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Toddler development
Information:
Toddlers are children age 1 through 3. THEORIES Text Continues Below
Jean Piaget, in the cognitive development theory, states that the late sensorimotor stage includes rudimentary thought: - Understanding permanence of objects and people
- Following visual (then later, invisible) displacement of objects
- Early use of instruments or tools.
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 autonomy and a sense of self. These milestones are typicial 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: - Having gross motor skills
- Standing alone well by 12 months
- Stooping over, picking up objects, and standing again
- Walking well by 12 to 14 months
- Learning to walk backwards and up steps after 12 to 14 months
- Kicking ball forward at about 16 to 18 months
- Throwing ball overhand at about 18 to 24 months
- Jumping in place by about 24 months
FINE MOTOR SKILLS
Evidence of fine motor skills in a 15-month-old includes: - Scribbling
- Placing a block in a cup
- Beginning to stack blocks
LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
Normal toddler language development typically includes: - Using 2-3 words (other than Mama or Dada) at 12 to 15 months
- Combining 2 words at 16 to 20 months
- Pointing to named body parts at 18 to 24 months
- Naming pictures of items and animals at 18 to 24 months
- Beginning to state name at 22 to 24 months
BEHAVIOR
Toddlers are constantly striving for more independence. This creates not only special safety concerns, but discipline challenges. The child must be taught -- in a consistent manner -- the limits of appropriate vs. inappropriate behavior.
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