1. Your child might start having temper tantrums. Gone are the days of simply eating and sleeping. She now has a distinct way of expressing herself. The range of her emotions is seemingly endless. Keep a close eye on her and you'll witness excitement and confusion when she first encounters a new toy, pride as she shows you how to slide that little yellow star into the proper hole and even anger when she's not given the object she wants. It's this last emotion that can cause some embarrassing and, yes, loud moments in your life. Welcome to the age of the temper tantrum. If your child becomes this angry, experts advise adopting a matter-of-fact attitude about the tantrum (assuming of course that the child is not in physical danger). As difficult as it may be, do not give in to these outbursts. Let your child know that you understand her anger but will not acknowledge how she is expressing it. You should see the tantrum subside as she realizes the behavior will not get a rise out of you. As she grows older, talk to her about why her behavior is not acceptable. This is best done after the tantrum has subsided and things have settled down again. Most of all, remember that this is but one emotion she'll express. Once it quiets down again you can continue to enjoy the moments of excitement and affection that are soon to follow.

2. It might be time to start thinking about day care. You may find the thought of separating from your child difficult. Here's how you can help your child (and yourself) ease the transition.

• Choose quality care. Select an environment and a caregiver that closely reflect your parenting beliefs. Be sure to fully interview the caregiver, carefully inspect the facility and check several references. These steps will help you rest assured that your little one is being lovingly cared for in a manner that will nurture him just as you would if you were with him.

• Maintain daily communication with your child's caregiver. Inquire about your child. Did he have a good day? How and what did he eat? Any scrapes or bumps? Did he interact with the other children? Any concerns?

• Remember that separation at this age may be difficult for your toddler. He may cry and cling to you when you drop him off. You can help lessen his protests by leaving a special memento he can carry throughout the day, spending special time with him both before you leave each day and after you return home each evening, and reassuring him that in a few hours Mommy (and/or Daddy) will be back to take him home. While you should not ignore his tears, remember that they will most likely be replaced by a smile when you are out of sight and other children and new toys distract him. Remember too that protests should lessen as he grows older and becomes more interested in interactive play with other children.

  While staying at home may have certain emotional benefits (for both parent and child), your toddler will also benefit from the loving care he'll receive each day. Now he'll have the care of his parents and another special adult each day.

3. Your child may not want to wear clothes! A short time ago your child began extending her arms and legs in an effort to "help" you dress her. Now she's discovered another fact of life: What goes on must come off! Babies generally love to romp around wearing nothing at all (or, if you're lucky, wearing only a diaper). Beware! The days of passively wearing those adorable hats, shoes and even socks are over. You'll dress her, turn your head and find bare feet when you glance back. Although this can be somewhat frustrating if you're trying to run out the door, take some time to enjoy her newly emerging independence. Just think it won't be long before she'll be able to remove all her clothes and institute her own version of "naked time" whenever and wherever she'd like.

4. Your child is learning to feed herself. What a sight! It's mealtime with your toddler! Time to watch him explore the fun world of things he can put in his mouth. Now, if only you knew how to get him to eat something! Does mealtime with baby leave you confused? You're not alone. He's ready to move on to table foods now. He'll delight at the many new and wonderful tastes and textures. By allowing him to feed himself you'll help him develop more mature chewing and swallowing techniques and increase the odds of accepting each new food. Remember to serve a balanced diet, keep the pieces "toddler sized" and stay nearby to supervise while he's eating. Beware, he'll probably decide that food is a toy, and you'll find it in his hair, on the floor and anywhere else within dropping or throwing distance. Keep your camera handy to capture these wonderfully messy images. They'll be charming additions to your photo albums that you can cherish long after the mess has been cleaned up!