Your 2-3 Year Old

By Stephanie Brown, About.com Guide to Toddlers

This year is a year of big changes and many times big emotions. Your 2-year-old will be gaining more control over his own body and mind. Potty training often begins in this year and your child's vocabulary will likely be expanding quickly. You've probably heard folks call this year the "Terrible Twos" but it can be a pretty terrific time, too. Consult the resources below to prepare for all the dizzying yet delightful change in your child.

1. Feeding
2. Sleep
3. Bathing and Hygiene

4. Potty Training
5. Health and Safety
6. Play and Learning

Feeding

Feeding your 2-year-old requires your guidance and modeling. Good habits start early and hopefully in the last two years you've laid the groundwork. If you haven't, however, it's never too late to turn things around. Find the help you need below and learn how to deal with other nutrition concerns like picky eaters and more.

• Fun Food Activities
• Converting a Picky Eater

Sleep

Tackling sleep problems in your 2-year-old can be a challenge at times, especially if you've had a good sleeper for so long. Learn how to deal with new issues that arise during this age.

• Getting Your Child on the Road to Better Sleep
• Snoring and Children

Bathing and Hygiene

Information about skin problems, hair and your child's emerging independence when it comes to bathing and taking care of herself.

• Oatmeal Bath for Itchy Skin and Rashes
• Building Better Teeth Brushing Habits

Potty Training

For most, this is the year that potty training takes place. Like any task your child must learn, it's best to approach it with a positive attitude and go at your child's own pace.

• Potty Training Success
• Taking a Break When Things Aren't Progressing
• The Don'ts of Potty Training
• Potty Training While Out
• Potty Training Regression

• Common Potty Training Problems
• Getting Friends and Family to Help During Potty Training
• Potty Chairs
• Potty Training Books
• Should We Use Diapers at Night?

Health and Safety

Your 2-year-old will be seeing the doctor less frequently for regular check-ups than when she was a baby, but health concerns will still arise. Learn when a trip to the doctor is warranted, when you can use home remedies and more about your child's health and safety.

• Going to the Dentist
• What You Should Know Before You Call the Doctor
• Understanding Sunscreen and SPF
• Pets and Kids
• Treating Chapped Lips

Play and Learning

This year you will see your child's learning grow by leaps and bounds. They start to master many of the tasks that were set in motion in the past and gain confidence in their skills. When people refer to 2-year-olds as sponges, they aren't kidding. Use the resources below to help your child soak up as much fun and learning as possible.

• Playing it Safe on the Playground
• Building Upper Body Strength in Children
• Teach Your Child to Use Scissors
• Teach Your Child to Put on a Coat
• Preparing for Pencils

• Children Helping in the Kitchen
• Children Helping with the Laundry
• Developing Healthy Exercise Habits with Your Child
• Homemade Musical Instruments
• Make Your Own Playdough