YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT
1 TO 2 YEARS
Children at this age like to do things in their own way and in their own time. At this time it is our main job to ensure they have a safe environment to learn, play and explore in. As they get closer to two their concentration is better so they play for longer and can tune into you better. You will notice they are becoming more independent but it can be a trap for us as they haven’t yet got an understanding of danger.
Tips for you to encourage learning and proper development
- Encourage your toddler to ask questions and try new things. Tell them you trust them and you are with them
- Talk them through everyday things you might not think are interesting (eg the vacuums has a motor)
- Get them excited about being involved (making play dough, makebubbles and bush walks)
- Spend time outdoors together and talk about the weather or the seasons
- Great one for Dads is to dismantle things and re0build – explain each part
AREAS OF CHANGE TO PAY ATTENTION TO:
Physcial
- walks, climbs and takes unassisted steps. Runing even
- dancing is great
- climbs up on things
- can kicks and throw things (balls)
- feed themselves occasionally
- begins to run
- hold pencil or crayon in fist
- flick through pages in books
- finger feeds themselves
- wil fall frquently when walking
- bend down to pick up an object
- will qucikly crawl
- can drink from a sippy cup
- attempt to use spoon/fork
Social
- begins to share and join in with others when playing
- parallel play with other children
- Full of energy
- Needs presence of an adult to feel safe
Emotional
- can suffer anxiety when they are separated from loved ones
- needs comfort when scared or upset
- Looks for reassurance around starngers
- frustrated or tired energy will show thorugh
- shows emapthy and sympathy when others are upset
Language
- can understand basic commands and words
- says first name
- says many small words
- may tie two words together
- will follow along anotehr actions
- enjoys rhymes and songs
