Welcome to the 2003 Toddler Topics, a learn-at-home newsletter series for parents of young children. Toddler Topics is created by Penn State Cooperative Extension Family Living Agents.

Many of us find ourselves spending time away from home with our children. Without proper planning these times can be stress-filled rather than the fun we had hoped for. This issue has lots of ideas for those times when you and your toddler are out exploring new spaces. Happy trails!

Sincerely,

Lynn B. Clint
Extension Agent - Family and Consumer Sciences

For more information, contact us at:
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Erie County
850 East Gore Road, Erie, PA 16509-3798
Phone: (814) 825-0900; Fax: (814) 825-4783

TRAVELS WITH TODDLER
John Byrnes, Philadelphia County

My wife Carol and I love to travel. Our trips are not exactly grand adventures but rather short excursions here and there. We share the joy of travel and adventure with our two-year-old daughter Claire. As a result, we have been pleased to learn that Claire has become a flexible and sociable girl.

As with everything in parenthood, our current success has been born of much trial and error. When we travel, we do our best not to over do it. We don't plan trips on consecutive weeks or weekends. We do our best to structure each trip so that we have time together as a family.

When it comes to accommodations, a little extra space goes a long way. We also bring along some pieces of home with us on our trips. Claire's favorite toys and books come along, as does her special pillow and bath toys. Experimentation has leads us to create a list of essential items. This list, Claire's Travel List, is itself an indispensable idea. It keeps us sane during those final moments when we are each wondering what we are forgetting this time.

We try to keep to our home schedule as much as possible while we are on our trips. We drive or fly during nap times, and take as many breaks as she needs along the way. Upon arrival, we try to normalize our schedule as quickly as possible by settling in right away. The rhythm of the day is kept basically in tact. This is comforting for all of us.

Eating out is another challenge. Now that Claire has become more and more active each day, we are careful to choose restaurants that are family-friendly. To us, this means that these spots are used to having children to serve (high chairs are available, crayons or toys don't hurt, either), and that the patrons themselves recognize this. We take turns, both with feeding and supervising her as she tours the place. Claire eats what we eat. She enjoys trying new foods, as long as she is not too excited about exploring her new dining room!

As a parent, every day is an adventure. Some days just find us farther away from home!

………….................................…………FAMILY FUN………................................………………

Making Music
Mary Ann K. Oyler, Franklin County

Let's Talk: The joy of making music is a special part of childhood. Notice how toddlers may begin dancing, wiggling or bopping around when they hear music. Whenever possible, let children make music, and encourage them to sing with you or with tapes.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat: Sit on the floor facing your child and hold hands. As you sing, rock back and forth as if you're rowing in the boat. Source: Building Blocks,
March 1997.

Noise Bottles: Collect empty plastic soda bottles with screw top lids. Have children put different objects in each one to make different sounds. Start with large bells, marbles, gravel, popcorn kernels or metal washers. Tape lids shut to prevent spills. Now make some tunes! Source: Building Blocks, February 2000.

Swim Like a Whale: Have your child pretend to be a whale. Put on some music and have the "whales" start swimming around the room. Stop the music. Have the "whales" jump up and take a big breath of air. Restart the music and continue until the song is over. Source: Building Blocks, March 2002.

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TEMPERAMENT TRAITS . . . NOW WHAT?
(Fourth in a Six-Part Series)
Denise Continenza, Lehigh County

Some children can stick with a task or project until it is finished while others throw up their hands in exasperation at the first sign of frustration. Persistence is another trait that, when a child has it in the extreme, can be very difficult for a parent. On the temperament rating scale for persistence, children fall somewhere between giving up easily and determined. Children who rate on the lower end tend to be the ones who give up or give in fairly easily. These children are often perceived as being easy to manage because they don't create much fuss when given a limit or a boundary. However, they also can be the children who get frustrated easily and quit instead of trying to find another way to do something. If you have a child whom you have decided leans this way, it is important to teach them problem-solving as well as communication skills for expressing their need for help. Children with a lower level of "stick-to-itiveness" can be easily overlooked especially in a group.

