Remember, everyday moments are rich bonding and learning opportunities. Enjoy the magic of these moments with your child.
What It’s Like for You
Your “baby” isn’t a baby anymore! He has ideas and opinions of his own. He can also do so much for himself—dress (or at least help), eat, and talk, talk, talk. While these accomplishments may delight you and make you feel proud, you may also feel a sense of sadness or loss, wondering where the time has gone.
This third year is a magical time as imagination is blossoming. Two-year-olds often spend a lot of time in the world of pretend. When you watch your child and join in (while letting him be the director) you will learn a lot about what he is thinking and feeling. He may make up stories where he is the dad who goes to work and you are the child left at home or in child care. He may be the king who gets everything he wants!
There may be some big adjustments ahead for both of you, as well. You might be considering pre-school. Learning to use the potty may be on the horizon. Perhaps there is a new baby coming into the picture. You may be concerned about how your toddler will adjust…or how you will handle two! These are all opportunities to help your child learn to cope with life’s changes.
Reading Your Toddler's Cues
What follows is a chart that describes what children are learning at this stage and what you can do to support the development of these new skills. As you go through the chart, it’s important to remember that every baby is an individual person, and grows and develops in her own way, at her own pace. Building a strong and close relationship with you is the foundation of her learning and her healthy growth and development.
Any concern about your baby’s behavior or development deserves attention. Always discuss your concerns with your child’s pediatrician or other trusted professional.
From 2 to 3 years old
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What to expect |
What you can do |
Oh Brother! |
Or Sister! If your toddler was an only child, a new sibling might be on the way or already in the picture. This is a wonderful gift, but can also bring some challenges. |
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I’m Scared! |
Your toddler’s imagination is blossoming, but he is often not sure about the difference between reality and fantasy. This may lead to new fears. |
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Let me try |
Your toddler is becoming capable of doing more and more things by himself. |
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I’m unique |
Your child is beginning to notice similarities and differences among people. |
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Batteries not included (or necessary!) |
You may be tempted to buy specialized toys, games, or videos, especially those that claim to make your baby smarter. |
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Catch Me If You Can |
Your child can do a lot with his body: run, jump, climb, spin, and now even play on riding toys and tricycles. |
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Now You’re Talkin’ |
After waiting all this time for your child to talk, you may wonder when your 2-year-old will ever stop. She now uses longer sentences and talks anytime, anywhere. |
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Why? |
“Why” may become one of her favorite new words because your curious toddler is learning about the logical connections between things. She begins to understand, “If I write with crayon on the walls, mommy take the crayon away!” |
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Source: Zero to Three (www.zerotothree.com)
Read more:
The Magic of Everyday Moment – Baby from newborn to 6 months
The Magic of Everyday Moment – Baby from 6 to 12 months