Toddler development

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Toddler development

Toddlers are children ages 1 - 3.

THEORIES

Jean Piaget, in the cognitive (thought) development theory, includes the following:

• Early use of instruments or tools
• Following visual (then later, invisible) displacement (moving from one place to another) of objects
• Understanding that objects and people are there even if you can't see them (object and people permanence)

Erik H. Erikson's personal-social development theory says the toddler stage represents Autonomy (independence) vs. Shame or Doubt. The child learns to adjust to society's demands, while trying to maintain independence and a sense of self.

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These milestones are typical of children in the toddler stages. Some variation is normal. If you have questions about your child's development, contact your health care provider.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

The following are signs of expected physical development in a toddler:

GROSS MOTOR SKILLS (use of large muscles in the legs and arms)

• Stands alone well by 12 months
• Walks well by 12 - 15 months (if the child is not walking by 18 months, he or she should be evaluated by a health care provider)
• Learns to walk backwards and up steps with help at about 16 - 18 months
• Throws a ball overhand and kicks a ball forward at about 18 - 24 months
• Jumps in place by about 24 months
• Rides a tricycle and stands briefly on one foot by about 36 months

FINE MOTOR SKILLS (use of small muscles in hands and fingers)

• Makes tower of three cubes by around 15 months
• Scribbles by 15 - 18 months
• Can use spoon and drink from a cup by 24 months
• Can copy a circle by 36 months

LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

• Uses 2 - 3 words (other than Mama or Dada) at 12 - 15 months
• Understands and follows simple commands ("bring to Mommy") at 14 - 16 months
• Names pictures of items and animals at 18 - 24 months
• Points to named body parts at 18 - 24 months
• Begins to say his or her own name at 22 - 24 months
• Combines 2 words at 16 to 24 months -- there is a range of ages at which children are first able to combine words into sentences; if a toddler cannot do so by 24 months, parents should consult their health care provider
• Knows gender and age by 36 months