Development Tips: 16 to 18 Months

Demonstrate and assist your child in walking backwards and sideways.
Place his favorite toys out of reach and cheer him on as he “runs” to retrieve it.
Help your child to get in and out of a small chair.
Play “bring me” games to encourage your child to walk and carry something at the same time.
Hold your child’s finger around a large crayon and make strokes along the paper.
Wrap small toys in wax paper or use tissue and encourage your child to unwrap the toy.
Assist him in matching a picture of an object with the real object. Use magazine pictures or photos.
While dressing, point to clothing or body parts and ask “What is this?”
In picture books and catalogs, point to and name pictures for your child. Later on, ask him to name these and reduce assistance as you go.
Practice unzipping a large jacket zipper.
Assist in scooping with a spoon, decreasing assistance until your child is independent in eating with a spoon. Expect some spillage.
Make a game of trying to put shoes on during dressing (either foot is acceptable).
Song and activity records are enjoyable because your child can participate verbally and physically.