Childhood Milestones For Singapore Kids: What's Normal And When To Worry
Young Parents Singapore|March - April 2019

You may wonder if your little one is developmentally “normal” for a Singapore child, but when should you actually worry? We poll the experts for what to look out for during the preschool years.

Sasha Gonzales
Childhood Milestones For Singapore Kids: What's Normal And When To Worry

2 years old

WHAT TO EXPECT Your little one would have started to talk by now and is curious and inquisitive, says Dr Cynthia Lim, a senior lecturer at the Singapore University of Social Sciences.

He is physically active and keen to explore the world around him. At this age, he can also point to pictures in books and make connections between these and real-life objects.

He enjoys make-believe play and his symbolic understanding is developing – for example, he may hold up a banana to his ear and pretend it’s a phone.

PARENTING CHALLENGES

Two year-olds aren’t aware of some of the dangers associated with playing, so you have to keep a close watch on them, Dr Lim says.

They may want to do things on their own, but they’re also dependent on you, so it’s important to try and strike a balance between the two.

“Other parenting challenges include learning how to handle your two-year old child’s temper tantrums, dealing with separation anxiety, and introducing them to new activities, foods and experiences,” adds Dr Low Kah Tzay, a paediatrician at Pediatric Doctor by Anson International Paediatric & Child Development Clinic.

BOOST YOUR KID’S DEVELOPMENT

Social interaction with adults is crucial because this is how they learn, says Dr Lim.

It’s also important to do things with them rather than just show or tell them what to do. At this age, you should let your child play freely and explore nature.

“As your child is picking up new words every day, I suggest talking to him normally instead of using baby talk,” says Dr Lim.

Denne historien er fra March - April 2019-utgaven av Young Parents Singapore.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra March - April 2019-utgaven av Young Parents Singapore.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA YOUNG PARENTS SINGAPORESe alt
Everything You Need To Know About Direct School Admission
Young Parents Singapore

Everything You Need To Know About Direct School Admission

If your kid is good at sports, music or has other talents, the DSA programme may be his key to getting into an elite secondary school or specialised school. Here’s what you should know about the process.

time-read
6 mins  |
March - April 2019
What Is The Right CCA For Your Primary School Kid?
Young Parents Singapore

What Is The Right CCA For Your Primary School Kid?

Co-curricular activities (CCAs) aren’t just frivolous frills. They teach kids important life skills that can’t be found in a classroom lesson. EVELINE GAN finds out how to select the right one for your child.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2019
Why You Shouldn't Let PSLE Stress Take Over Your Kid's Life
Young Parents Singapore

Why You Shouldn't Let PSLE Stress Take Over Your Kid's Life

PSLE preparations start in Primary 5, which means a high-pressure two years for your family. Here's how to support your child so they can do their best.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2019
Should Your Kid Skip A Vaccine Shot?
Young Parents Singapore

Should Your Kid Skip A Vaccine Shot?

Vaccinations are a rite of passage for every Singaporean child, but what if your kid is sick before an appointment, or misses a booster dose? Find out the answers to these and other pressing questions.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2019
Separation Anxiety, Bullies And Other Preschool Blues
Young Parents Singapore

Separation Anxiety, Bullies And Other Preschool Blues

Preschool is rarely a smooth journey for children. Sasha Gonzales asks the experts how to handle the most common dilemmas, from separation anxiety to having trouble making new friends.

time-read
8 mins  |
January 2019
Is Your Kid Stressed About Starting School This Year?
Young Parents Singapore

Is Your Kid Stressed About Starting School This Year?

School kids in Singapore are more stressed than their peers overseas. If your kid is feeling the pressure, here’s how to find what's triggering his anxiety – and how to help.

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2019
Speech Problems In Singapore Kids: When Should You Worry?
Young Parents Singapore

Speech Problems In Singapore Kids: When Should You Worry?

How can you help your little one get over his stuttering? Should you worry that your tot doesn’t speak as well or isn’t as talkative as his cousin? Sasha Gonzales polls the experts on the pressing speech and language issues in toddlers and preschoolers here.

time-read
8 mins  |
March - April 2019
The Most Common Learning Difficulties In Singapore Kids
Young Parents Singapore

The Most Common Learning Difficulties In Singapore Kids

Struggling to read, write or count is a common problem for many children, but how do you know when that struggle is actually a learning difficulty or disability? Sasha Gonzales asked three experts to tell us what signs to look out for and when to know to get help.

time-read
9 mins  |
March - April 2019
Can You Really Un-Spoil Your Child?
Young Parents Singapore

Can You Really Un-Spoil Your Child?

Yes, there are ways to turn things around – without losing your temper. Here, the experts share strategies you can use in common bratty situations.

time-read
8 mins  |
March - April 2019
Bottoms Up!
Young Parents Singapore

Bottoms Up!

Using cloth nappies helps save the Earth – and your wallet, too, say these mums who choose not to put their babies in disposable diapers.

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2017