As any parent with a toddler knows, they can do some strange things in the course of a day. According to ToddlerBehavior.org, toddlers can only communicate with words to a certain degree and must resort to other methods beyond that. Toddlers are also by nature curious and want to exert their independence whenever possible. Some toddler behaviors are weird, but perfectly normal and will be outgrown as they get older.
Curiosity
Toddlers love to see, hear, touch and even taste new things. This can result in exploring their bodies in ways that are not socially appropriate. Many toddlers enjoy touching their genitals, but parents can be assured that there is nothing sexual going on. Children at this also like to put their fingers up their nose. Other than their bodies, toddlers also pick things up off the ground, grab things off shelves at the store, climb on furniture, unload the cupboards and drawers and test out buttons on the TV or remote control. Many toddlers also like to put things in their nose and ears. Vigilance on a parent's part can help prevent injury, and frequent handwashing will kill any germs kids pick up as they touch things.
Being Naked
Shedding their clothes is something that most toddlers will do at some point. This is partly because they have discovered that they can take their own clothes off and they like to display their new knowledge every chance they get. Toddlers also enjoy the feeling of not having anything touching their bodies and most will love running around naked after a bath or even taking their clothes off in public.
Head Banging
Parents Magazine reports that head banging is a common toddler behavior. Most use it to soothe themselves when they are upset, especially at bedtime because the rhythm is comforting to them. If a toddler hurts himself while banging his head, a parent should consult his pediatrician to rule out any other problems that could be causing head banging.
Tantrums
Throwing a temper tantrum is a hallmark behavior of toddlers. Tantrums are a good way for a child to get her caregiver's attention since she isn't always able to effectively communicate her needs. Toddlers use a tantrum to show they are upset, tired or hungry. A parent who assesses the situation will often find out that a toddler is trying to tell her something and can remedy the situation.
Strange Eating Habits
Toddlers are notoriously picky eaters. Some toddlers will refuse to eat anything but a few favorites while others will willingly eat certain foods on certain days and refuse them on others. A toddler requires fewer calories at this age because his growth slows down so he may just not be hungry. Other children will refuse to eat to exert their control. Toddlers will usually eat when they are hungry, but may need a multivitamin while they move through this phase, according to Parents Magazine.
