Nurturing Toddlers: Developing the Potential of Every Child

Children undergo tremendous physical growth and cognitive development during their toddler years. Nurturing Toddlers explores the knowledge behind how a child’s mind and body develop during this stage of development, underpinned by the latest research in the fields of child development, psychology, health and well-being. It shows how the choices practitioners and parents make every day can have a deep impact on children’s experiences and the practices that can be embedded straight away to support their ongoing development and give them the best opportunities for future success.

The book follows a holistic approach through the Nurturing Childhoods Pedagogical Framework, tailored for toddlers gaining greater mobility and autonomy, as we learn to understand children’s evolving capabilities through their engagement in core behaviours and use these to unlock their full potential. Chapters cover:

• Connecting with toddlers and the importance of communication, movement and play
• Big emotions and the behaviours they can trigger
• The secret to effective praise and encouragement
• Nurturing self-esteem
• Establishing foundations for a love of reading
• Supporting toddlers as they begin doing things for themselves
• Nurturing intrinsic motivations, self-esteem and prioritising positive reinforcement

Part of the Nurturing Childhoods series, this exciting book provides practitioners and parents with the knowledge and understanding they need to nurture toddlers’ happiness, well-being and sense of security as they go through this rapid period of transformation.

Dr Kathryn Peckham is a Childhood Consultant, researcher, author and founder of the Nurturing Childhoods Academy. She is an active member of global Early Childhood networks, conducting research for governments and international organisations, writing curricular and contributing to industry leading publications and guidance such as Birth to 5 Matters.