Social:

• Copies others, especially adults and older children
• Begins to enjoy playing with other children
• Shows more and more independence
• Begins to show assertiveness at times saying “no” to adult requests
• Plays mainly beside other children, but is beginning to include other children, such as in chase games
• May have rapid mood shifts

Communication:

• Points to things or pictures when they are named
• Knows names of familiar people and body parts
• Says sentences with 2 to 4 words
• Follows simple instructions
• Repeats words overheard
• Points to things in a book

Problem-Solving:

• Finds things even when hidden under two or three covers
• Begins to sort shapes and colors
• Completes sentences and rhymes in familiar books
• Plays simple make-believe games
• Builds towers of 4 or more blocks
• Might use one hand more than the other
• Follows two-step instructions such as “Please pick up your shoes and put them in the closet.”
• Names items in a picture book such as a cat, bird, or dog

Movement:

• Stands on tiptoe
• Kicks a ball
• Begins to run
• Climbs onto and down from furniture without help
• Walks up and down stairs holding on
• Throws ball overhand
• Makes or copies straight lines and circles

WHAT FAMILIES CAN DO

• Be calm and comforting during and after your toddler’s temper tantrums.
• Be consistent with what your toddler can and cannot do.
• Use words to describe your toddler’s emotions – “You are happy when we visit the library.”
• Give your toddler lots of hugs and kisses and give praise for good behavior.
• Praise good behaviors rather than focusing on punishing bad behaviors.

 

• Arrange play dates with other children; have lots of toys to play with because toddlers have trouble sharing.
• Encourage your toddler to have empathy – to hug or pat another child who is sad.
• Give your toddler simple tasks to do to help around the house, such as sweeping and helping with dinner.
• Play with blocks and take turns building towers and knocking them down.
• Provide materials for art project using crayons, paint and play-dough.
• Help your toddler with simple puzzles with shapes, colors or animals; name the pieces as they are put in place.
• Talk to your toddler about the things you are doing and seeing together.
• Teach your toddler to identify and say body parts, animals and other common things.
• Use words to identify feelings.
• Encourage your toddler to say the word rather than pointing to something he/she wants.
• Tell stories, read and encourage pretend play.
• Sing songs and repeat rhymes together; take turns inserting goofy words such as “Row, Row, Row your —-.”
• Ask your toddler to carry small items for you once he/she walks well.
• Kick a ball back and forth, and once your toddler can do this, encourage him/her to run and kick it.
• Visit parks, playgrounds and large indoor play spaces where your toddler can run and climb on playground equipment.