The 13th month
Your toddler is no longer growing at such a rapid pace, but sometimes they really make great strides: they find it easier to communicate and are better able to make clear what they need or want – their vocabulary is expanding almost daily! They will continue to train diligently to walk, regardless of whether they can already walk on their own or will soon take their first steps. And they are becoming more and more independent: You may notice that your child is already trying to dress themselves. Of course, this takes a long time, if it works at all. But whenever you have the time, you should let them practise – and help them deal with the feeling of frustration when things don’t work out the way they would like them to.
The 13th month in brief
- Your child is still trying to take their first steps or is already practising walking.
- Now your child is becoming more and more independent and wants to do a lot of things on their own – which can sometimes be a test of patience.
- Looking at books, building towers and playing with other children: your child is developing more and more different interests.
- Children love repetition: don’t be surprised if your child can’t get enough of the same old game – and perhaps can already say “more”.
- Water is the best thirst quencher. Everything else should be drunk in moderation or not at all.
Many new interests
Wooden building blocks are probably very popular at the moment: your child now knows that a tower has to be built correctly so that it doesn’t fall over. Some children are patient when building, others lose interest more quickly. But there is one thing that is great fun for almost everyone: destroying the tower you built! Picture books are also becoming increasingly popular, especially when they are told in funny voices. And don’t be surprised if your child chooses the same one over and over again, even though there are many others to choose from: children love repetition and are happy when they already know what’s coming next.
Discovery moment of the month: “other children”
It’s not just playing with parents that becomes more exciting: many children now show increased interest in other children. Arranging a “play date” every now and then, i.e. arranging to meet up with other parents and children, can bring a lovely change of pace to everyday life. But bear in mind: children also have moods and sometimes simply don’t feel like playing with others. And they also like some of their little friends more than others. So pushing is useless: perhaps they will become friends on their own, or perhaps it will be more a case of playing alongside each other rather than with each other.
