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Your 18-month-old

And this isn’t the terrible twos?
There's just something about this age. It doesn't have a special name like the terrible twos or the fearsome fours, but 18-month-olds can be a handful just the same. For many toddlers, 18 months is the age at which two opposing pulls reach their zenith — one toward independence ("Me do it!") and assertive toddler behaviour, and the other back toward babyhood and the warmth and safety of your arms. It's an absolutely normal, even appropriate conundrum, but it can still make for some stormy times.

The power of NO!
Maybe his first word was Mama. Or perhaps it was Dada, doggie, up, or juice. But if his favourite word now seems to be "no," it's par for the toddler course. This tiny two-letter word is pretty irresistible to most toddlers. It's succinct, it's assertive and it makes things happen.

So what can you do about your toddler's love affair with negativity? Start with a large dose of patience and then try using our positive alternatives to no.

Messy business
You're not the only one dealing with squirmy diaper changes! Rule number one for a mess-free change, have everything ready before you start. If you have to stop in the middle to get a fresh diaper or some cream, you'll have a hard time persuading your toddler to lie still again. Here are more surefire tips to help you become a quick-change artist.

Happy trails
Babies are pretty portable, but toting toddlers around is something else entirely. Most challenging is the toddler's penchant for mobility, which doesn't jibe well with car seat restraints or cramped airplanes. And yet, there are always places to go and people to see.

Playtime! Toilet-paper roll puppets
Here's a quick and easy craft that might make your little one laugh. Take a couple of toilet-paper rolls and draw funny faces on them with markers. Let him "decorate" them too, of course! Now slip them over your fingers, waggle them at him, and make them talk or sing a silly song. Discover more easy craft ideas.

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