138 Week Old Toddler: Your Toddler's Development and Your Recovery This Week

Which hand does your toddler reach for the crayon with?

Hand preference often starts showing around 2 to 3 years, and for many children becomes clear by 3 to 4. You may see your toddler use one hand for eating and the other for drawing for a while, that is fine. There is no rush, and there is no reason to nudge a left-handed toddler towards the right.

A lot of daily play grows the tiny hand muscles:

• Chunky crayons and big paper (tape it to the floor or table)
• Play-dough, rolling, squeezing, pinching
• Threading large beads on a shoelace
• Stickers, peeling and placing
• Chunky puzzles with knobs
• Tearing paper, crumpling it, scrunching it

Do not expect recognisable pictures yet. Toddlers this age make:

• Scribbles in all directions
• Round-ish shapes and circular scribbles
• Straight-ish lines
• Occasional "this is mama" announcements over what looks like a squiggle

Asking "tell me about your picture" goes down better than guessing what it is. Copying a simple circle usually lands closer to 3 years; copying a cross comes after that.

A kid who uses both hands at this age is not a problem, it just means the preference has not settled yet. Worth a mention at the next pediatric visit only if your toddler has real trouble using either hand for everyday tasks.

• Hand washing before meals, taking off shoes at the door, a separate spoon for serving, toddlers pick these habits up by watching the rest of the family. Keep a low stool by the basin so your toddler can reach the tap themselves.

Left hand, right hand, both, your child is writing the first lines of who they are. Watching these small preferences surface is one of the sweetest parts of toddler development. Whichever hand they choose, it will keep reaching for yours for years to come.

Around 35.5 months. Your toddler is holding pencils properly, scribbling with intention, possibly trying to write letters.

What's happening for you

• Fine motor skills are developing fast. Your toddler's drawings, however abstract, mean something to them.

Things that often help

• Lots of paper and chunky crayons
• A small chowki or low table for art
• Display the artwork, fridge, walls, photo album
• Don't correct, let them experiment

For mum's hand health

• Wrist pain (De Quervain's) from years of baby-lifting can persist into year 3. If wrist or thumb pain is bothering you, see a physio.

Eating well

• Three meals + two snacks.

Worth flagging

• A toddler who can't grip a crayon at 35 months, doesn't show preference for any hand, or has unusual hand posture, talk to the pediatrician. Most are normal range; some benefit from occupational therapy referrals.

Indian-tradition tip

• Many Indian children start formal writing practice ("Aksharabhyasam") around age 3, often with a small ceremony. Whatever fits your tradition, this is a milestone worth marking gently.

Indian-mum reminder

The diet that supports your toddler's brain, omega-3s (walnuts, flaxseed, fatty fish), iron (palak, methi, jaggery), Vit B12 (eggs, dairy), Vit D (sunlight, fortified milk)

• also supports yours. Eat well, both of you.

Indian-tradition nutrition tip

• A small bowl of soaked chana with jaggery, a glass of haldi-doodh before bed, a methi-paratha with curd for breakfast. The boring Indian basics that grandmothers swore by, they were right. Pack iron, calcium, protein and warmth.

Indian-context support note

Building a small support system that works for the longer journey:

• 1-2 close mum friends you can call without explanation
• A trusted gynae for body, a therapist for mind if needed
• Online Indian mum communities (Mompresso, Instagram circles, WhatsApp groups) for daily small things
• A weekly call with mother, sister, or close friend

Quality over quantity. 2-3 strong relationships matter more than 30 acquaintances.

One day the fridge gallery will be empty and you will wish for one more squiggle titled 'mama'. Parenting a toddler means living inside these ordinary masterpieces every day. Keep a few of them safe; your future self will thank you.