Child Development Milestones: 1 to 2 Years

Level: Intermediate

Toddlers are busy, curious and determined. They want to do everything themselves, but they don't yet have the words to explain their feelings. This is why tantrums often start at this age.

What you might see

Movement

Most children walk by themselves by around 18 months.

They climb on furniture, walk up steps with help, and start to run.

They can kick a ball, stack a few blocks, and scribble with a crayon.

They try to feed themselves with a spoon (messily!).

Communication

At around 12 to 18 months, children usually say a few words.

By around 2 years, many know 50 words or more and start joining two words together: "more milk", "daddy gone".

They understand much more than they can say.

They can follow simple instructions, like "Get your shoes."

Social and emotional

They want to be independent: "Me do it!"

Tantrums are common when they feel frustrated, tired or hungry.

They play next to other children rather than with them. This is called parallel play.

They may copy what adults do, like sweeping or talking on the phone.

Thinking

They start pretend play, like feeding a teddy or "cooking" in a toy kitchen.

They can find hidden objects and match simple shapes.

How you can help

Name their feelings. "You're angry because it's time to go home. I know. It's hard to stop playing." This teaches words for emotions.

Offer two simple choices to give them some control: "Do you want the red cup or the blue cup?"

Stay calm during tantrums. Keep them safe, speak softly, and wait. Follow the parents' approach to behaviour.

Add a word to what they say. If they say "car", you can say "Yes, a big car!"

Let them try things themselves, even if it takes longer.

When to talk to the parents

Mention it if the child:

is not walking by around 18 months

is not saying any words by around 18 months

doesn't understand simple instructions by around 2 years

doesn't point to show you things

doesn't copy actions or words

stops doing something they could do before

Useful phrases

"She said three new words today: 'duck', 'shoe' and 'more'."

"He had a big tantrum at the park when it was time to leave. We talked about it afterwards, and he was fine."

"How would you like me to handle it when she hits another child?"

Vocabulary

WordMeaning

toddlera young child who is learning to walk (about 1 to 3 years)

tantruma sudden outburst of anger, crying or shouting

independentwanting to do things without help

parallel playplaying next to other children, not together

pretend playplaying that something is real, like "cooking" with toys

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