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Your 16-month-old: Week 4


Your toddler now

Watch your body language

Toddlers are funny – even when they're doing something they shouldn't. It's hard not to laugh, but your smiles send the message that you don't really mind your child bouncing on the sofa with her shoes on or taking every tissue out of the box, one by one. Kids this age understand far more words than they can speak, but the language they know best of all is body language. A smile cancels out a "don't do that" every time.

When your child does something you don't like, be sure your face and voice convey your displeasure. Don't yell, but do frown and use a disapproving tone when you say, "No pulling out tissues. Tissues stay in the box." Be consistent, too. If you correct a transgression once but ignore it the next time, you send confusing signals about your expectations.


Car seat tactics

Strapping a 16-month-old into a car seat is a lot like strapping in a cat. She'll yowl and fuss (and maybe claw, too). A busy toddler doesn't like to be restrained. Of course, for safety's sake she must be, every time.

Use distraction to make the task easier. Stash a special toy or book in the car to pull out only during drives. Sing a silly song or do something goofy, such as closing your eyes and pretending you can't see her while you're fastening the straps and buckle. Tickling might work, too.

Parent tip

"My son has fits when water gets in his eyes, which made washing his hair an ordeal. Now I squirt shampoo onto a washcloth and use that to wash his hair. Then I rinse out the washcloth, go over his head with it, rinse it again, and repeat until his hair is clean and soap-free." – Marie

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