Toddler development

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Toddler development

Toddlers are children age 1 through 3.

THEORIES

Jean Piaget, in the cognitive (thought) development theory, includes the following:

• Understanding that objects and people are there even if you can't see them (object and people permanence)
• Following visual (then later, invisible) displacement (moving from one place to another) of objects
• Early use of instruments or tools.

Erik H. Erikson's personal-social development theory says the toddler stage represents Autonomy (independence) vs. Shame or Doubt. The child learns to adjust to society's demands, while trying to maintain independence and a sense of self.

These milestones are typical of children in the toddler stages. Some variation is normal. If you have questions about your child's development, contact your health care provider.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

The following are signs of expected physical development in a toddler:

• Having gross motor skills (using the large muscles in the body, such as legs and arms)
• Standing alone well by 12 months
• Stooping over, picking up objects, and standing again
• Walking well by 12 to 14 months
• Learning to walk backwards and up steps after 12 to 14 months
• Kicking ball forward at about 16 to 18 months
• Throwing ball overhand at about 18 to 24 months
• Jumping in place by about 24 months

FINE MOTOR SKILLS

Evidence of fine motor skills in a 15-month-old includes:

• Scribbling
• Placing a block in a cup
• Beginning to stack blocks

LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Normal toddler language development typically includes:

• Using 2-3 words (other than Mama or Dada) at 12 to 15 months
• Combining 2 words at 16 to 24 months -- there is a range of ages at which children are first able to combine words into sentences; if a toddler cannot do so by 24 months, parents should consult their pediatrician or family doctor
• Pointing to named body parts at 18 to 24 months
• Naming pictures of items and animals at 18 to 24 months
• Beginning to state name at 22 to 24 months

BEHAVIOR

Toddlers are always trying to be more independent. This creates not only special safety concerns, but discipline challenges. The child must be taught -- in a consistent manner -- the limits of appropriate vs. inappropriate behavior.