Your Toddler at 31 Months, 32 Months, & 33 Months

Night Terrors

It's terrifying to hear: You awake to your child screaming and find her with wide-open eyes, sitting up in bed and almost shaking in fear. Then she falls back asleep. You have just witnessed a night tremor or sometimes called a night terror. Though tempting to hold your child during these tremors, try to resist. She'll fall back asleep on her own; and sometimes, holding a child can interfere with the natural progression of the tremor coming to an end. She'll have no memory of it in the morning. These night occurrences usually cease before the school-aged years. If you have concerns, though, always consult with your child's pediatrician.

Other nighttime issues for your 31-33 month old are:

• Going-to-Bed Battles
• Fears of Bugs in the Bed!
• Sleepwalking: Why It Happens, What to Do

Eating Healthily (or Maybe Just Eating At All)

Sudden change in tastes and eating habits is a common phenomenon observed by parents of two year olds. You proudly watched her shove pieces of broccoli into her mouth as an older infant and now, screams "NO" at the mere site of it. If you can, try not to turn food into an emotional issue. It is yet another means of her maintaining control.

Use these tips for easier toddler meals:

• Sometimes it is not the food but how it is presented that makes her turn up her nose. Pay attention to how she likes food cut up, whether different food selections are allowed to touch each other and if she is partial to a particular food consistency.
• Don't be surprised if some days she is ravenous and others she seems not to eat at all. In the end, it will balance out.
• Most kids prefer smaller more frequent snacks to three large meals.
• Present food in funny and imaginative ways, such as pancakes that look like mouse ears or a smiley face made out of a vegetable medley.
• Offer choices but don't overwhelm her or you'll find the smorgasbord on the floor.
• Pay attention to her cues. A child who is tired will not be a willing participant at the family dinner.
• Model nutritious eating habits in front of your toddler. Remember you are her first teacher.

More Development Help

As you're considering your child's development, keep in mind that all children are unique. Whether your child reaches milestones early or late, she has her own developmental path to follow. The dividing lines between these months are very fuzzy. If you have any concerns or questions about your child's development, please check with her health care provider.

• Review what was happening in Baby's last months.
• Learn what to expect in Baby's 34th, 35th, & 36th months.