Toddler Advice Thread #2

[Megatron1298]

Does anyone have anywhere they can point me for good recommendations for traveling with toddlers? I loathe to go by Insta recommendations as they aren’t a realistic account.
We are hoping to spend a month in Europe when my son is 3 and littlest will be just over 6 months. we are flying from nz and I want to do as much research to make it a success/actually happen. We haven’t traveled since pre kids when we lived in the UK so also want to set some realistic expectations for ourselves!

 

[Definitelyme]

Does anyone have anywhere they can point me for good recommendations for traveling with toddlers? I loathe to go by Insta recommendations as they aren’t a realistic account.
We are hoping to spend a month in Europe when my son is 3 and littlest will be just over 6 months. we are flying from nz and I want to do as much research to make it a success/actually happen. We haven’t traveled since pre kids when we lived in the UK so also want to set some realistic expectations for ourselves!

I have used https://travelmadmum.com/ a few times.
Personally, we have loved the area of Bern/Interlaken/Lauterbrunnen of Switzerland, and the Lido de Jesolo peninsula near Venice. Next holiday we are hoping to go to the area around Amsterdam, and down in to Belgium but nothing solid planned so no recommendations.
ETA: I think the most important thing when travelling with kids is to just be flexible with plans to suit their needs (eg maybe they are very tired or grumpy one day and the activity planned doesn’t suit). We have always travelled with kids since eldest was 8 weeks (now 9, and we have 4 kids) and we’ve never had any issues.

 

[al255]

Does anyone have anywhere they can point me for good recommendations for traveling with toddlers? I loathe to go by Insta recommendations as they aren’t a realistic account.
We are hoping to spend a month in Europe when my son is 3 and littlest will be just over 6 months. we are flying from nz and I want to do as much research to make it a success/actually happen. We haven’t traveled since pre kids when we lived in the UK so also want to set some realistic expectations for ourselves!

you’re brave…!! I’ve been abroad several times this year with my nearly 3 year old and I’m not going to lie it’s stressful (I was on my own mind lol), you have to keep them entertained, make sure they have everything: food, water, sleeping arrangements. Sounds silly but take the 3 year olds pillow from home.. my daughter doesn’t sleep well on other pillows so I take it with us if we stay in a hotel/abroad, it’s one comfort atleast!

I would say pre plan as much as you can. Make sure you’ve always got the bare minimum that you’ll need, get clued up on the area and what’s around if you’re not eating out all the time. Travelling is hard let alone with 2 kids!

 

[Megatron1298]

I have used https://travelmadmum.com/ a few times.
Personally, we have loved the area of Bern/Interlaken/Lauterbrunnen of Switzerland, and the Lido de Jesolo peninsula near Venice. Next holiday we are hoping to go to the area around Amsterdam, and down in to Belgium but nothing solid planned so no recommendations.
ETA: I think the most important thing when travelling with kids is to just be flexible with plans to suit their needs (eg maybe they are very tired or grumpy one day and the activity planned doesn’t suit). We have always travelled with kids since eldest was 8 weeks (now 9, and we have 4 kids) and we’ve never had any issues.

Yea I have followed travelmadmum on and off for the years but worried she is probably a bit spon now she flies biz class from Dubai

thanks for the suggestions!

you’re brave…!! I’ve been abroad several times this year with my nearly 3 year old and I’m not going to lie it’s stressful (I was on my own mind lol), you have to keep them entertained, make sure they have everything: food, water, sleeping arrangements. Sounds silly but take the 3 year olds pillow from home.. my daughter doesn’t sleep well on other pillows so I take it with us if we stay in a hotel/abroad, it’s one comfort atleast!

I would say pre plan as much as you can. Make sure you’ve always got the bare minimum that you’ll need, get clued up on the area and what’s around if you’re not eating out all the time. Travelling is hard let alone with 2 kids!

Brave/wishful thinking… we have done local trips that have gone like that e.g staying in a remote area and only having one restaurant and shops closing early etc. so I am definitely just wanting to research and plan as much as possible

travel was a huge part of my life pre kids so will start planning and see what we can make work

 

[Definitelyme]

Yea I have followed travelmadmum on and off for the years but worried she is probably a bit spon now she flies biz class from Dubai

thanks for the suggestions!


