Babies and toddlers
Parent tips sheets will provide information on living with babies, living with toddlers and much more.
Living with babies
In the first months of life babies learn that the world is safe and that there are people who will look after them. They do this when you meet their needs for food, comfort, warmth and love. When you do this they learn to love and trust you.
Living with toddlers
Between the ages of one and three years your toddler's world is growing rapidly. This is a time of many changes for toddlers. The most important lesson for your children in these years is that they are separate, independent people.
More about living with toddlers
As your toddler grows, you will both face daily challenges as your toddler seeks greater independence. Toddlers are learning to stand up for themselves and testing to see how much 'say' they can have about what happens to them. It's up to you to shape and guide this new-found skill. Testing their independence is a normal stage of development for young children.
Developmental delay
There is a very wide range of what is considered 'normal' in how babies and children grow and develop. This varies from the Einsteins of this world to children who take longer to learn new things but who are still able to lead a happy life, have a job and contribute to their community.
Why stories are important
Stories help children to cope with a lot of their feelings and problems. Story time can be a special caring time which they will remember all their lives. Whether they are the stories you tell or stories in books, stories are one of the ways that children learn to enjoy reading.
Last updated: 20 June 2008.