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In a Toddler's World ...
10 Things Toddlers Know and Adults Don't By Gina Roberts-Grey
5. Bugs are cool. The widespread fascination society has with aliens and Big Foot is similar to a toddler's interest in crawling critters. Bugs are extremely fascinating to young children because they seldom see them in their house. When he's playing in the garden or at the park, it's tempting to look to unearth creatures as he realizes he's not the only species in existence. A toddler's innocence usually prevents him from developing the fear, phobia or disgust of insects, and his intent to please sends him running to you to show off his latest discovery.
6. Why ask "why"? Understanding the unknown is very difficult for young children. Although occasionally he'll pursue the "why" line of questioning just to be adorably testy, more often than not he isn't trying to be irritating. He actually does wonder why. Questions that are not easily explained without a lengthy scientific explanation such as "why is the sky blue?" or "why can't I fly like the birds?" are genuine issues your toddler is struggling to understand. Quite simply, he'll persist asking "why" because he doesn't understand the answer. Answering him honestly instead of quickly often cansatisfy his interest and end his interrogation.
7. Imaginary friends do drink tea. "I felt horrible for my husband when he inadvertently forgot to pour one of our daughter's imaginary tea party guests hot cocoa," says Tess Petrofski of DePere, Wis. A toddler's limited social experience is enhanced through a variety of interaction. Subconsciously mimicking social scenarios in his play helps him gain social confidence. If your tot takes the time to set up a luncheon only to have one of his guests slighted, he feels he's failed at hosting a good party. Serving and occasionally drinking multiple cups of imaginary tea help him develop his social skills.
8. You didn't say not to ... Exact wordsand explanations can be critical to toddlers. "Children are surprisingly quite literal at this stage of development," says Dr. Kaufman. Stating not to put doll clothes on the cat but omitting not to dress the dog can be interpreted as the freedom to do exactly that. Taking the time to explain yourself completely in age-appropriate terms helps everyone understand the boundaries.
