You are here

Home

Let's Grow Newsletter: 2 to 2 1/2 Years

Welcome to the 2 to 2½ year issue of Let’s Grow, a free parenting newsletter from Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.

In this issue, you’ll find information about:

  • How two-year olds “work”
  • Toilet learning
  • Food jags
  • Fears

Download your 2 to 2½ year issue 2-2½ year Growth Workout

Below are links to local resources:

Spring is in the air… and water!

If you get your drinking water from a private well, we recommend you get it tested for bacteria at least 3 times a year. Test more often if the water smells or tastes unusual, and when environmental conditions change dramatically (like when it rains heavily in the spring). Visit our website for information on how to get your well water tested.

Give your home a healthy facelift this spring

Toxic chemicals are common in the home. They can come from plastics, paint, or even dust. Watch this video for 5 low-cost tips to create a healthy home environment.

Garage sales

Are you planning to check out garage sales when the weather gets warmer? Did you know that certain children’s’ items (like car seats, playpens, and strollers) must meet Canadian regulatory requirements? These regulations change; make sure the items you are buying or selling are safe. Visit Information for Shoppers of Second-hand Products and Facts for Garage Sale Vendors.

Playground safety

Your toddler has energy to burn! Choose a playground that’s well-maintained and age-appropriate. What should you check for? Visit the Canada Safety Council’s Playground Safety page to find out.

Nutrition from toes to teeth

Picky eater? Visit the web page at the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care. This website also has a section on healthy eating resources for kids and active living resources for kids.

How much should your child be eating? See the helpful chart on page 2 of How to Build a Healthy Toddler (PDF 2 pages).

Foods that are good for your body are good for your teeth too. See the nutrition and snacking tips on pages 8 and 9 of the Oral Health guide (PDF 24 pages).

Oral health is an important part of your child’s overall health.  If you can’t afford to pay for dental care for your child, we have programs to help. To find out more, call the Dental Line at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 2661.

Toilet learning

Most children will start to learn about using the toilet between ages 2 and 4, but each child is different. Pushing a child to use the toilet before they’re ready can lead to constipation, daytime wetting, and loss of self-esteem. For more information about how to help your child get ready and signs that your child is ready, read our Toilet Learning fact sheet (PDF 1 page).

Positive Parenting Program (Triple P)

Triple P is a program for dealing with parenting challenges, from simple to complex. We’ll be launching Triple P programs in your area soon. In the meantime, check out some Triple P tips and call KIDS LINE at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 3616 with your questions.

Development and communication

Does your child join three words together? Can he or she name most common items?  These are two of the questions on the 2½ year Nipissing developmental checklist. Nipissing checklists also include activities you can do with your child to encourage skills in many areas of development: emotional, fine motor, gross motor, social, self-help, communication, learning, and thinking. If you’re concerned about your child’s development, call KIDS LINE at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 3616.

Wee Talk for speech and language

Wee Talk is the speech and language service for preschoolers in Wellington, Dufferin, and Guelph. Are you concerned about your child’s speech? You can meet with a speech-language pathologist who will assess your child’s language and communication. Wee Talk is a free service. Contact KIDS LINE KIDS LINE at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 3616 for a referral.

Testing your child’s hearing

Hearing is important for speech development and learning. When a child has an ear infection or fluid in their middle ear, speech can sound muffled, as if people are speaking underwater. If your child has a history of ear infections, fluid in their middle ear or you suspect hearing loss, you can book a hearing assessment with an audiologist.  You do not need a doctor’s referral. Search audiologists in your area by visiting the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario.  These appointments are not usually covered by OHIP, ask about fees when you call.

KIDS LINE

If you live in Wellington, Dufferin, or Guelph, we welcome you to call KIDS LINE at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 3616. Our public health nurses are happy to answer your questions and refer you to other local services within the Growing Great Kids System of Care. Call Monday to Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Ontario Early Years Centres (OEYC)

Your local Ontario Early Years Centre has early learning programs, parent education sessions, and community resources. Check out your local program calendars:

Library programs

Libraries have a great selection of books, music, and movies. They also offer free kids’ programs and story time.

Parks and recreation

Check out your local Parks and Recreation department for activities offered in your area:

 

We hope you enjoy this issue!

Comments? Feedback? Email: orecia.reilly@wdgpublichealth.ca

Additional Resources

No additional resources found