Child Development

Have you ever wanted two very different things at the same time? A piece of chocolate cake and to lose a few pounds? To take a nap and to join friends for a walk on a beautiful day? How does it feel? Frustrating? Unsettling?

Your toddler often feels this kind of push and pull. He wants to be close to you and gets upset when he is apart from you. At the same time, he wants to do things on his own in his own way. So he snuggles close one moment, then cries and protests, “My do!” when you start to zip up his coat the next. No wonder you both feel upset and confused at times.

Sometime, during this year, it is likely you will see your toddler:

• Learn to walk and be on the move, refusing to sit still for long periods
• Climb steps one at a time
• Throw and retrieve objects
• Follow simple directions
• Name some familiar objects and combine two word phrases
• Ask questions Imitate speech and behaviors
• Continue to act concerned, afraid or curious when around someone unfamiliar and look to you for comfort (stranger anxiety)
• Test limits and use the word “No!” often, even when he doesn’t mean it
• Show a limited ability to express frustrations which may result in negative behaviors (biting or tantrums)
• Work on using a fork or spoon and drinking from a cup
• Finger feed easily
• Begin to want to do things independently (feeding, dressing)
• Point to eyes, mouth, hands, feet, and hair when asked
• Point out familiar objects in pictures
• Try to figure things out: puzzle pieces, stacking toys, taking something apart and putting back together, opening and closing, pouring
• Kick a large ball forward
• Climb…and figure out how to move through and around obstacles

Useful Resources

Additional Resources My E-Journal