From 18 months to 3 years of age, the main focus is independence versus security. Toddlers start seeing themselves as independent from their mothers. They say “No” as a way to establish independence and do things themselves. Parents can help build their children’s self-esteem by offering them choices whenever possible to allow them to make decisions without defying you.

The children's absorbent minds take everything in through sensory experiences. They obtain basic knowledge through the senses. Coordination and muscle development develops quickly. They become interested in small objects.

A child at this developmental stage should be starting to run and climb. She is able to hold a cup with both hands and drink from it.

Doing things by herself, when she wants to do them, is important to the child at this stage in child development. Improved dexterity and growing independence marks this age. She will test you as she tries to balance her need for security with her desire for independence, but she will have a hard time making decisions as to what she should do. Parents should set firm limits but allow her to make her own choices when possible.

At this stage, the child will lack the self-control necessary to express anger and frustration in words and may bite, hit, or pull hair instead. The child should be provided with a variety of physical play activities to curb aggressive behavior.

Language improves quickly at this age. The child’s vocabulary grows fast and she can recognize names of familiar people and objects. She is able to use two to four word sentences and simple phrases and improve her memory by repeating the words for everything she sees.

Child Development: 2 Years Old

The baby is a toddler now, walking and running well, climbing stairs, and riding a tricycle. She will enjoy the playground where she can ride and climb. Her energy will put her in danger, so close supervision is a necessity. She is able to drink from a cup with one hand and eat finger foods by herself.

Toilet training should begin at this stage and is made easier by the toddler now wanting to be dry and clean. Not all children are ready for toilet training at the same stage of development so do not force it or use negative reinforcement.

The two-year-old will become very protective of her things and will not share for fear of not getting them back. Sleep problems are common as she relives fears and anxieties of the daily events. Encourage her growing independence by not intervening when the child wakes at night, but let her learn that she can settle back down by herself.

The toddler will understand and test your authority as she learns to make choices and take control over her world. She likes to be with children her age but has trouble with the concept of playing together. Her quest for independence will show itself in doing the opposite of what she is told. The “terrible twos” are known for their temper tantrums and violent emotions. She will have a sense of humor and will play tricks. She will also have a fear of separation.