Older Toddler and Two-Year-Old Development and Milestones: 24 through 35 months

Early Childhood Development

Early childhood development (ECD) is a complex theory that explains how a child learns and how the brain advances through stages of abilities from birth to 5 years of age. One part of this theory is Older Toddlers and Two-Year-Old Development. As your child’s parent, you are their most important teacher. As teachers, we support the children’s development as they advance their abilities. This blog focuses on the modern teaching approach in ECE, called the whole-child approach, where teaching encompasses the development of all aspects of the child’s learning: physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional abilities.

Abilities & Preferences

Abilities are skills a child has or is developing, and preference means their likes or dislikes. Older toddlers develop abilities and preferences at their own pace, also called developmental milestones or skills. Many abilities overlap with one another, making it difficult to separate them. It is important to remember that children develop a wide range of abilities at different rates. Any child could be above the typical age in one ability and below the typical age in another.

This blog focuses on how children engage and interact with toys and the abilities necessary for that interaction. We do not provide medical advice, medical conditions, child health suggestions, or disease control. 

Older Toddler Development: 24 through 35 months

Remember that the two-year-old stage can be challenging for the child, caregivers, and parents. They are often described as impossible, demanding, unreasonable, and contrary during this time. However, their strong will, tantrums, and inability to accept limits are all part of normal development. It’s important to remember that two-year-olds rarely have control of themselves, but they are learning during this time. Toddlers at this age face overwhelming demands, including learning new skills and behaviors, perfecting learned responses, and trying to understand adult expectations.

Physical Development

The two-year-old toddler is walking with a wide stance at the start of this year and gradually walking in a more erect heel-to-toe pattern. Their ability to maneuver around obstacles is improving. They run with increasing confidence and have fewer falls. They squat for long periods while playing, climb stairs unassisted, one at a time, balance on one foot for a few moments, and jump up and down, often falling. The toddler can throw a large ball underhand without losing balance, climb on a chair, turn around, and sit down.

Cognitive Development

At two years old, toddlers exhibit improved eye-hand coordination and can fit large pegs into a pegboard. They start using objects to symbolize other things, for example, pretending a block is a cell phone by holding it to their ear. This is known as symbolic play. They can also categorize objects based on one attribute, like separating red vehicles from those of other colors. Toddlers at this age may spend more time observing objects in motion, perhaps trying to understand the situation or just finding it fascinating. They can focus on activities they choose for longer periods and begin to learn cause and effect, such as realizing that squeezing a water bottle results in the water spilling out.

Language Development

At two years old, toddlers enjoy being read to and like to participate by pointing, making relevant noises, and turning pages. They realize that language is effective for getting others to respond to their needs and preferences. They use between fifty to three hundred different words and their vocabulary is continuously increasing. Most of their speech has meaning to them. They understand significantly more than they can talk about. Typically, they speak in three to four-word statements and refer to themselves as “me” or sometimes “I” rather than by their name, for example, “Me go bye-bye”. At this age, they consider most things as their own “mine” and are constantly asking, “What’s that?” Some stuttering is very common, and overall, their speech is understandable three-fourths of the time.

Social-Emotional Development

The two-year-old child is showing signs of empathy and caring. They will comfort another child who is hurt or frightened, and can sometimes be overly affectionate in offering hugs and kisses. Enjoys helping with household chores, imitates everyday activities, and may try to toilet train a stuffed animal or feed a doll.

Toy Safety

Toy safety is essential because small objects should not be around young infants and children. When children turn two years old, it is a good time for parents to create a dedicated, safe place and play area.

Conclusion

Two-year-old toddlers must resolve their conflicting feelings of dependence and independence. They are frustrated and have difficulty speaking and making choices. Even saying no to things they want is difficult. While this year can be trying for all, good things also happen. Toddlers are known for their frequent and spontaneous bursts of laughter and affection. By the end of the second year, the toddler starts to function more effectively and pleasantly.

References:

• Essential Toy Safety for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers. 
• Whole Child Education: What is the Approach to Teaching?
• Developmentally Appropriate Toys: What and Why are They Important?
• American Academy of Pediatrics 

I value your input and comments tremendously. If there is anything else I should include in this blog post, please let me know!