Brave/wishful thinking… we have done local trips that have gone like that e.g staying in a remote area and only having one restaurant and shops closing early etc. so I am definitely just wanting to research and plan as much as possible

travel was a huge part of my life pre kids so will start planning and see what we can make work

I only use the website to look at places we are going, so don’t actively follow her - they all give in to the insta lifestyle and sponsorships in the end don’t they?!
Honestly you’ll have the best time travelling. I would love to be able to take 6 weeks around Europe with ours, but sadly it isn’t possible so we try and do little bits and pieces instead. I think just being realistic about what you can get done with kids, and building in down time has always been really important for us too. I always look for playparks wherever we will be to ensure you have a kid friendly space to give them a breather, and making sure you always have a snack and drink so aren’t ever caught out (but hey, that’s normal life with kids anyway!)
Oh and I was chatting to a German couple a few weeks ago who were travelling with their 3 and 1yo, they had been travelling for 9 weeks but had left the main continent early and come to Ireland as it was too hot in mainland Europe, so pick a good time of year as well!

 

[UnderThePalmTree]

Hey guys, first time posting here as maybe you lovely people have some advice about babies/kids/toddlers who grow up in BILINGUAL OR TRILINGUAL home.
Basically my native language is not English and neither are my partners but we live in the UK.
So I try to speak to him only my native language, my partner mostly speaks English to him sometimes his language, when we are all together obviously we speak English and all his toys/tv programmes/Ceebeebies are also in English.
My boy just turned 18m. Lovely, active boy but I have slight, wouldn’t want to call in concern yet, about his speech. He doesn’t say any clear word yet but understands everything what I’m saying.
If I’m asking to show me cat, dog, flower, ball, bring his shoes, go to the bath etc. he will point to the object, bring it, run to the bathroom.
He’s bubbling a lot and I mean a lot and he likes to gesticulate expressively when talking. Sometimes feels like he never shuts up but there are no clear words. If I say ( in my language ) “ what does the dog say? “ He will point at the dog but not gonna use any sound to imitate the dog.
If he wants/ needs something he will point and say “de”. So everything is “de”.
I know children who hear more than one language daily “might” start talking later but at the same time I’m like - you are 18 months now surely you can say meow or woof or any kind of human sound. Because now it’s just nonstop nfjfjfnfifjubsgidmdmdk kendjdubdurjdjdbx, he’s just like a little Italian sometimes, walking around the room and mumbling loudly and throwing his hands and arms up in the air.
Thanks!

 

[Definitelyme]

Hey guys, first time posting here as maybe you lovely people have some advice about babies/kids/toddlers who grow up in BILINGUAL OR TRILINGUAL home.
Basically my native language is not English and neither are my partners but we live in the UK.
So I try to speak to him only my native language, my partner mostly speaks English to him sometimes his language, when we are all together obviously we speak English and all his toys/tv programmes/Ceebeebies are also in English.
My boy just turned 18m. Lovely, active boy but I have slight, wouldn’t want to call in concern yet, about his speech. He doesn’t say any clear word yet but understands everything what I’m saying.
If I’m asking to show me cat, dog, flower, ball, bring his shoes, go to the bath etc. he will point to the object, bring it, run to the bathroom.
He’s bubbling a lot and I mean a lot and he likes to gesticulate expressively when talking. Sometimes feels like he never shuts up but there are no clear words. If I say ( in my language ) “ what does the dog say? “ He will point at the dog but not gonna use any sound to imitate the dog.
If he wants/ needs something he will point and say “de”. So everything is “de”.
I know children who hear more than one language daily “might” start talking later but at the same time I’m like - you are 18 months now surely you can say meow or woof or any kind of human sound. Because now it’s just nonstop nfjfjfnfifjubsgidmdmdk kendjdubdurjdjdbx, he’s just like a little Italian sometimes, walking around the room and mumbling loudly and throwing his hands and arms up in the air.
Thanks!

No advice about the varying languages other than what you’ve said about they may talk later (two friends with bilingual homes) but also I dont think 18mo is that late to not be speaking At all. His receptive language is obviously good, so his spoken language should come on too we are 16 months and no words other than "boo" but again his understanding is good so it will come in time

 

[WhatABore]

Hey guys, first time posting here as maybe you lovely people have some advice about babies/kids/toddlers who grow up in BILINGUAL OR TRILINGUAL home.
Basically my native language is not English and neither are my partners but we live in the UK.
So I try to speak to him only my native language, my partner mostly speaks English to him sometimes his language, when we are all together obviously we speak English and all his toys/tv programmes/Ceebeebies are also in English.
My boy just turned 18m. Lovely, active boy but I have slight, wouldn’t want to call in concern yet, about his speech. He doesn’t say any clear word yet but understands everything what I’m saying.
If I’m asking to show me cat, dog, flower, ball, bring his shoes, go to the bath etc. he will point to the object, bring it, run to the bathroom.
He’s bubbling a lot and I mean a lot and he likes to gesticulate expressively when talking. Sometimes feels like he never shuts up but there are no clear words. If I say ( in my language ) “ what does the dog say? “ He will point at the dog but not gonna use any sound to imitate the dog.
If he wants/ needs something he will point and say “de”. So everything is “de”.
I know children who hear more than one language daily “might” start talking later but at the same time I’m like - you are 18 months now surely you can say meow or woof or any kind of human sound. Because now it’s just nonstop nfjfjfnfifjubsgidmdmdk kendjdubdurjdjdbx, he’s just like a little Italian sometimes, walking around the room and mumbling loudly and throwing his hands and arms up in the air.
Thanks!

