General Developmental Milestones For Toddlers

My daughter, Alisha is now 2 years old. She can speak few clear words in a sentence and is also picking up words quite faster lately from her favorite cartoon movies. Though she was a bit slow in her language development but now she is catching up.

Observing the developmental milestones of our children is an amazing feeling of fulfillment for a mother. You just imagine when you first hold your child in your arms those delicate and small body can now walk and eat by themselves and speak for themselves. Such a great accomplishment! However, children develop at their own pace, so it's impossible to tell exactly when yours will learn a given skill. Below are the developmental milestones that will give you a general idea of the changes you can expect as your child gets older, but don't be alarmed if your child takes a slightly different course.

For Years Old

Social and Emotional

* Imitates behavior of others, especially adults and older children
* More aware of herself as separate from others
* More excited about company of other children

Emotional

* Begins to show defiant behavior
* Separation anxiety increases toward midyear then fades

Cognitive


* Finds objects even when hidden under two or three covers
* Begins to sort by shapes and colors
* Begins make-believe play

Language

* Points to object or picture when it's named for him
* Recognizes names of familiar people, objects, and body parts
* Says several single words (by 15 to 18 months)
* Uses simple phrases (by 18 to 24 months)
* Uses 2- to 4-word sentences
* Follows simple instructions
* Repeats words overheard in conversation

Movement

* Walks alone
* Pulls toys behind her while walking
* Carries large toy or several toys while walking
* Begins to run
* Stands on tiptoe
* Kicks a ball
* Climbs onto and down from furniture unassisted
* Walks up and down stairs holding on to support

Hand and Finger Skills

* Scribbles on his or her own
* Turns over container to pour out contents
* Builds tower of four blocks or more
* Might use one hand more often than the other

For 3 years old onwards next posting...