On the other hand, a child who is highly persistent demands a lot of mental energy from a caregiver. He or she will argue a point to the nth degree. She will insist on having the last word. She won't give up. High persistence can be a very positive trait. It is an asset when channeled in positive directions and managed appropriately. The kids who resist negative influences are persistent young people in positive environments. Many successful business people and athletes recall being told they were persistent and focused as children. Calling the child persistent or determined as opposed to stubborn frames this in a positive way.

A strategy that works well with a persistent personality is the "broken record" technique. It takes two sides to have a battle, so the adult needs to be the one not to join in. Instead of vying for the last word (which a persistent adult will want to do!), repeat your point whenever the child tries to argue or challenge. For example, if your child tries to challenge his 9:00 p.m. bedtime, calmly state, "Your bedtime is 9:00 on a school night." Repeat this as often as necessary. Avoid the trap of engaging in a battle of wills. Children learn to curb their determination as they discover where it works and where it does not!

Portion Sizes
Fran Alloway, Delaware County

How much to children need to eat to be healthily? This is a common question without a definite answer. Much of the answer depends on the size of the child, their health and what else is in their diet. Portion sizes have been established within the food guide pyramid which can be used for guidance both for adults and children. When toddlers are growing, their appetites will be larger. At other times, they may consume smaller amounts. Most toddlers eat what they need. Be sure to have healthy foods available so when the binge begins, they eat meats, vegetables, fruits and whole grains, and not fill those growing bodies with fatty snack foods. The portion references below are for children 2 to 6 years old.

Wrap and Roll

1 corn or wheat soft tortilla (1 portion grain group)
2 oz cooked chicken or ham (about the size of 2/3 a deck of cards = 1 portion meat group)
1 (1 oz) slice of soft cheese (1/2 portion dairy group)
1/4 cup cooked broccoli or other vegetable (1/2 portion vegetable group)

Roll the chicken, cheese and broccoli in the tortilla, and wrap in a napkin or paper towel. Place in the microwave for 15 to 30 seconds until the cheese has melted. Let cool slightly, and slice into bite size pieces. Serve with 1 cup of milk or 3/4 cup of fruit or vegetable juice.

Picnic Safety
Lois Killcoyne, Northampton County

What's more fun than going to the park or playground and having a picnic with your toddler? Careful preparation planning and packing the meal can ensure it doesn't end with food borne illness! Some tips to preserve the health and life of your child:

• Hand washing before food prep or eating by using warm water, soap and rubbing for 20 seconds is important.
  
  
• Food that needs to be kept cold can be packed with an ice pack or frozen drink in an insulated bag.
  
  
• Perishable foods that sit at room temperature are not safe after 2 hours (1 hour if >90ºF).
  
  
• Wash raw fruits and vegetables well under running water to reduce bacteria.
  
  
• Cook hamburger to 160ºF and place on a clean plate. Keep raw juices from contaminating other food.
  
  
• Keep the cooler in the shade and return uneaten food immediately or discard.
  
  
• If unable to keep food cold, pack foods that are safe at room temperature like peanut butter and jelly, fruit, cookies, cheese, and crackers. Enjoy and watch out for the ants!
  

Keeping Toddler Safe
Jane A. Landis, CFLE, Dauphin County

As a parent, grandparent or child care provider, there are many things you can do to help
keep your child safe. It is the adult's responsibility to keep children safe!

• Have pictures taken yearly. When possible also update fingerprints and dental records that you may have and keep in a safe place.
  
  
• Teach your child his or her full name. Little ones may know their nicknames, and not be aware of their last name and where they live. Work on this as your child matures.
  
  
• Never leave young children unattended. This includes in the house, in the yard or in a car. Accidents can happen quickly, so keep alert.
  
  
• Look at everything at the child's level. Crawl around on the floor, and see what your child sees. Are there hidden dangers like sharp table edges, breakable objects on low shelves, or other objects that could be a hazard?
  

This publication is available in alternative media on request.

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