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Play Games Now to Help Your Child Succeed in School Later

Last Updated: September 14, 2009

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Parenting Tips for Your 17-18 Month Old Toddler

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You can play games with your toddler for enjoyment and for growth. These games will help him solve problems, understand the world, and learn the things he will need to know to succeed in school.

Remember these games should be fun for both you and your child. If you turn the games into work or into contests, your toddler will not want to play them. He might not want to learn new things or feel like a failure. This will rob both you and your little one of the enjoyment and learning you can have together.

Play the game only when you and your toddler both want to play it. Stop the game before your child gets tired or bored. This may mean playing the game only for a few minutes. Don’t criticize your child for mistakes or failures; do praise his efforts and his successes.

Change the games so that they are more fun; help your little one to do the same. Make the play fun but not too hard for your child. Play and learning go together, especially for your toddler. Keep play light, creative, and fun.


Learn more about Your Toddler: 17-18 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.


Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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