Play dough is a kind of modeling material made of flour, water, salt, and other ingredients which is used by children for art and craft projects at home and in school. The product was first manufactured in Cincinnati in the years following World War II. Play-Dough persists as one of the best known children's toys. Originally, Play dough came in only one color, but now as we all know it's  available in multi colors.

Play dough is a great source of entertainment for kids of all ages. Children less than 1 year mostly put everything in their mouth, so maybe they are too young  however the best age to play with dough is 18 months and more. Toddlers love to squeeze the soft material in their hands, exploring the texture and consistency of the dough. Older children use their imagination and make different things with the dough. It's even economical and you can prepare the play dough easily at home for your kid.

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The first three years of your child is the time of so many developments, growth and changes in your child's life. The second year of your child is very crucial for the development of speech, physical, brain and understanding skills. The second year of your baby's life offers more freedom for them. Let's check out what are the developments your toddler go through from 12 to 24 months of their age.

Physical growth:

1. Once your baby reaches his/her first birthday, s/he will be able to walk effortlessly without your assistance. However if they don't there is no need to worry about, development for every child varies. Over the next couple of weeks, the baby will catch up easily.
2. Your baby will also be able to run and walk up the stairs without extra effort. This is the time you need to be always around your kid to protect them once they fall.
3. Your child will grow about 3 in. to 5 in. and gain between 3 lb and 5 lb.

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Toddler develop great social skills through the interaction they have with people around them. Different activities help to develop mental, physical, social and emotional skills to stimulate your children's imagination and creativity. As a parent you should involve your child in such activities through which your toddler can understand and learn the world around him.

Some of the activities that can enhance your toddler's social skills are mentioned here:

• Importance of Money: Give your child different coins and ask them to count them. Teach your child how to use the money and about money which will enable them to understand the value of it.
• Indulge them in cooking: Accompany your child in mixing, baking, measuring the ingredients. These are the tasks your kid will enjoy doing and it goes not matter if they make a mess
• Cleaning work through game: This will give them the sense of responsibility and will be hygienic from the very beginning of their life and they will do it as part of the "norm".
• Encouraging Play with Others: Always involve and encourage your child to play in a group. This will inculcate the team skills in your child. They will watch and often copy what they see others do, even though they're not yet able to play with them. I am sure untill now your toddler thinks everything is MINE, but they need to learn the skill of sharing. As they grow and become more experienced at play, they'll learn to play with other children. This is called "cooperative" play, and usually happens after the age of 3. In cooperative play, children learn to work and solve problems together, and develop their social skills.

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The first day of your child at school is one of the greatest turns in their life. For the first time they step into the world when you are not with him/her to take care of everything, it's the beginning of their independent life. Your child gets surrounded by lots of queries, confusions and may be fearful of the change from the small, loving and comfortable preschool situation. At this point as a parent you need to prepare your child to face the strange world alone. Let's learn some tips that you can follow to make the first day of school the best day of your child.

• Kids need a good night's sleep before the first day of school. About two weeks before school starts, start gradually moving bedtime and wake-up call earlier, to get the kids used to a new earlier schedule.

• At least a day before school starts, help your child pack his backpack with his supplies, putting his name on everything and sharpening his pencils.

• If your child is starting school at a new, unfamiliar building, or is beginning a new phase, the best way to ease his anxiety is to equip him with as much information as you can. Ask your school administrators if you and your child can tour the building sometime before the school starts.

• In the weeks before school begins, discuss kindergarten with your child. Express enthusiasm and excitement at all she is going to learn. Try to evoke responses from your child to see how she may be feeling.

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