Your child is also becoming a very social person. Children at this age enjoy company. Parents, grandparents, other children, friends and neighbors are all part of the two-year-old's expanding world.

As you watch your child over the next few months, you can expect to see these behaviors:

• ambition beyond ability. Your child attempts to do things that she is not yet capable of doing. Climbing is a good example. This ambitious two-year-old needs constant supervision.
• intense curiosity. Your child will continue to investigate any new person, object, or sound she finds.
• pretend games. The first beginnings of imagination are starting to show as your two-year-old gives "make-believe" names to objects. A block becomes a car, a jump rope is now a snake.
• physical activities. Your toddler will jump, stand on one foot, and climb higher and higher.
• beginning to know shapes and colors. She may be able to name and point to some colors.

The best way to handle fears is to reassure your child and provide the feeling that you are close by to protect him. Comforting words such as "Yes, the dark can be scary, but we're right here" let him know that you understand his fear.

The need for routine is another natural protection for children. As toddlers come in contact with many new experiences and people, they need some things that they can count on. New experiences are unpredictable, so it is nice to know that some things stay the same. Grown-ups have the same need for stability and routine in some parts of their lives.

Your challenge is to provide the right amount of new experiences balanced with a certain amount of routine. Two-year-olds enjoy going shopping, to a neighbor's house, or to the playground to meet other children. These are important for development. To help your child adjust to new people and places, plan activities for short periods of time, be prepared to leave when he shows signs of being tired, and provide comfort by staying nearby.

Children are sometimes more upset about accidents than are parents. Accidents are usually due to immature muscles which children cannot yet control, combined with the toddler being involved in a fun activity that he doesn't want to quit. Continue to compliment your child for successes. If accidents continue, or begin again months or years after your child has learned control, talk to a doctor about possible causes.

If someone else cares for your toddler while you work, you may worry that your child may grow to love them more than you. Such fears have caused some parents to quit their jobs! A child needs to feel secure in his parents' love. The consistent love of other caregivers will just add to that sense of security. When you select other caregivers, choose someone you can depend on to love your child as their own. Their love will complement your own, not replace it.

A two-year-old can make simple choices and learn from the results. Mealtimes are a good place to start. "Do you want an apple or an orange?" is a reasonable choice for a two-year-old. Allow time for him to answer and be prepared to follow through with the decision.

Some parents offer a choice, but they don't really mean it. If it is bedtime, don't ask "Are you ready to go to bed?" unless you're ready for him to say "No!" Instead, simply state the situation--"It is time for bed"--or offer a choice you are willing to accept: "Would you like to go to bed with your blanket or your teddy bear?" Don't get involved in long negotiations and deal-making.

Where can you find playmates? Get together with neighbors who have kids. Swap babysitting with other parents. When you do this, your chid has a chance to play and you have a chance for some peace and quiet. Many parents participate in scheduled play groups or form their own.

It may take awhile to get used to a bed with no sides. You can place the bed in a corner so two sides are protected by a wall. Railings are also available which slide under the mattress. Some parents slide chairs with straight backs against the bed to make a rail. This may help your child feel more secure. Some parents put blankets on the floor to soften any falls that may come. Or they just put the whole mattress on the floor! When you do move your child to a bed, use a waterproof liner to protect against bed wetting accidents. Be prepared for a quick change by keeping spare sheets nearby. Moving to a bed is a big step for both you and your child. It is another step toward independence because your two-year-old will now be able to get out of bed when he likes. Decide how you feel about him coming to your bed and follow your policy consistently. Some parents enjoy having youngsters in bed with them. If you or your spouse don't, it can be difficult to exclude a child once a habit develops.

Next Issue: Self-esteem, safety, learning games, and more!
Prepared by Don Bower, Extension Human Development Specialist, and reviewed by Mary Anne Pace-Nichols, Karen Shetterley, Katrina Bowers, Holly Alley, Judy Hibbs, Esther Maddux, and Cindy Darden.

The University of Georgia and Ft. Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and counties of the state cooperating. The Cooperative Extension Service offers educational programs, assistance and materials to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. For large print, taped or braille editions of this publication, contact the author.