Your toddler

As your toddler heads for two, you’ll see a rapid development in his ability to reason and work things out for himself – understanding concepts of time, trying to dress himself, enjoying make-believe games and putting more and more words together.

In fact by the time he's two, your child may understand as many as 200 words, though he'll probably be using much fewer on a regular basis. But take care. A natural chatterbox can add a new word to his vocabulary every 90 minutes, so watch your language!

Two-year-olds also love experimenting with their new independence (usually by leaping out of their cot) and using messes to attract attention. It’s just one of those ‘cute’ little ways they test their own abilities… although you may see it rather differently!

Your life

Living with a two year old can make you question your own reason, let alone your parenting skills. It’s not for nothing that they call them the ‘terrible twos’, though many toddlers certainly don’t wait for their second birthday to throw down the mitten.

At times, in may seem that the slightest upset can send your toddler into a tantrum – and much of this behaviour is saved especially for you. Remember, it’s because you’re special. But in this rather noisy quest for independence, your toddler is probably testing your limits several times a day.

Short of Super-Nanny arriving to save the day, it’s down to you to steer a steady course. As the guru herself might say: be consistent, reward good behaviour, and try to stay calm and patient with your toddler. When you can, channel his attention elsewhere. Above all, don’t take it too seriously. You’ll live to love another day.

Things to think about or try

Potty training has to start some time – and now’s as good any! The easiest way is to introduce your toddler to the potty gradually, without any pressure. You could simply leave it in the bathroom so he can sit on it - for fun - at bathtime

When you’re at home, you can let him run around without a nappy on and remind him regularly to tell you if he needs the potty – but be prepared for accidents. It also helps to dress your child in loose trousers or leggings that can be pulled down easily. When you do sit your child on the potty, give lots of praise if you actually get a result.

Although a few toddlers are potty trained before the age of two, most are quite a bit older before they’re fully dry. So try to stay calm and sympathetic when accidents happen. If either of you are getting stressed, leave training for a week or two and go back to nappies. It's no big deal.