What Kids Are Learning
Kids transition from babies to toddlers during the second year
of life, as tentative first steps give way to confident walking. As
your toddler starts exploring, be sure to childproof your home
to prevent household accidents.
Language.
Kids this age also make major strides in understanding
language and figuring out how to communicate. At 12 months, most
say their first word and start to use hand gestures and point to
things. Gradually, their vocabulary will grow from one or two words
to 50 words or more.
Your child will learn about language through interaction
with you and other caregivers. During year two, a toddler's
vocabulary increases slowly over the first 6 months and then
expands quickly during the second 6 months, when many start to use
simple two-word sentences. By the second birthday, you'll
probably lose count of the number of words your toddler can
say!
Understanding of language also improves - most toddlers
understand much more than they can express.
Playing.
Hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity will also improve.
Toddlers gain better control over fingers and hands and can explore
toys and surroundings more than before. Look for toys that
encourage this, as mastering age-appropriate toys and games gives
toddlers a sense of satisfaction and encourages them to move on to
more challenging tasks.
How kids play also changes. As an infant, your child may have
"played" with toys by shaking, banging, or throwing them.
Your toddler now is aware of the function of objects, so is more
likely to stack blocks, listen or talk into a toy phone, or push a
toy car. In addition, the concept of pretend play starts to emerge.
Your little one may pretend to drink from an empty cup, use a
banana as a phone, or imagine a block is a car.
Emotions at Play
Play Dates.
Many parents introduce play dates now. Toddlers enjoy having
other kids around, but don't expect them to "play"
cooperatively with each other or to be enthusiastic about sharing
toys. Have plenty of toys for everyone and be prepared to intervene
when they don't want to share. Older siblings can serve as role
models when it comes to teaching, sharing, and taking turns.
Emotions.
Tantrums are more common during the toddler years, so
expect your child to get frustrated from time to time. If you
see a tantrum coming on, try to create a distraction with a book or
interesting toy. Avoid letting your child get too tired or hungry,
particularly while trying to master new tasks, as this can
set the stage for tantrums.
While learning to walk during the second year of life, kids will
also start becoming increasingly independent. But expect your child
to fluctuate between wanting freedom and clinging to you for
comfort and reassurance. Allow the freedom to explore but be there
when you're needed.
If it hasn't come up yet, your child may develop separation
anxiety, crying and clinging to you when you try to leave and
resisting attention from others.
The onset of separation anxiety - and how long it lasts - varies
widely from child to child. It often starts around 9 months of age,
but can begin later. It improves as kids master the language and
social skills to cope with strange situations and start to learn
that the separation is not permanent.
Encouraging Your Child to Learn
Once toddlers learn to walk, there's no turning back. Yours
will want to keep moving to build on this newfound skill. Provide
lots of opportunities for being active and learning and exploring
in safe surroundings.
Games that your child might enjoy include peekaboo, pat-a-cake,
and chasing games. Toddlers love to imitate adults and are
fascinated with housework. Provide age-appropriate toys that will
encourage this, such as a toy vacuum to use while you're
cleaning or pots, pans, and spoons to play with while you're
cooking.
Other toys that toddlers enjoy include:
- brightly colored balls
- blocks, stacking and nesting toys
- fat crayons or markers
- age-appropriate animal or people figures and dolls
- toy cars and trains
- shape sorters, peg boards
- simple puzzles
- push, pull, and riding toys
Reading continues to be important. Your toddler can follow
along with a story and point to objects in the pictures as you name
them. Encourage your little one to name things he or she
recognizes.
Chat about the books you read together and the things you did
that day. Ask questions and encourage your toddler to reply by
waiting for a response, then expand on those replies.
Remember that some toddlers develop slower or faster than
others, and this variation is normal. Talk with your doctor if you
have any concerns.
Reviewed by:
Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: August 2008
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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