
Positive Parenting
We know parenting can be a challenge sometimes. Here, you'll find resources and advice to guide you in the right direction when frustration gets high and patience runs low.
THE PLAYERS Center for Child Health
THE PLAYERS Center for Child Health was founded in 2011 to improve the health, wellness and quality of life of the families living within the communities we serve.
Hit-Free Zone
There are always options to spanking or hitting and we encourage you to make the best decisions about what will work for your child and family. At Wolfson Children's Hospital, we are a hit-free zone. That means we don't allow anyone to hit anybody in our hospital.
THE PLAYERS Center for Child Health
THE PLAYERS Center for Child Health was founded in 2011 to improve the health, wellness and quality of life of the families living within the communities we serve.
Did you know?
53
53 countries have banned all forms of spanking or hitting
0
Zero studies show that spanking actually helps in the long run
78%
78% of pediatricians oppose corporal punishment
Parenting Tips
Select a box below to learn about typical behaviors at your child's age and get techniques for dealing with challenging situations.
Select your child's age above for specific suggestions.
Infants
Infants are pretty helpless and need parents and caregivers to meet their needs.
- Crying is a normal behavior at this age
- Many babies normally cry 2-3 hours per day - some healthy ones cry more
- Because infants are growing quickly, they often wake up at night to eat
- It is normal for parents to be sleep deprived at this time
- Development starts at the top (head control) and proceeds downward (hands, sitting, crawling, standing, walking)
Early Toddlers
1 - 2 year olds are beginning to explore their world.
- Walking increases how far and how fast they can get into things
- They do not have judgment about what things may be harmful
- Toddlers begin to explore limits about what they can do - testing parents at times
- They begin to say words and then later simple sentences
- Tantrums reflect the child's desires, which don't always agree with parent's wishes
Late Toddlers
Older toddlers are expressing their feelings more and more to indicate what they want. They've gotten even more skillful in exploring their world.
- They can climb and get into things
- They use the word "no" or point to indicate what they do or don't want. Sometimes just to test if they are listened to
- Temper tantrums or whining at times, but children vary
- Safety is a major concern given their skills
- Parallel play is the norm, which means sharing is not a strong skill
- Many become picky about food and don't eat as much as they used to
- Sentences and verbal communication improve
- Some bedtime problems may be seen
Preschoolers and Kindergarten
Preschoolers may talk constantly as they develop their verbal skills. Their verbal skills enable reasonable conversations and understanding, but they may forget or be distracted at times
- Independent toilet training is often around 3 years of age. Expect some "accidents" because they are still learning. Some will have normal nighttime wetting for years, but eventually all children learn.
- They may run into streets, touch stoves or electrical outlets or do other things in an attempt to explore.
- They can be reasoned with to some extent.
School Age
School-age children continue to master the world.
- Special interests become more prominent
- Education becomes more formal
- Motor skills continue to develop, and team sports reflect the increasing ability to play with others and observe rules
1. Are the grades expected for this child?
2. Could there be a learning problem? Are there issues at home or elsewhere that interfere with learning?
Teens
The teenage years are a time for increased social organization with friends and body changes, including the effects of hormones. Teens tend to be more aware of the larger world and social causes. They may be happy, moody, depressed or very social.
- Hormones and body changes of puberty may be confusing
- Acceptance by peers is often important
- Appearance becomes an issue for many
- Interest in sex and attraction to others develops
- Philosophical, religious, and political ideas may capture deeper attention
- Driving and other signs of independence are important in learning more about one's identity
- Teens like their ideas to be treated as an adult and not be lectured to or ignored
Resources
- Development and parenting tips for each stage of your child’s life
- Strategies that work for disciplining your child
- Essentials for Parenting Toddlers and Preschoolers (2-4 years)
- Parenting Your Infant
- Caring for Your School-Age Child (5-12 years)
- Communicating with Your Teen
- Fun4FirstCoastKids Family events, kids activities and parenting resources in North Florida.
- Parenting Classes
- Baby Classes
- Safety and Prevention
- Jacksonville Moms Blog Discover a positive parenting community written by Jacksonville moms, for Jacksonville moms.
- Parenting Classes
Related Information

Advocating for children is the most important part of our mission at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Through THE PLAYERS Center for Child Health at Wolfson Children’s, we reach beyond the walls of the hospital to promote safe and healthy childhoods for all kids in our region.
