By now, your little one is a toddler, and you might be dealing with tantrums and the famous ‘terrible twos.’ However, you’ll likely discover that these twos aren’t as awful as people say. In fact, there’s a lot to enjoy about your funny and curious two-year-old and her small view of the world.
On an average day, she will probably still have a nap of around two hours (though some children drop theirs at this stage) and she’ll sleep around 11 hours at night. That’s what the text books reckon, anyway. If you’re experiencing toddler sleep problems, perhaps your two-year-old didn’t get the memo.
She’ll probably be quite chatty by now, and will have plenty of her own opinions, which she’ll want to share with you. Loudly. And repeatedly. (And if they’re about poo, bottoms or personal comments about any part of your body, this will probably happen in the queue at Tesco’s).
Her newfound physical skills enable her to start becoming independent. She might be able to take off her own clothes – and even put some on, too, and should be able to wash her hands, standing at a step stool to the sink, and dry them again with help.
The Physical Journey at Age Two
At two years old, both boys and girls are typically about 34 inches tall and weigh around 27-28 pounds.
Now, your child is more confident in moving around. They’ll likely be running with fewer falls, climbing stairs by holding onto the banister using both feet, and may even be using a scooter, trike, or balance bike in the garden. You might be surprised to find them halfway up the climbing frame at the park, reaching places you didn’t think they could.
Fine motor skills are also developing. They’re getting better at handling small objects, using a precise grip to pick up tiny things. They can stack blocks to build towers and are starting to make marks with crayons and pencils, even though they might not have a preferred hand yet. As the year progresses, these skills will continue to improve.
Fun Ways to Help Your Toddler Grow Strong and Move
To help your two-year-old grow and move, make sure they have lots of chances to play outside every day. Take them to the park, go for a walk, or have a fun scooter ride.
For their little hands, the best toys are the ones that make them strong for writing later on. Play with squishy things like Play Doh to exercise their fingers. In the bath, you can give them a whisk to make big bubbles and make their wrists strong. It’s all about having fun while helping them get stronger!
Cognitive Development at Age Two
Bedtime Challenges with Your Two-Year-Old”
Bedtime might turn into a bit of a struggle because your little one is now old enough to protest going to bed while everyone else is having fun downstairs. This bedtime battle can stick around until they grow up, so get ready for a little patience and persistence!
How Much Should My Two-Year-Old Talk?”
When your child is two, they should know around 50 words, but don’t stress about keeping track. Even if it seems like most of what they say is ‘no’, ‘why’, or ‘juice,’ they likely know the names of many things, like people, animals, foods, and everyday words. By now, they might be putting together two or three words to form sentences, such as ‘me want juice’ or ‘go to bed.’
At this age, speech skills become more noticeable, and issues like speech delay may be detected. If you’re worried, it’s a good idea to talk to your health visitor or GP. Sometimes, things like ear infections can affect hearing and cause speech delays, but they are often easy to fix.
Don’t stress about pronunciation just yet. If your child says ‘w’ instead of ‘r’ or talks about ‘disonaurs’ and ‘deddy bears,’ it’s okay. Enjoy their adorable way of talking for a bit longer.
“Top Picks for Two-Year-Old Fun: Toys that Spark Growth and Play!”
For a fantastic second birthday gift, consider something with wheels. A balance bike, scooter, or trike is not just fun but helps with balance, motor skills, and strength. Look into what suits your little one best.
Activities that help with small movements are also great for this age. Good toddler toys include Play Doh, clay, or chunky beads that they can pick up with tweezers or thread onto string.
Role-playing toys are a hit too. Things like a cars mat, dolls’ house, or play kitchen are perfect for pretend play, and they can even enjoy them with a friend playing alongside.
“Big Steps at Two: What Your Child Might Be Up To!”
Around two years old, your child might be hitting these milestones:
- Independent Dressing:
- Taking off her own clothes.
- Building Skills:
- Building a tower with three or four building blocks.
- Learning Words:
- Naming some body parts, animals, and colors.
- Self-Care Steps:
- Washing hands and brushing teeth with a bit of help.
And if you’re amazed, she might also be:
- More Dressing Independence:
- Putting on some of her own clothes.
- Clear Communication:
- Speaking clearly and being understood by people who don’t know her.
- Active Play:
- Throwing a ball overarm.
- Early Artistic Skills:
- Drawing a vertical line and a circle.
