For you
- 💛When your toddler is in the middle of a big feeling, try to stay calm yourself; your steady presence acts as a safe harbor for them to ride out the storm. Remember that you don't need to 'fix' the emotion, just acknowledge it by saying something like, 'I see you are feeling frustrated right now.'
- 🧘If you need a break away from your child, ask another trusted adult to take over supervision first. If no one can take over, stay nearby and keep watching your child while you pause and breathe.
- 🗣️Continue to model emotional vocabulary by describing your own feelings, such as 'I feel a bit tired today,' which helps your child learn that all feelings are normal and temporary.
For your baby
- 🧸At 28 months, your toddler is experiencing a rapidly expanding inner world where big feelings can often feel too large for their small bodies to manage. You might notice them testing their independence and struggling with the transition between what they want to do and what is safe or practical.
- 🎨Try a 'calm-down corner' play idea using large, soft pillows and a few board books where your child can go when they feel overwhelmed. This creates a cozy, safe space where they can learn to self-regulate with your supportive guidance.
- 🧩Help your child connect feelings to words by using a mirror to make 'happy,' 'sad,' or 'surprised' faces together. This playful interaction helps them recognize facial expressions and associate them with the words you provide.
- 🩺Every child develops at their own unique pace; if you ever have concerns about your child's emotional regulation or notice they lose a skill they previously had, please reach out to your health visitor or doctor.
💡 Fun Fact
At 28 months, many toddlers begin to recognize the concept of 'the future' in simple terms, often using words like 'later' or 'tomorrow' to describe events, even if their understanding of time remains quite flexible.
🏆 Milestones
At 28 months, typical development may include increased interest in naming emotions, experimenting with autonomy, and engaging in more complex imaginative play while continuing to rely on caregivers for support during moments of frustration.