Many parents eagerly anticipate their toddler’s first words. Some may become concerned if their child is not speaking as early as expected. Be attentive, as communication is more than words. Children may communicate by pointing, reaching, crying, smiling, looking at what they want, making sounds, and so on... The following strategies are beneficial for children who seem delayed in their first words and for those who appear to be right on schedule.

The term “discipline” is derived from the Latin word discere, meaning to learn. A young child learns good behavior from parents who are consistent with direction. For a child under three, the key word for caregivers is often re-direction. Your child will consistently need to have their energies directed away from inappropriate behaviors towards more acceptable ones.