When your child turns 2, they are officially a toddler. At this age you should begin to see significant changes in behavior from month-to-month. They will begin to have more confidence in exploring their surroundings and will insist on doing things themselves. But keep in mind, it’s called the terrible twos for a reason!
Physical milestones
Your toddler will love to practice and show-off their improving motor skills. You can expect to see rapid changes in motor skills like kicking, running, climbing, jumping and others. At this point your child will begin to have some control over their fine motor skills like holding a crayon and drawing.
Key physical milestones:
- Gross motor skills: jump up and down in place, walk backwards, begin to explore how to climb, kick a ball, and run short distances
- Fine motor skills: pick up objects using a pincer grip, scribble, draw, and build a tower of 4 or more blocks
- Highlights: your child may begin to walk more confidently and securely without assistance with little to no falling down.
Cognitive milestones
At this age your toddler will begin to understand the relationship between different objects. They will also start demonstrating more complicated sequences through imaginative games and play. During play, you will notice that they will repeat things over and over- this type of behavior helps them learn about concepts like cause and effect.
Key cognitive milestones:
- Be able to put together three word sentences
- Follow simple two-part commands like “please stop playing and hand me the toy”
- Recognize storybooks that they have read
Emotional milestones
Many parents call this period the “terrible twos” because it also marks the start of temper tantrums. At this age your child is beginning to learn how to express themselves, but do not have the vocabulary to do so. Instead they will cry, scream, throw things, and roll on the floor to express themselves.
Key emotional milestones
- Show an array of emotions (from happiness to sadness etc)
- Have frequent mood swings that may represent your child trying to control their emotions and impulses
- React positively when they do things independently
Social milestones
Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development suggests that children at this age are egocentric; they cannot imagine that others have thoughts and feelings that they have to take into account. In social environments, they will enjoy being around other children, but will not actively play with them in a give-and-take manner. This self-centered view can sometimes lead to conflicts with other children, but it is still important to give your child opportunities to practice getting along with peers.
Key social milestones
- Explores different forms of imaginative play
- Displays defiant behavior (kicking, screaming, hitting)
- Copies what people have said, especially their parents
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