It is easy to think of your one-year-old as a helpless baby.

He still has those chubby cheeks, that round belly, and those dimply little hands.

While he has started to walk and maybe even talk a bit, he still cannot do very much.

You would be surprised by how many tasks your child can handle if you give him the chance to do so.

Thus, you can help nurture their development by encouraging them to use their skills.

 

1. Your Little Assistant

 

 

At this age, your child likes to mimic the things you do.

Take advantage of this (and instill good habits) by having him help you pick the toys, throw away the trash, and wipe up spills with a paper towel.

Let your child’s interest in specific tasks guide you.

If your child likes to help you out with house chores, you may make a game out of it, such as dropping dirty clothes into the washing machine.

He would love to help you and both of you can have fun at the same time.

 

2. The Little Van Gogh

 

 

Art projects do not have to wait until preschool.

Toddlers like to create things too, but they need a lot of time to experiment with how art materials work.

Finger painting, sponge painting, and drawing with crayons or markers will allow them to accomplish these goals.

To minimise mess, use washable materials, and cover the table and floor as well.

Give your child as much space to work in as possible.

At this age, his fine motor skills are limited, thus, he will need to use his entire arm — not just his wrist and hand — to draw.

 

3. The Little Food Expert

 

 

Toddlers get bored eating the same foods every day and they like to try new tastes, so give them a chance.

The food habits of a child will take form between the age of one and two.

You may expose your child to a variety of vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy products, and meats.

Do not give up if your child pushes away his plate.

A child might need to see a new food up to a dozen of times before he will try it.

Eliminate choking hazards by cutting your child’s food into small pieces and avoiding peanuts until your child is two years old.

If you have a family history of allergies, it is probably best to stay away from nuts, fish and shellfish until age three.

 

4. Being the Decision Maker

 

 

Around 18 months old, your child is capable of making simple decisions, such as what colour shirt he wants to wear or whether he would prefer to have fish or chicken for lunch.

Giving him a say in these matters will make him feel important and may reduce his tantrums.

If you do not give your child some control, you will be battling all the time when he turns two.

Offer no more than two choices.

When he asks for a book at bedtime, you may ask him, “We can read Good Night, Spot or Hush, Little Ones.

Which one do you want?” If your child feels overwhelmed, such as when he walks into a room filled with toys, steer him toward a couple of toys that he might enjoy.

You may ask him, “Do you want to play with this ball or that car?” if he seems frustrated or confused, then it would be okay to decide for him.

 

5. Cultivate Self-Reliance

 

 

Do you want a happier, more confident child?

Show her how to put on her shoes, change her clothes, and brush her teeth by herself.

Boost her self-reliance by asking her to bring a fresh diaper and some wipes when it is time for a nappy change.

Have her grab a hat when you are going outside on a sunny day.

 

6. Self-Entertaining

 

 

Your toddler always wants you to join in the fun, but this can be exhausting.

Here is how you can get a little breather and help him have fun on his own.

You may start by doing an activity together, such as building with blocks, then, slowly back away.

Stay within his sight and smile or wave when he glances at you.

However, do not treat this exercise as a chance to catch up on housework.

At this age, your child will only be able to play on his own for about five minutes.

 

7. Break free from these habits

Put a stop to these behaviours now, as they will become even harder to lose later on.

Bottle Craze 
Continued bottle use can lead to cavities and delay speech development.

Switch to sipping cup by 15 months, and have your child try a regular cup too.

Pacifier Obsession
It is okay to use a pacifier at bedtime, but sucking on one constantly could delay your child’s ability to soothe himself.

Cradle Rocks 
If you cradle your child until he falls asleep, he will need you to soothe him when he wakes up during the night.
Instead, lay him down in the crib while he is still awake and then leave the room.

Let Mummy Feed You! 
Your child is ready to eat by herself with a fork and spoon (preferably plastic cutlery without sharp edges).

She may get frustrated at first, but she will become more independent over time.

 

8. Adventurous Outing with your Tot

 

 

Your child is now old enough to appreciate these fun places.

National Zoo 
Pick exhibits with lots of action and visit big animals your child can easily see, such as the elephants and giraffes.

Aquaria KLCC 
Your child will love putting his face against the glass.
However, watch his reactions closely, as he could be afraid of sharks and dark displays.

Botanical Garden
A leisurely walk through the garden that takes your child across natural landscapes displaying the indigenous plants of major tropical regions would be an exciting exposure to your child.