From her first steps to her first day at school, your child's early years are magical times when she comes on in leaps and bounds. So what can you do to help her? It's natural to be concerned about your child's progress, but toddlers develop at their own pace. Rather than comparing her abilities with those of others, concentrate on making the most of this time.
Key Stages of Development
Every toddler is unique, but here are some guidelines to give you an idea of what your child will likely be up to at different ages.
Age one to 18 months
Walking: Many children start walking around their first birthday, although the average age is 14 months and some may not walk until 18.
Talking: Most one-year-olds babble away happily and some can say a word. By 16 months, most can say a few words. From around 18 months, a child's language skills take off, with most learning several words a day. At this age, a child's level of understanding also develops. Most can point to objects if asked, enjoy rhymes, and understand simple commands.
Fine Motor Skills: Shortly after their first birthday, most children learn to point at what they want and grasp things using their thumb and index finger this kind of action is known as fine motor skills. By 15 months, a child can usually hold several small toys in one hand, build a tower of blocks, and knock it down. By 18 months, she can fit things into each other, roll a ball, and use a simple shape sorter.
Emotional Development: By about 18 months, tantrums will likely start, often out of frustration. A child of this age is emotionally demanding and wants attention.
Age 18 Months to Two Years
Walking: Most children will be walking and running. Many can walk upstairs with their parents' help. By two, most participate in playground activities, can aim and throw a ball, and even do a spot of dancing.
Talking: By Two, most children use about 50 words and understand verbs such as sleep, eat, and nouns. Your child is curious about learning names for things, speaks in two-word phrases, and starts to use words to express anger, hurt, and delight.
Fine Motor Skills: Your child becomes more proficient with building blocks. By two, she may be able to scribble with a large crayon and enjoy inspecting small objects.
Emotional Development: Your child is starting to take an interest in other children, but is likely to play alongside rather than with them (parallel play). She knows when someone is sad or happy and may develop fears of rejection, animals, or the dark.
Age Two to Two and a Half Years
Walking: She loves running around, enjoys being chased, and probably tries to jump.
Talking: A child will probably use up to 200 words by two-and-a-half. She refers to herself by name, can speak in short phrases, and can tell you what she is doing.
Fine Motor Skills: She starts to have more coordination, so she will unscrew lids, turn knobs and try to open everything!
Emotional Development: Tantrums tend to peak now, as she still lacks awareness of others' needs. She may start to express her emotions verbally.
Toilet Training: Most children are ready to begin toilet training around the age of two, but you should expect some setbacks and accidents.
Age Two-and a Half to Three Years
Walking: She's likely to be a confident walker and runner now and enjoys hopping and skipping, too. She can handle a child's tricycle and play a basic form of football.
Fine Motor Skills: Your child will probably be able to grasp a pen, but not necessarily with the correct grip. She can scribble and do simple jigsaw puzzles with large pieces.
Talking: By three, your child can put sentences together. She enjoys stories - and telling you what happens in them. She is starting to ask lots of questions.
Emotional Development: Your child is now aware that she's a family member and may start to relate to other children but she's probably still not keen on sharing! She is starting to play with other children, rather than just alongside them.
Toilet Training: Most toddlers know what's required of them, even if they can't always make it in time. Expect a few accidents!
Age Three to Four Years
Fine Motor Skills: At preschool, your child will learn to hold a pencil properly and be encouraged to draw and paint. Her drawings are more specific than scribbles. By four, she can draw simple shapes such as a circle.
Talking: Conversational skills increase at this age. Your child is curious and may be interested in time and the stars. She loves rhymes and can recite a few.
Emotional Development: Friendships with other children are important, but you are still first in her life. She can express feelings and fears. She is learning to cooperate with other children and to take turns. She can wait in line but not for too long.
Toilet Training: She is potty-trained by age four but may regress if stressed, such as when she starts school or is upset.
