toddler

Boy toddler

Toddler is a common term for a young child who is learning to walk or "toddle",^[1] generally considered to be the second stage of development after infancy and occurring predominantly during the ages of 12 to 36 months old.^[2] During this period, the child learns a great deal about social roles and develops motor skills; to toddle is to walk unsteadily. The term cruising is used for toddlers who cannot toddle but must hold onto something while walking.

The toddler developmental timeline shows what an average toddler can do at what age. Times vary greatly from child to child. It is common for some toddlers to master certain skills (such as walking) well before other skills (like talking). Even close siblings can vary greatly in the time taken to achieve each key milestone.

This age is sometimes referred to as 'the terrible twos', because of the temper tantrums they are famous for. This stage can begin as early as nine months old depending on the child and environment. The toddler is discovering that they are a separate being from their mother or caregiver and are testing their boundaries in learning the way the world around them works. This time between the ages of two and five when they are reaching for independence repeats itself during adolescence. Thus it is very important for the caregiver to be consistent with boundaries and discipline for the child’s safety and the caregiver's sanity through puberty.

Most children are toilet trained while they are toddlers. In most Western countries, toilet training starts as early as 17 months for some while others are not ready to begin toilet training until they are three.

When toddlers can walk they are still often transported in a buggy, or stroller when they are tired, or to increase speed.

Engagement in 'fantasy-land'

Girl toddler

Why do toddlers participate in behaviors such as telling “lies”, having imaginary friends, fears? Is engagement in fantasy a normal part of early childhood? Make-believe for children is a normal part of growing up, especially in the toddler years.

What does “fantasy-land” behavior do?

• Allows the child to experimentally try out different ways of doing things.
• Helps children learn how to play creative games.
• Stimulates creativity and imagination.
• Acts as a way for children to safely test-out different feelings and actions.
• Enables children to be “in charge” and in control during a time in their life when someone else is in control.
• Helps children deal with stress—such as having an imaginary friend go through the same experience with them.
• Allows children to explore and expand their use of imagination and creativity.
• Make-believe play can prepare a young child for school.

Cautions about “fantasy-land” behavior:

• It is beneficial for children to socialize with others their own age. Parents should be aware if the child has no interest in making friends or seems to not be able to make friends.
• Parents should be aware if their child’s real world takes a back seat to their imaginary one.
• Parents should be concerned if their child’s envisioned fears reach a concerning or phobic stage that is interfering in their daily life.

What the experts say:

• American Psychological Association: Children who play in imaginative ways make significant gains in readiness skills that can be useful to prepare them for school.
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Make-believe play can be a creative way for children to try out behaviors and emotions, have conversations, and sample different activities.

Developmental activities

Mischievous toddler

It is empowering to a toddler when they are able to create or alter something, or when they first grasp a logical concept or witness the laws of nature in progress. Their confidence gets a huge boost when they learn that they impact and can control their surroundings.

A child’s enthusiasm for learning should be established early on. Present the child with activities that are appropriate for developing motor and language skills. As the toddler is able to participate in a new activity and complete simple tasks, their self-esteem is boosted. It may take several tries for the toddler to learn certain skills, give them the opportunity to try and try again. It is very important that the toddle feels capable. It is sometimes very easy for the parent to give-up on the activity when the toddler has failed once. The toddler, on the other hand, is usually quite willing to try again.

Don’t compare the toddler’s ability to the abilities of another. Understand that children develop certain skills at different times based on their preference of activity type. Some children develop strong language skills before motor skills if their interests are more in communication and relationship building rather than climbing and exploring..

Toddler mimicking adult behavior

Important things to remember about toddlers activities

• Give them the freedom to fail, sometimes it is the only way to learn to succeed.
• Help the toddler work through their frustrations when they are unable to complete a task. Give them a small bit of assistance, let them try again and explain how they sometimes need a lot of practice before they get it right.
• Praise the child’s actions when they succeed rather than the child. (example: rather than saying "you are such a good girl", say "you did such a good job of pouring the water without spilling a drop".)
• Be sure to demonstrate for the toddler the task that they will be performing. Mimicking is an innate part of a toddler’s learning process.
• Social interaction is very important for a toddler’s development. Language, motor and social skills are learned as the toddler mimics the voices and actions that they repeatedly hear and see

References

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