Full of energy, your child at 18 months requires more and more independence. This is also the period when he begins to potty train. Focus on the point by point development of the 18 month old child.
Growth and development of the child at 18 months
From the top of its 83 centimeters and with its 12 kilos on average, the 18 month old child is no longer a baby. Very curious, he is an excellent walker, who sneaks around everywhere. He loves climbing as much as moving around and is able to climb stairs with a little help.
He takes pleasure in using all the possibilities of his body: put on some music, and he will be delighted to dance. Perfectly sure of what he wants, the 18-month-old child sometimes goes into black anger if you oppose his desires.
These reactions, although violent, are normal: your child expresses his desire for independence. If you have to be firm that he shouldn’t hit or bite, try to ignore these angry outbursts. Depending on the personalities, it may be useful to let the child calm down alone in a room.
The discovery of new emotions at 18 months
It is at this age that your little one will be crossed by new emotions, such as pride or shame. These are mixed emotions that are complicated to deal with, and it is best not to confront your child with them as much as possible. To understand your child’s behavior, keep in mind that he sees himself as the center of the world.
Nonetheless, he will fully understand what you are instilling in him if you are consistent, rewarding good behavior and punishing bad attitude. Put the odds on your side and his by being irreproachable yourself, because the child imitates behavior. Be firm on your rules: letting him break them is discrediting for him.
Potty training at 18 months
Your child is reaching the age when he can be introduced to potty training. A prerequisite for the introduction of the potty is essential: it must be able to restrain itself when it wants to urinate or have a bowel movement. Usually, children start to be able to do this at 18 months. Little by little, show him the jar and explain to him what it is for.
For example, you can install your baby there if you recognize the times when he is about to defecate. It is quite possible that this learning will take a little time. In any case, respect the privacy of your little one and do not install the pot in a passage room.
The emotional behavior of the 18 month old child
Despite their desperate desire for autonomy, your 18 month old child needs to be secure. Give her your attention and affection, and multiply the hugging and kissing sessions. For her convenience, set up daily rituals, such as time to get up, have lunch, afternoon tea, and go to bed.
This setting is reassuring for the child. Bedtime is particularly crucial: tell her a story, and enjoy these moments of tenderness. The 18 month old child appreciates his blanket. He may also have other habits, such as twisting a section of hair or sucking his thumb. It is still too early to demand that he stop, especially since these habits often disappear naturally.
The sociability of the 18 month old child
Children love to be around other children, but at 18 months they don’t necessarily like to play together. Indeed, your little one is not yet mature enough to wait his turn. So, do not hesitate to intervene if he refuses to share his toys or if he is a little brutal with a little friend.
Feeding the 18 month old child
The 18 month old normally eats everything. Nevertheless, his tastes are asserting themselves, and he likes to express them more and more. It is not rare that he refuses to finish his plate, or to eat such or such food. Show authority, and know how to be firm on the “no”.
The care and health of the 18 month old child
If you haven’t already, it’s time to get the measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis, and haemophilis booster shots.
The 18-month-old is really in the midst of a transition. In a few weeks, he will normally let go of the anger, and should be able to eat cleanly and on his own.