Again like @Definitelyme says, not a bilingual family but my daughter is a few days older than @Definitelyme's little one.
And she has great understanding of things but doesn't say anything apart from jibberish

 

[xoxo GG]

Hey guys, first time posting here as maybe you lovely people have some advice about babies/kids/toddlers who grow up in BILINGUAL OR TRILINGUAL home.
Basically my native language is not English and neither are my partners but we live in the UK.
So I try to speak to him only my native language, my partner mostly speaks English to him sometimes his language, when we are all together obviously we speak English and all his toys/tv programmes/Ceebeebies are also in English.
My boy just turned 18m. Lovely, active boy but I have slight, wouldn’t want to call in concern yet, about his speech. He doesn’t say any clear word yet but understands everything what I’m saying.
If I’m asking to show me cat, dog, flower, ball, bring his shoes, go to the bath etc. he will point to the object, bring it, run to the bathroom.
He’s bubbling a lot and I mean a lot and he likes to gesticulate expressively when talking. Sometimes feels like he never shuts up but there are no clear words. If I say ( in my language ) “ what does the dog say? “ He will point at the dog but not gonna use any sound to imitate the dog.
If he wants/ needs something he will point and say “de”. So everything is “de”.
I know children who hear more than one language daily “might” start talking later but at the same time I’m like - you are 18 months now surely you can say meow or woof or any kind of human sound. Because now it’s just nonstop nfjfjfnfifjubsgidmdmdk kendjdubdurjdjdbx, he’s just like a little Italian sometimes, walking around the room and mumbling loudly and throwing his hands and arms up in the air.
Thanks!

We also aren’t bilingual but he sounds like he’s in the same place my 3yo was at that age. She could understand and do pretty much anything we asked, but getting her to engage using spoken language was a whole other story. She took each stage very slow, she knew lots of singular words but she didn’t use them in any short sentences or string them together such as ‘blue ball’ ‘red cup’ etc but then all of a sudden one day woke up and was just chatting away and it just exploded from then on. We used lots of flash cards with animal sounds, words we’d use regularly etc and we used to do those regularly. I’m not entirely sure to what degree it helped her but it made me feel like I was actively trying to do something to improve things x

 

[WhatABore]

Just thought I'd jump on and ask if anyone has any children with mild autism?
(I don't know if mild autism is the correct term, so apologies if so!)
I've previously worked in an SEN school, but most children with Autism were mostly non verbal ect

I've wondered for a while about my 4yo.
There's been several things we've noticed throughout her growing that I've always wondered. These might not be autistic traits but in comparison to both my 9yo and 16 month old is more what I'm going by.

She had always had an issue with loud noises, she carries her ear defenders everywhere, just incase. She gets very emotional if there are loud noises and she doesnt have them. To the point she's inconsolable.

She has never been able to read emotion.
This one made me think this morning as my 16 month old, when the 4yo was crying, walked up and hugged her.
She's never been able to read when someone is upset or anything like that.

She gets very very emotional when she can't do something on the first try, again to the point she's inconsolable.

Pointing at things. She has never grasped.
She doesn't really grasp pointing at things herself. She does point. But it's never really in the correct direction. And if we point, she doesn't understand looking in the direction we point. She'll look completely the opposite way. Which again is something I noticed my 16 month old will do. If I point, she looks in the direction of my finger.

She has to know exactly what we're doing each day and if it changes, she gets really upset.

She has a very very short attention span. Something I think she will struggle with in school possibly. She can't even hold her attention for a minute.

Zero sense of strangers. She will talk to anyone and everyone and if a random person asked her to come with them, she 100% would, no matter how much I explain the dangers.

These are just a few things I can think of!

 

[Definitelyme]

Just thought I'd jump on and ask if anyone has any children with mild autism?
(I don't know if mild autism is the correct term, so apologies if so!)
I've previously worked in an SEN school, but most children with Autism were mostly non verbal ect

I've wondered for a while about my 4yo.
There's been several things we've noticed throughout her growing that I've always wondered. These might not be autistic traits but in comparison to both my 9yo and 16 month old is more what I'm going by.

She had always had an issue with loud noises, she carries her ear defenders everywhere, just incase. She gets very emotional if there are loud noises and she doesnt have them. To the point she's inconsolable.

