Talkin’ Toddlers...Development
Author: Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
Your child is officially up and walking or perhaps, running. Welcome to toddlerhood! There is no magic age when an infant enters toddlerhood. The word toddler simply is used to define a child who can now walk. In addition to walking (and running and climbing), toddlers are developing in numerous ways.
You've heard of the "terrible twos?" Of course, there is also the "terrific twos."
Anyone who has spent some time with a toddler has probably experienced both.
What can you expect from your toddler? What are the typical developmental milestones?
Physical Development:
- Toddlers are active explorers working on defining and refining their motor skills. This includes the ability to walk, run, climb, walk up and down stairs, and throw and kick balls.
Emotional and Social Development:
- Toddlers begin to want to achieve tasks independently. This may result in the frequent use of such phrases as "I can do it" and "no."
- Toddlers begin to see and understand their role as people. They begin to define their place and role within their community. They like to help.
- Toddlers may have dramatic mood swings. Some of their outbursts are the result of their frustration to complete a task that they may not yet have the skill to complete successfully (i.e. putting on their shirt or shoes).
Cognitive Development:
- Toddlers are thinkers. They like to make decisions. It is best to provide choices (i.e. choosing between two snacks that you would also agree would be appropriate).
- A toddler's language development occurs rapidly. Toddlers quickly move from using one word to communicate to creating 3 t o 4-word statements.
- Toddlers are able to follow simple directions.
How can you support their development?
- Create a routine in their life that they can depend on (i.e. in the morning, your child will quickly learn that breakfast comes first, followed by toileting or diapering and getting washed, followed by getting dressed).
- Create safe, child-friendly environments where toddlers have the ability to complete tasks independently (i.e. a sturdy step stool that will allow a child access to the sink where they can wash their hands).
- Offer choices that are appropriate and provide decision-making opportunities (i.e. would you like vanilla or strawberry yogurt?).
Toddlers…there are moments where they may be challenging, but most of the time, they are terrific and a ton of fun.
