Kids this age love to play games of make-believe. But their imaginations can sometimes run away with them, and even spook them. Listen to your child’s fears and be there to comfort and reassure him or her when needed.
Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a toddler is developing as expected. There’s a wide range of what’s considered normal, so some children gain skills earlier or later than others. Toddlers who were born prematurely reach milestones later. Always talk with your doctor about your child’s progress.
Here are some things your toddler might be doing:
Communication and Language Skills
- strings three or more words together to form short sentences
- is understood most of the time
- asks “why?” often
- understands spatial words (such as in, on, and under)
Movement and Physical Development
- can walk up stairs with alternating feet
- catches a ball with full, outstretched arms
- balances on one foot for 1 second
- can copy a circle
- dresses and undresses with a little help
Social and Emotional Development
- is toilet trained during the daytime
- can name a friend
- can indicate whether he or she is a boy or a girl
- plays make-believe
- takes turns while playing
Cognitive Skills (Thinking and Learning)
- knows first and last name and age
- engages in pretend play
- can count three objects
- does simple puzzles
- can retell a story from a book
When to Talk to Your Doctor
Every child develops at his or her own pace, but certain signs could indicate a delay in development. Talk to your doctor if your child:
- doesn’t speak, or can’t speak in sentences
- doesn’t follow simple directions
- doesn’t engage in pretend play
- doesn’t jump
- has severe separation anxiety
- can’t make strokes with a crayon or pencil
Also, if you ever notice that your child has lost skills he or she once had or shows weakness on one side of the body, tell your doctor.
Reviewed by: Rhonda S. Walter, MD
Date reviewed: June 2016
