What Are the Developing Rates of Toddler Motor Skills?

Do you know at what age she should be able to drink from a cup? If you answered at about age 1, you are correct.

Through pregnancy and infancy, there are many resources to help parents know what to expect from their little one. What happens, though, when the little one isn't so little anymore and enters toddlerhood? From when a child should be able to stand on her tip toes to take a cookie from the kitchen counter to the age where he is ready for potty training, this crucial stage in your child's development is one parents should research and understand.

Physical Development

While your 1-year-old toddler is growing less quickly now than he did as an infant, he should have the ability to walk without support. If he has not done so yet, this ability should be present by 14 months. Your child may even be able to walk backwards and up steps as they near 2 years old. He will also be able to drink from a cup with a little help at this stage. Playtime might consist of stacking blocks or scribbling.

By 2, he should be able to walk, run, climb and go up and down stairs alone. Children should also be able to throw a ball, kick a ball and jump. Standing on tip-toe is also seen around age 2.

Because he will not like the feeling of a wet or dirty diaper, he might begin to show interest in starting to potty train.

Social and Emotional Development

Your 1-year-old will begin to become quite independent, and she may throw a temper tantrum when she doesn't get her way.

This can be problematic as she begins to want to play beside other children. At this age, she will not have much interest in playing with other children because 1-year-olds have problems with sharing toys and may be possessive of their belongings.

Set rules, but remember little ones of this age can't remember them. This is complicated by the fact that many at age 1 see themselves as the center of the world.

Emotions can run high at this time as your 1-year-old is able to show emotions such as jealousy, affection, pride and shame. This time is also often marked by quick shifts in mood.

Remember that routines are important at this age.

By the age of 2, she can begin to play simple pretend games.

The word "no" is often a favorite at this age, and it can be used as she begins to share her opinions with the world.

Mimicking begins to emerge at this age, as children imitate the behavior of adults. Don't be surprised if she shows interest in household tasks done by the parents, such as cooking or home repairs.

A double-edged sword experienced by most parents of 2-year-olds is they become frustrated easily, yet they refuse help.

Intellectual Development

Your 1-year-old will be intensely curious, often using his hands to point to an object he wants.

Animal sounds will be a favorite to imitate at this age. Many children can name familiar people such as Mommy, Daddy and others, as well as objects such as ball and cat.

He should be able to make a two-word sentence, such as "Mommy eat." The pronouns "me" and "mine" will also make their first appearance.

He will also be able to name the parts of the body and point to them.

A second person is often welcomed into the child's pretend play at this age, but remember his attention span is still relatively short. They are very active.

Because of their developing imagination, they have trouble knowing what is real and what is pretend.

When he turns 2, he will be able to follow simple directions, such as "Give me the teddy bear."

You will hear him string together sentences of three or more words, and he will be better able to express his feelings. Remember his attention span is still very limited at this age.

His capacity for memory, however, is growing, and he will be able to remember short rhymes and sing simple songs.

Activities for Your Toddler

To test your child's development, try these activities to test her development.

Age 1: Roll a ball to play catch, build with blocks or give her a mirror so she can see herself. Give her containers she can fill with items such as blocks or other toys. Provide music so she can listen and dance. Play hide-and-seek. Give her a wheeled toy that is powered by her feet and not pedals. Talk about everyday objects, specifically what color they are, their shape and texture. Make comparisons in the world, such as "This tree is taller than that tree."

Age 2: Your 2-year-old will be working on gross motor skills, so encourage her to run, jump and climb outside. Sing simple songs such as "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" or "Mary Had a Little Lamb." Allow her to play in a sandbox or play at a water table. She should also be allowed to stack things such as blocks. Give her items that can be taken apart and put back together, but remember these items should be age-appropriate.

Ask her to name things in photographs or in pictures. It is OK to help her if she cannot remember the name of someone or something.

Give her dolls, housekeeping toys, dress-up clothes and toy telephones so she can imitate the behavior of the adults she sees. Introduce art activities like scribbling, painting and coloring. Start potty training only when she is ready. This is also a good time to teach hand-washing and toothbrushing.

References

• National Center for Child Care Toddler Development