How to Handle Toddler Transitions

Before you decide to embark on a big change in your child's life because "all the books" and your pediatrician say the time is right, remember that every child is different, and apart from car seat laws, the rest of the recommendations are exactly that—recommendations. They are suggestions based on past experience and the abilities of the average child. So just because your neighbor's son is moving into a big kid bed doesn't mean your child is ready right now. And just because the books say most children brush their own teeth by age 3, doesn't mean your precocious youngest child won't pick up the habit earlier by watching older siblings. So use your best parenting instincts to decide when to jump into these exciting toddler transitions ... and have fun!