Here it is, dear readers, the first Tiny Tots Corner for 2022! We just know that parents in our distribution area have some of the cutest little
ones out there….and with that in mind, we urge you to keep your camera handy, and share those prize winning photos with us.
There are a few rules to keep in mind, as set out in the blue Competition Rules box below…Good Luck!!

Winner, 1st Prize:

Muhammad Yahya (20 months) is the son of Sohail Kamroodeen & Basheerah Ben of McDonald Street, Erasmia.

R150
Sponsored
Medicare Pharmacy
(012) 374-3832

Winner, 2nd Prize:

Liyana Padayachee (6 months) is the daughter of Shenay Padayachee of Anther Avenue, Lotus Gardens.

R125
Sponsored
Hair by Rehana
(012) 374-3570 / 071 123 1389

Winner, 3rd Prize:

Bonnie Boipelo Mathlare (10 months) is the son of Teballo Charity Mathlare of Kashmir Crescent, Laudium.

R100
Sponsored
Kismet Pharmacy
(012) 374-4541

Competition Rules

  • The Editor’s decision is final.
  • This competition is open to all babies, between the ages of six and 24 months, who live in the Laudium Sun main distribution area.
  • Entries must include a recent, clear photo of your baby, accompanied by the full name and age of infant, and also parents’ names and addresses…as well as contact numbers.
  • All entries must be hand-delivered to the Laudium Sun office in Laudium or e-mailed to: info@laudiumsun.co.za or posted to: PO Box 786, Pretoria, 0001, and are to reach us before the closing date.
  • Closing date: Tuesday, February 15.

Development milestones – your child 18 to 24 months

Part 1

Children meet development milestones in generally the same order. This holds particularly true for the toddler years when enormous development occurs. While there can be some variability in the exact month a toddler achieves a new milestone, during the 18 to 24 month period, you can expect your little one to continue to grow in many fascinating ways.

Physical and skills milestones

Most toddlers walk and probably run by 18 months and most will start to walk up and down stairs with your help. Although your toddler may enjoy playing near other children, they might not yet be interested in playing with them — this is called ‘parallel play’. They also become better at kicking or throwing a ball, scribbling with a pencil and creating structures with blocks. By 24 months, your toddler may show a preference for using one hand over the other. From about 18 months, it is normal for your toddler to change their eating habits by eating less as their rate of growth slows. It is also normal for them to become fussy about food and show strong likes and dislikes (that can change quickly). They often want to eat and drink by themselves, using a spoon and a cup and perhaps a fork. Your child might try to help you undress them by taking off their socks, shoes and clothes that don’t have buttons. Likewise, they may pull toys around, nest cups and boxes inside each other and generally start to show a desire to try things on their own. Your toddler may show signs of being ready for toilet training at 18 months and many children will be ready from about 24 months. These signs include telling you that their nappy is soiled, showing curiosity in your use of the toilet, telling you they have to or are currently weeing or pooing. Pushing toilet training too soon can result in frustration for everyone so it is best to take a relaxed attitude and follow your toddler’s cues.

Social and emotional milestones

Your 18 to 24 month old is likely to interact more with their world by handing things to others to play, pretending to feed a doll, pointing to interesting things and exploring alone but with a parent or caregiver nearby. At this age, your child starts to feel more emotions like anger, shame and excitement. They may start to deliberately do what you’ve told them not to do. They’re learning to deal with new, confusing and sometimes difficult emotions and this can lead to temper tantrums. Toddlers use temper tantrums to express difficult feelings. Different ‘tantrum’ behaviours include:
· being very angry
· crying, screaming or shouting
· throwing or breaking things
· running away
· kicking or otherwise being aggressive
· becoming rigid
· holding their breath or vomiting
Hungry or tired children are more vulnerable to tantrums so it is important that your toddler has enough food and sleep. Your toddler should sleep for 12 to 13 hours in a 24-hour period, including a long overnight sleep. Some toddlers need 1 to 2 sleeps during the day while others require none. Separation anxiety is usually strongest at about 18 months. You might notice that it becomes less intense by 24 months- to be continued in the next issue of Tiny Tots Corner.