- Discuss milestones in language development for the toddler. Note two or three issues with speech Development where special resources may be needed.
- Discuss the issues of TV and video games, latchkey children, and alcohol and tobacco use, and the appropriate nursing guidance for each.
- Milestones in language development for toddlers:
Toddlers experience significant milestones in language development as they progress from babbling to meaningful speech. Here are a few important milestones:
- Babbling (6-8 months): At this stage, infants begin to produce sounds like “bababa,” “mamama,” and “dadada.” These sounds may not have any meaning, but they are the building blocks for later speech.
- First words (10-14 months): Toddlers begin to use their first words around their first birthday. These words are often simple nouns, such as “mommy,” “daddy,” “ball,” or “dog.”
- Two-word phrases (18-24 months): Around 18 months, toddlers begin to combine two words into simple phrases, such as “more juice,” “bye-bye daddy,” or “mine ball.”
- Vocabulary spurt (24-36 months): From age two to three, toddlers experience a vocabulary spurt and may learn several new words each day. They also begin to use more complex sentences and ask questions.
However, some toddlers may experience delays in language development. Here are a few issues where special resources may be needed:
- Speech delays: Some toddlers may have difficulty producing speech sounds or combining words into sentences. In these cases, speech therapy may be necessary.
- Language disorders: Some children may have language disorders that affect their ability to understand or express language. They may need specialized therapy or other interventions.
- Hearing loss: Toddlers with hearing loss may have difficulty developing speech and language skills. They may require hearing aids or cochlear implants and specialized therapy to develop their language skills.
- Issues of TV and video games, latchkey children, and alcohol and tobacco use and the appropriate nursing guidance for each:
- TV and video games: Excessive TV and video game use can lead to sedentary behavior, poor social skills, and sleep problems. Nurses can advise parents to limit screen time, encourage outdoor play, and engage in activities with their children to promote physical activity and socialization.
- Latchkey children: Latchkey children are those who are left unsupervised at home after school. This can increase their risk of injury, substance abuse, and poor academic performance. Nurses can encourage parents to find after-school programs or reliable caregivers to ensure their children’s safety and well-being.
- Alcohol and tobacco use: Alcohol and tobacco use can have serious health consequences for children and adolescents, including addiction, respiratory problems, and cognitive impairment. Nurses can educate parents and adolescents about the risks of alcohol and tobacco use and provide resources for quitting or seeking help for addiction. Additionally, nurses can advocate for policies that promote tobacco and alcohol prevention and control measures in their communities.