Your Clever Toddler in Week 97: Awareness of Adult Standards

If you demonstrate how to build a block tower and then let your toddler do it herself, you'll be treated to a proud smile of mastery. But if she's unable to complete the task, you'll likely witness distress—fretting and crying.

When your child sees you button your coat, she realizes that it's a standard adult activity. That won't stop her from trying—but if she doesn't yet have the fine motor skills to do it, her attempts will frustrate her.

Your challenge is to allow and encourage your little one to complete tasks that are in line with her abilities. Let her try pouring milk from a small pitcher into her cup and hand her a tissue to wipe her nose, but resist expecting her to perform tasks that are beyond her skill level. Tasks such as drawing a picture of a face, using the potty successfully, and locating her shoes, coat, and blankie before you head for the car will all be on her short list of accomplishments in the coming months.

Coming soon, look forward to: Week 98: Understanding Different Perspectives
Review the most recent accomplishments: Week 96: Prepare Yourself for Tantrums

Curious about how else your toddler might be developing right now? Learn more about her clever brain and her growing body here:

• What's happening in Month 23?
• Here's what our pediatrician says you might be worried about this month.