Note
- At 2-3 years, you may be able to express your feelings, be angry, have doubts, and be independent.
- Young children are developing new skills in many areas, including language, thinking, and movement.
- Developmental activities include talking and listening, reading, playing outside, playing with others, and cooking together.
- If you are concerned about your child’s development or need support, talk to your doctor, child health nurse, and family.
Early childhood development 2-3 years: What to expect
This is one of the most important periods for cognitive development. Your child will experience many emotions as they become more aware of the feelings of others. Anger is common because your child cannot express their needs. They often do not know how to express feelings such as sadness, anger, embarrassment, guilt, and shame.
Your children will also begin to understand how their actions affect you and how your actions affect them. Your children will be less upset when you leave them. But they still need your attention, and may cling to you when they are tired, scared, or need a hug.
Explain
At about 2 years old, toddlers may be using 2-3 word sentences and saying “I,” “you,” and “I.” Your child is learning and using multiple words, which are easier to understand when spoken.
By 3 years old, toddlers can use sentences of 3-5 words or more. Your child is starting to learn how to take turns, and can talk to you briefly. Your child is learning to talk about things that happened throughout the day. With your help, your child can put things together into a simple story, like “I went to the store.” – So, what did you do in the store?
This year, your child will also talk about people and things that are not around, like “the grandmother in the store,” “my ball in the tree.”
Thinking
Everything that young children learn at this age develops their minds. Your child will begin to understand concepts such as time and prepositions, such as big/small and day/night. Your child will also begin to identify body parts, classify objects, and compare shapes and colors based on their own behavior. Your child will begin to remember their shape – for example, an apple is red and round.
When should we focus on the growth and development of 2-year-olds?
You know your child best. So, if you are concerned or notice any of the following problems your 2-year-old is experiencing, it is a good idea to see your child’s home health nurse or GP. Vision, hearing and communication
Your child:
- Has difficulty seeing or hearing
- Does not put 2 or more words together – for example, “red car” or “I’ll go again”
- Inability to follow simple instructions, such as “Take off your shoes.”
- Behavior and play
Your child:
- Does not follow movements or words – For example, when singing – Head, shoulders, knees and toes
- Does not play while you are playing – for example, does not touch a doll
- No emotions shown
- Does not come to you for affection or comfort.
- Movements and motor skills
Your child:
Can’t climb or descend stairs even when holding onto you or a railing
Not doing anything
Has difficulty holding small objects like pens, pencils, crayons
Doesn’t draw or try to write.
