tantrums and hitting
Clear information, practical prompts and gentle next steps.
Toddler years need connection and boundaries.
Practical support for big feelings, behaviour, toilet learning, routines, childcare and preschool transitions.
The later first 2000 days often bring big feelings, toileting, childcare, preschool and independence, with plenty of room for support.
Big feelingsRoutinesToiletingChildcare
playmealrestbath
Simple routinesfor toddler days
Toddler
Toddlers are learning skills they do not have yet.
Behaviour is often communication, while unsafe behaviour still needs limits.
Simple routines and calm scripts can make hard moments easier.
Why birth to 5 matters
The first 2000 days, from pregnancy to around age 5, are a powerful window for health, learning, relationships and confidence. First Years uses this idea to organise practical support without implying endorsement by NSW Health.
Read NSW Health's first 2000 days overviewWhat parents often come here for
First Years keeps the next step visible when parenting information starts to feel scattered. This page gives you a calm overview, then links you to practical guides and trusted Australian resources.
routine battles
Clear information, practical prompts and gentle next steps.
toilet learning
Clear information, practical prompts and gentle next steps.
childcare settling
Clear information, practical prompts and gentle next steps.
parent overwhelm
Clear information, practical prompts and gentle next steps.
Practical anchors
- Look for hunger, tiredness, sensory overload and transitions before teaching.
- Use short scripts and repeatable routines.
- Seek support when behaviour feels unsafe, frequent, intense or unmanageable.
Trusted Australian resource base
This topic connects to resources such as Raising Children Network, Emerging Minds, Triple P, Parentline. First Years summaries are evidence-informed and parent-friendly, but they do not replace professional advice.
Guides for this topic
Download the free guides or view a sample before buying a premium PDF.
First YearsToddler Guide55 pages
Toddler Guide
A comprehensive toddler companion with age maps, tantrum support, routines, sleep, meals, toileting, language, play, childcare and parent wellbeing.
First YearsBig Feelings & Behaviour32 pages
Big Feelings & Behaviour
A practical behaviour guide that explains behaviour as communication while keeping safety limits clear and parent wellbeing visible.
First YearsToilet Learning30 pages
Toilet Learning
A child-led toilet learning guide for readiness, wee and poo learning, accidents, constipation, childcare coordination and night dryness.
First YearsFamily Routines Pack43 pages
Family Routines Pack
A practical printable pack for mornings, meals, bedtime, bags, appointments, first foods, shared load and hard-day routines.
First YearsChildcare & Preschool Readiness35 pages
Childcare & Preschool Readiness
A supportive transition guide for choosing services, settling, separation, food, toileting, inclusion and preschool readiness.