What Is a Toddler's Development?
What is a toddler's development?
Toddler’s development includes the physical, emotional, behavioral and mental growth of children from ages one to three years old. The various factors that influence the toddler’s development include
- Culture
- Environment
- Socioeconomic status
- Genetics
Children who suffer from malnutrition or who lack social stimuli or access to proper health care may develop more gradually than children born in better social conditions.
A toddler’s development during the first year includes
- Communication and language skills
- Says up to 10 to 20 words
- Grasps one-step commands
- Can point to some body parts
- Movement and physical development
- Walks alone
- Pulls toys behind when walking
- Throws a ball
- Stands on tiptoes
- Begins to run
- Scribbles when given a crayon
- Becomes more mobile
- Takes off some clothes
- Climbs up the stairs when handheld
- Increasing social and emotional development
- Asserts themselves by crying and throwing tantrums
- Engages in pretend play
- Enthusiastic about other children’s company
- Shows fondness
- Cognitive skills (thinking and learning)
- Becomes aware of themselves and surroundings
- Recognizes themselves in a mirror or picture
- Mimics behavior of others, especially adults or older children
- Identifies the names of familiar people and objects
- Sorts by shape and color
- Eagerness to explore new objects
A toddler’s development during the second year includes
- Communication and language skills
- Says more than 50 words
- Says at least two-word sentences
- Strangers can understand half of the sentences said
- Uses some actual words instead of baby talk
- Movement and physical development
- Runs well
- Kicks a ball
- Walks down the stairs
- Draws lines and circular scribbles
- Starts self-feeding
- Social and emotional development
- Plays enthusiastically with other children
- Fears loud sounds, specific animals, etc.
- Might inform you when their diaper is soiled
- Cognitive skills
- Follows a two-step command
- Names many body parts
- Matches shapes
- Points out pictures in books
- Starts to engage in pretend play such as feeding a doll
When should I be worried about a toddler’s development?
Some signs could signal a developmental delay. Consult your child’s pediatrician if you find that your child
- Makes limited eye contact
- Doesn’t run or always walks on tippy toes
- Doesn’t speak or makes vowel sounds but no consonant sounds or words
- Doesn’t express emotions in response to others or surroundings
- Doesn’t engage in pretend play
- Has lost skills
- Shows weakness on one side of the body
What parenting tips can help raise a toddler?
During the first year, these parenting tips may be helpful.
- Talk to your child to develop their language.
- Read to your toddler daily.
- Encourage the child to explore new things.
- Ask the child to find an object by hiding it.
- Respond to wanted behaviors more than you punish the unwanted ones.
- Encourage the child’s curiosity and ability to recognize common objects.
- Take your child on field trips regularly.
- Play matching games with toddlers.
During the second year, these parenting tips can be helpful.
- Persuade the child to tell you their name and age.
- Teach your child songs or small rhymes.
- Set up a special time for reading books.
- Promote your child to take part in pretend play.
- Give the child attention and praise when they follow instructions and show positive behavior.
- Limit attention toward their tantrums.