She has never been able to read emotion.
This one made me think this morning as my 16 month old, when the 4yo was crying, walked up and hugged her.
She's never been able to read when someone is upset or anything like that.

She gets very very emotional when she can't do something on the first try, again to the point she's inconsolable.

Pointing at things. She has never grasped.
She doesn't really grasp pointing at things herself. She does point. But it's never really in the correct direction. And if we point, she doesn't understand looking in the direction we point. She'll look completely the opposite way. Which again is something I noticed my 16 month old will do. If I point, she looks in the direction of my finger.

She has to know exactly what we're doing each day and if it changes, she gets really upset.

She has a very very short attention span. Something I think she will struggle with in school possibly. She can't even hold her attention for a minute.

Zero sense of strangers. She will talk to anyone and everyone and if a random person asked her to come with them, she 100% would, no matter how much I explain the dangers.

These are just a few things I can think of!

It definitely sounds like there are a few things there you’d expect to be inbuilt for a 4yo - like the pointing. When she starts school you should share your concerns with them and ask them for their feedback. Often one of the fastest ways to seek help with older kids is with the backing of the school.

 

[WhatABore]

It definitely sounds like there are a few things there you’d expect to be inbuilt for a 4yo - like the pointing. When she starts school you should share your concerns with them and ask them for their feedback. Often one of the fastest ways to seek help with older kids is with the backing of the school.

I've already spoken to them so they're aware about some of the things. Like being super emotional and struggling to concentrate. The loud noises too. And they've noted it down and also noted down that she'll have ear defenders with her if she needs them!

They've already said if needed, there will be Sen assistants if needed too so that's good!
Hoping she'll get the support she needs!

 

[bottombanana]

My toddler is 3 at the end of September and over the past couple of days have developed a stutter. It’s happening pretty much all the time “m-m-m-mummy I w-w-want xyz” “o-o-oh no” etc. I’m not sure if this is normal language development or something more concerning?

 

[Definitelyme]

My toddler is 3 at the end of September and over the past couple of days have developed a stutter. It’s happening pretty much all the time “m-m-m-mummy I w-w-want xyz” “o-o-oh no” etc. I’m not sure if this is normal language development or something more concerning?

My nephew will be 3 in October and he has recently started the same. I believe it’s quite normal, especially in boys (I believe your eldest is also a boy?). My sister spoke to the HV who said just to wait patiently while he speaks and mostly they grow out of it

 

[bottombanana]

My nephew will be 3 in October and he has recently started the same. I believe it’s quite normal, especially in boys (I believe your eldest is also a boy?). My sister spoke to the HV who said just to wait patiently while he speaks and mostly they grow out of it

Yeah, I’ve got 2 boys. Glad to hear it’s not just me, it seems like it might just be an age thing if your nephew is going through the same thing and they’re similar ages. Hopefully it’ll pass

 

[strawberrysunshine_x]

All I three year old has done since 2pm
Is shout

 

[jackieweaver’sauthority]

All I three year old has done since 2pm
Is shout

My heart 3 year old is an absolute terror atm. Shouting at me, spitting on the floor. She had her first settling in session at preschool today just for an hour this afternoon but she was knackered and went to bed at 6.15. I’ve been glad for the peace although she was a mess leading up to it.

 

[strawberrysunshine_x]

My heart 3 year old is an absolute terror atm. Shouting at me, spitting on the floor. She had her first settling in session at preschool today just for an hour this afternoon but she was knackered and went to bed at 6.15. I’ve been glad for the peace although she was a mess leading up to it.

He’s been asleep since 645. He only had 9 hours sleep last night so he is soo tired and grouchy . There must be something in the air lately … irs hard work when I’ve been at work and then come home and he’s in a bad mood

 

[Octopies]

Does anyone have anywhere they can point me for good recommendations for traveling with toddlers? I loathe to go by Insta recommendations as they aren’t a realistic account.
We are hoping to spend a month in Europe when my son is 3 and littlest will be just over 6 months. we are flying from nz and I want to do as much research to make it a success/actually happen. We haven’t traveled since pre kids when we lived in the UK so also want to set some realistic expectations for ourselves!

The seatkickers website is great and they have a Facebook group you can ask for advice on (I know you’re in NZ but the recommendations are very Europe centric)

 

[jackieweaver’sauthority]

He’s been asleep since 645. He only had 9 hours sleep last night so he is soo tired and grouchy . There must be something in the air lately … irs hard work when I’ve been at work and then come home and he’s in a bad mood

This heat definitely doesn’t help! Definitely have so much respect for working mums, it must be so hard. I find it a struggle as it is