You now have a 2-year-old! They are wonderful! They need lots of hugs and smiles. They need you to talk to them. They are learning fast, and they don’t always have the words to express themselves. Be gentle, quiet and respectful when you talk to them or correct them. They need to feel good about themselves and know that they are special.
Safety First!
Watch your toddler closely. They put all kinds of things into their mouths. They love to climb, but they can also fall very easily. Supervise your child closely!
Special Note
Your child may not want to sit or listen very long, so plan short activities that will keep their attention. Remember, children want to do things on their own. Provide a warning before interrupting activities. Say, "There are a few minutes left to play before naptime." Avoid fusses by having a few simple rules and by being consistent, kind and firm enforcing those rules.
Hint
Your child is beginning to develop a sense of self apart from you. They are beginning to want to do things their way. Treat them and their wishes with respect so they will continue to grow into the person they are meant to be.
Things Your Child May Do at This Age
- Make simple choices
- String large beads
- Hold scissors correctly (use blunt-edged scissors)
- Scribble and mark with crayons
- Walk between two straight lines
- Jump or walk backward
- Copy vertical and horizontal lines
- Cooperate in dressing
- Verbalize toilet needs
- Stack blocks—build a tower of six or seven cubes
- Understand pronouns: I, me, my, mine
- Talk about things that interest them
Health Hints
Well-Baby Checkups: 24 months. Do it now!
A blood lead level test is recommended at 2 years of age. This doctor’s visit is a good time to check your baby’s growth and to make sure they are healthy.
Things You Can Do Every Day to Help Your Child Grow
- Give your child an opportunity to make choices whenever possible. Instead of saying "Would you like an apple?", say, "Would you like an apple or a banana?" Let them respond with words—not just by pointing at an object.
- Provide large sheets or rolls of paper and crayons for drawing and scribbling.
- Have a pretend party with pretend things to eat.
- Let them put their own things away, even though it takes longer.
- Read to them daily. Let them pick out the books they want to read.
- Watch what you say and do. Try to set good examples. Remember, your child learns from your actions and says what he or she hears.
- Show your child how to fit boxes inside each other. Then let them try. Encourage them to do it their way, even if it is not quite right. Allow them to think about what they could do to make it right and let them try. Praise their efforts!
- Give your child toys that are movable: cars, push-and-pull toys, tricycles, wagons, swings and rocking horses.
- Teach your child to use words as well as actions in dealing with situations. Say, "I know that it made you angry when Janie took your tray. Tell Janie to give it back." Give them words that they can say to express their feelings so that they won’t just react physically by grabbing, pushing, shoving, hitting, crying, screaming or biting. (It is normal that your child will show some of these behaviors, but teach them to say what they want and to use words when they are unhappy or angry.)