The toddler years are a time of great change for both children and parents. For children, this is a time when they learn and grow more than any other stage in their lives.
And for parents, it can be a time of great challenge as they strive to meet the needs of their growing children. In order to make the most of these years, it is important for both parents and children to understand what to expect during the toddler years.
This article will provide an overview of the toddler years, mostly what you need to know about these joyous years of raising children.
What is the toddler stage?
The toddler stage begins at about 18 months and ends around the age of three. During this time children will undergo rapid physical, mental, emotional, and social growth. They will learn many new skills like walking, talking, playing with others and more.
Significant Milestones in the Toddler Years
The toddler years are an extremely busy time for children. They learn and grow rapidly, physically, emotionally, and socially.
During this time they develop their own unique personalities, social skills, and self-help abilities. They become more independent and often test their limits. A child’s abilities are directly related to his/her age, so there is no doubt that they will accomplish many new skills during these years.
The following is a list of the significant milestones in the toddler years:
- By 18 months children can usually run well, climb up and down stairs, build a tower of 5 or more blocks, and throw a ball overhand.
- By 2 years children will usually walk up and down stairs without support, cut with safety scissors, draw circles and squares, feed themselves well with a spoon and fork, say 20-30 recognizable words, know their full name and address (maybe phone number), help with simple household tasks such as sweeping and dusting, and play well with other children.
- By 3 years they can usually run well, walk up and down stairs alternating feet, put on some clothes (maybe shoes), draw a person with 2 or more body parts, use a fork very well, understand the concept of counting to 10, and knowing quantity, recite their address, phone number, and name.
Now that you know all about the toddler years, be sure to make the most of them! These are some of the most special and memorable years of your child’s life. Enjoy every moment, as they will grow up all too soon.