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Your Spirited Toddler: A Guide to Development (18-24 Months)

SNIPPETSDEVELOPMENT

Dr Praful Gowda

2 min read

Hold on tight! Between 18 and 24 months, your little one is transforming into a whirlwind of energy, curiosity, and independence. This is the stage of "terrible twos," but it's also a time of incredible growth and learning. Let's explore the exciting developmental leaps happening during this time, from a pediatrician's perspective.

The Four Key Developmental Domains:

Our four key developmental areas are still in full swing!

  • Cognitive: How your toddler thinks, learns, and solves problems.

  • Communication and Language: How your toddler understands and uses language.

  • Social and Emotional: How your toddler interacts with others and manages emotions.

  • Motor Skills: How your toddler moves their body.

What to Expect:

Get ready for an explosion of personality! Here are some common milestones you might see between 18 and 24 months:

  • Cognitive: Starts to understand simple instructions and routines, explores objects and tries to figure out how they work, enjoys pretend play (feeding dolls, talking on a toy phone).

  • Communication and Language: Uses two-word phrases and may start using simple sentences, points to things they want or need, understands "no" and may say it frequently!

  • Social and Emotional: Shows a wider range of emotions, enjoys playing alongside other children (parallel play), may experience separation anxiety, starts to develop a sense of self.

  • Motor Skills: Walks confidently without holding on, climbs on furniture, throws a ball, scribbles with crayons or pencils.

Remember: Every toddler develops at their own pace. This is a general guide, and some toddlers might reach these milestones a little earlier or later.

When to Worry:

If you have any concerns about your toddler's development, here are some red flags to watch for:

  • Doesn't walk by 18 months

  • Doesn't use any words by 18 months

  • Doesn't seem interested in playing with toys

  • Doesn't follow simple instructions

  • Has significant difficulty walking or climbing stairs

If you notice any of these red flags, talk to your pediatrician. Early intervention can make a big difference in a child's development.

Activities and Play:

The best way to support your toddler's development is through play and exploration! Here are some ideas to keep them engaged:

  • Cognitive: Provide a variety of safe toys and household objects for exploration, sing songs and read books together, play simple matching games.

  • Communication and Language: Talk and sing to your toddler throughout the day, narrate your daily activities, label objects and actions, encourage them to express their wants and needs with words.

  • Social and Emotional: Provide opportunities for safe social interaction with other children, model appropriate ways to express emotions, create a predictable routine to help manage separation anxiety.

  • Motor Skills: Encourage active play outdoors, sing songs and action rhymes that involve movement, provide opportunities for climbing and exploring in a safe environment.

Doctor's Tip:

This age group is notorious for tantrums! Remember, tantrums are a normal part of development as toddlers learn to express their emotions. Stay calm, validate their feelings, and set clear limits.

Conclusion:

The 18-24 month period is a rollercoaster of emotions and exciting development. Embrace the chaos and enjoy watching your little one blossom into a curious and independent toddler. Remember, your love, patience, and guidance are essential for their growth. Don't hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns.

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