Toddler is the general term for a very young child who is just starting to “toddle” or to walk.  It is commonly the second developmental stage following infancy and just before childhood, and predominantly occurs between the ages of 12-36 months.

During this stage, a toddler is more likely to exhibit swarming improvements.  He or she is constantly active and alert, always on the go to explore new things.  Toddlers’ newly acquired skills like walking, climbing and running may sum up for highly adventurous children.  At the same time, a child’s awareness of independence may result to struggles of separation anxiety for most parents. 

Developmental milestones greatly vary among toddlers.  Not all toddlers learn the same thing in the same age.  If you notice that your child is few months behind in a particular area or is left behind in several areas, there is actually little need for you to worry.  Also, do not forget that babies born prematurely tend to reach milestones a bit later than those born full-term.  However, as children reach the age of two, both the full-term and the prematurely born will progress equally.  Apart from delayed developments, other telltale signs that parents should worry on include an oftentimes irritable toddler, or a toddler that makes little or no sounds at all or seldom smiles.

Typically, a 14-month old toddler can now takes two or more unassisted steps.  But others learn to walk earlier and by this time, may be able to run.  Other developmental milestones to expect of a one-year old are the uses of jargoning or making sounds that appear to be foreign languages that no one can understand, stand well, can stack two blocks, respond to one-step commands, and speak up very few words other than “dada” and “mama.” 

At 16^th month old, toddlers usually can walk fairly well on their own and learn to drink from a cup apart from feeding bottles.  For some, scribbling is a skill acquired on this period, and already knows how to point the items they want.

  For parents and grown-ups surrounding a toddler, it is best to keep in mind to watch out your words and actions, as this is the time when he or she imitates your deeds or repeat your words.  Therefore, set good examples and be role models to the little one. 

As months continue to roll, so will your child’s skills and knowledge.  He or she likes to climb now, can run and communication starts to be two-way, as he or she begins to understand some sentences.  Talking to him or her is much fun, as with playing.  Toddlers during the periods of 18 to 20 months old can enjoy carrying their toys as they roam around, feed themselves with the use of spoon or fork, choose preferred toys, commence to use more words, bends easily to pick up objects, have some control over bladder or bowel, can differentiate some body parts, know how to remove clothing, climb stairs, recognize his or her name, or recognize pictures in books or album.  A growing child’s acquisition of valuable information and knowledge is never-ending and happens every day without any specified age.  Toddlers are naturally fast learner.  This stage in a child’s growing up years is one of the most exciting and memorable moments for parents to reminisce.

Furthermore, as a toddler reaches two years old, the hand-eye coordination develops even more.  For this, enjoyable and informative activities such as coloring, puzzles, scribbling, and blocks all make appropriate pastime.  By three years old, language skills can be expected to rapidly improve.  Reading books, reciting nursery rhymes and singing songs are befitting and exciting for children at this age. 

At the end of 36 months, a child normally knows how to walk up and down the stairs with alternate feet, dress and undress on his or her own, knows how to pedal a tricycle, can communicate with few word sentences, collaborates pronouns, socializes well with others and is ready to start toilet training.  Fast-growing toddlers can achieve these things and continue to learn even more.

With all the ongoing developments of the toddler stage, it is best for parents to stick by their child and celebrate every milestone and progress.  For besides the skills, learning and independence, toddlers above all, need appreciation, care and affection.