This is your ninth key age and stage visit with a maternal and child health nurse in your local area.
Maternal and child health nurses work in partnership with families to care for babies and young children until they start school. The service is free for all Victorian families.
You will visit a maternal and child health nurse at 10 key ages and stages from birth to three and a half years.
Your nurse can help you with things like feeding your child; sleep and settling, making sure your child is growing, learning and developing well; being a parent and looking after yourself.
What happens at my two year maternal and child health visit?
At this visit, your toddler's growth, health and development will be reviewed and kindergarten enrolment will be discussed. You will also be asked to answer My Health, Learning and Development – green book. It is under the Parents' Evaluation of Development Status (PEDS) section. Try to complete these questions before your visit.
What is my toddler doing at this key age and stage?
At this key age and stage, your child is learning to become independent. They love to share their interests and enjoyment with family, friends and people in the community.
They might be:
Copying you – like sweeping the floor
Dressing up or pretending
Beginning to use two to three word sentences
Having tantrums to express frustration or strong emotions
Running.
What to tell your nurse
Please tell the nurse if your toddler is:
NOT coming to you for affection or comfort
NOT understanding
NOT putting any words together
NOT enjoying pretend play
NOT running.
Activity ideas for this key age and stage
Try some of these ideas to help your toddler learn and develop:
Talk about everyday things
Play outside and talk to them about what they are doing
Take them to the local park, library or playgroup
Sing and dance with them
Encourage them to turn the pages of books and talk to them about what they see.
How often should I visit?
You will be asked to see your maternal and child health nurse at 10 key ages and stages in your child’s health, learning and development. These include:
Families can access the service at other times by telephone or through a centre visit. Most centres offer a range of times when families can access the service. They typically operate through scheduled appointments, open consultation sessions and some after-hours appointments.
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