Wondertime: Child Stages: Toddler 18-24 Months (Child Development Information) - and More Joys of Parenting Young Children

18 to 24 Months

This period is marked by an increasing curiosity about the nature of people and things. Imitation and independence are likely to be the name of game when it comes to the end of your child's second year — from copying day-to-day tasks such as brushing her hair to trying to dress and feed herself.

MILESTONES
As they approach two years of age, toddlers:
Greatly increase their vocabulary and ability to understand. The average toddler toward the end of the second year can say 30 to 50 words and make two-word sentences. Even more impressive is their ability to understand and follow simple commands!

Master new motor milestones. This can include everything from stacking three to six blocks on top of each other and opening a door to throwing a ball overhead and running and jumping. When it comes to stairs, the typical progression over this time frame is from needing a parent's hand to start to walk instead of crawling up/scooting down stairs to walking up and down stairs alone, placing both feet on each step. That said, don't be fooled into thinking that that your toddler no longer needs adult supervision on stairs just yet.

Learn to deal with new emotions. Many 18- to 24-month-olds show anxiety around other toddlers, especially if they are unfamiliar, and also become anxious in anticipation of unpleasant events. And while temper tantrums are not necessarily a new phenomenon at this age, toddlers often perfect them as they approach two years of age. The typical two-year-old has also learned how to soothe himself, and starts to become more aware of other people's emotions, reacting to anger and affection among other family members.

May become interested in toilet training. This varies widely in the United States — typically ranging from just under two years of age to well beyond the third birthday. While trying to force a child to toilet train before they are ready is all but guaranteed to be a losing battle, the period between 18 to 24 months is a particularly good age to start casually teaching your child about the toilet and potty, about the words used to describe his bodily functions, and to let him see others in the family using the toilet.

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