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Well, another chapter of you child’s life closing. You’ve made it through the newborn weeks, infant months and baby years. Your baby is officially a toddler. With these next few years will come the most challenging and rewarding part of active parenting and molding your child into an independent kid. This is a time of rapid development, with your child making significant strides in language, physical abilities, and social skills. Along with key milestones for reaching the second year of life, we will dive in to on how to support your child’s growth and development.
Milestones to Look Out For
By the time your child turns 2, they may be able to:
- Use simple phrases and understand simple instructions
- Walk up stairs with help
- Scribble with a crayon or marker
- Recognize objects by name
- Show more independence in daily routines, such as feeding themselves or brushing their teeth
It’s important to remember that every child develops at their own pace, so don’t worry if your child hasn’t reached all of these milestones yet. However, if you have concerns about your child’s development, don’t hesitate to talk to your pediatrician.
Challenges You May Face
As your child becomes more independent, you may also face some challenges. For example, your child may start to assert their independence by saying “no” to everything, which can be frustrating for parents. Additionally, some children may experience separation anxiety or become picky eaters. It’s important to be patient and provide consistent support during these challenging times.
Tips for Supporting Your Child’s Development
Here are some tips for supporting your child’s growth and development during their second year of life:
- Encourage language development by talking to your child, reading to them, and asking them questions.
- Provide opportunities for physical activity, such as playing at the park or doing simple exercises at home.
- Establish routines and stick to them as much as possible to help your child feel secure.
- Offer healthy, balanced meals and snacks to promote good nutrition.
- Create a safe and stimulating environment for your child to explore and learn.
While the second year of life can be challenging, it’s also an exciting time of growth and development for your child. By understanding what milestones to expect and providing consistent support, you can help your child thrive during this important stage. Remember to be patient, seek support when needed, and enjoy watching your child learn and grow.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, April 13). Important Milestones: Your Child By Two Years. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-2yr.html
KidsHealth. (2020, November). Your Child’s Growth: 2 Years. Retrieved from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/growth-2yrs.html
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). Developmental Milestones: 2 Year Olds. In Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 (pp. 210-229). Bantam Books.