How can I help my toddler learn to talk?

Talk as much and as often as you can directly to your toddler. Try to make some of these conversations just between you and him. If you are talking, or reading, to him and an older sibling, your toddler will not get as much repetition and explanation as he can use, and as much as he will get if he is alone with you. Look at him while you talk. Let him see your face and your gestures.

Let your toddler see what you mean, by matching what you do to what you say. "Off with your shirt," you say, taking it off over his head; "Now your shoes", removing them.

Let your toddler see what you feel by matching what you say with your facial expressions. This is no age for teasing (what age is?). If you give him a big hug while saying "Who's mummy's great horrible grubby monster then?" you will confuse him. Your face is saying "Who is mummy's gorgeous boy?"

Help your child to understand your overall communication; it does not matter whether he understands your exact words or not. If you cook something, put plates on the table and then hold out your hand to him saying, "It's lunch time now". He will understand that his lunch is ready and will come to his high chair. He might not have understood the words "lunch time now" without those other cues to go with them. He will learn the meanings of the words themselves through understanding them, again and again, in helpful contexts.

Potty training at which aged?

There's no 'should' about it. In fact, you don't even need to train if you don't want to. Children will copy others with minimum 'instruction' as long as it's made clear to them what they have to do and where to do it.

At the other end of the spectrum, some parents start training when their babies are very small, by watching for the signs their baby is about to wee or poo, and 'catching' it in the potty. This eventually develops an awareness in the child, and saves a lot of nappy changing.

However, true independence -- when a child knows how and when to use the toilet, hangs on until he gets there and manages flushing, clothing and wiping without adult help -- doesn't happen in most children until the age of about three or even four, no matter when you start or how you do it.

Fuel for growth - What foods, how often and how much?

Fuel for growth

Toddlers are growing fast and are usually very active, so they need nourishing foods to fuel their healthy development.

Meals and snacks too

• Toddlers can eat many of the same foods as adults (although you should watch the salt levels), but because of their small stomachs are limited in the amounts of food they can eat at one time. That’s why foods rich in nutrients are important and why you should give your toddler 5-6 small, nourishing meals/snacks per day. Don’t worry about high-fibre food - little tummies can’t cope with its bulkiness.
• Mealtimes together with the family are good, since your little one will often be prepared to try new foods that other members of the family are eating. Often, though, you’ll be wanting to prepare a toddler meal in a hurry and are looking for quick, simple, nourishing choices.