– Gross Motor Skills: Toddlers refine their ability to walk, run, jump, climb, and balance. They become more coordinated, starting to run with more control, kick and throw balls, and climb on furniture or playground equipment.

– Fine Motor Skills: Toddlers gain improved hand-eye coordination, allowing them to stack blocks, turn pages in a book, feed themselves with utensils, and begin drawing or scribbling.

– Toddlers develop basic problem-solving skills and a better understanding of cause and effect. They begin to explore objects more purposefully, understanding that objects exist even when out of sight (object permanence) and starting to understand simple concepts like “big” and “small” or “more” and “less.”

– A toddler’s vocabulary expands rapidly, from single words at 12 months to simple two- and three-word phrases by age 2. They begin to understand more complex language, can follow simple directions, and start to express needs and emotions with more clarity. Pronunciation improves, but speech is still developing.

– Toddlers show a growing sense of independence and self-awareness. They may experience strong emotions, including frustration and pride, and often express them through tantrums or seeking comfort. They begin to develop empathy, recognizing others’ emotions and may comfort a sad friend or caregiver.

– Parallel Play: Toddlers often engage in parallel play, where they play alongside other children without direct interaction. However, they begin to engage in cooperative play as they get closer to age 3, sharing toys, taking turns, and following simple rules in group play.

– Toddlers begin taking on more personal responsibilities, such as feeding themselves, brushing teeth, putting on shoes, and starting to dress themselves with assistance. They also begin learning to potty train, though this process can take time and varies from child to child.

– Toddlers explore the world through their senses more deliberately, touching textures, listening to sounds, looking for visual details, and experimenting with different tastes. Sensory play, such as playing with sand, water, or playdough, is common as they learn through tactile experiences.

– A toddler’s attention span begins to lengthen, though it is still short compared to older children. They can focus on a task for 5-15 minutes, especially if it’s something they find interesting. They also begin to engage in activities that require more concentration, such as simple puzzles or building with blocks.

– Toddlers start engaging in symbolic play, using toys to represent real-world objects or scenarios (e.g., pretending a block is a phone or using a spoon as a toy microphone). They develop creative thinking and problem-solving skills by inventing and acting out stories, often imitating adults in their play.