At 23 months old, toddlers are brimming with curiosity and energy as they approach their second birthday. This period is characterized by rapid development in various areas, including physical, cognitive, and social skills. Here’s a look at some key milestones to expect during this stage:
Physical Development:
- Walking and Running: By 23 months, many toddlers have refined their walking skills and may begin running with more confidence. They might also start climbing on furniture or playground equipment.
- Fine Motor Skills: Fine motor skills continue to improve, with toddlers able to manipulate small objects, turn pages of a book, and stack blocks with increasing precision. They may also begin showing interest in using utensils during mealtimes.
Language Development:
- Vocabulary Expansion: A 23-month-old typically has a vocabulary of 50 to 100 words. They might start combining two or three words into simple sentences, such as “want cookie” or “big truck.”
- Understanding: They begin to understand and follow simple instructions and can point to body parts or objects when named.
Cognitive Skills:
- Problem Solving: Toddlers at this age show increased problem-solving abilities. They might work out how to fit shapes into a shape sorter or figure out simple puzzles.
- Imitation: They often imitate adult behaviors and actions, which helps in learning and developing new skills. This can include mimicking household chores or pretending to cook.
Social and Emotional Development:
- Play: Social play becomes more interactive. Toddlers may engage in parallel play, playing alongside other children and occasionally sharing toys.
- Emotions: They may express a wider range of emotions and start to show empathy by comforting others or reacting to other children’s distress.
Self-Care Skills:
- Independence: Expect growing independence in self-care tasks. They might want to try feeding themselves or dressing with minimal help. Potty training might also be introduced around this age, though readiness can vary widely.
Communication and Interaction:
- Social Interaction: They may start to enjoy more structured playdates and can engage in simple games with others. Their social interactions are guided by emerging communication skills and an increased ability to understand social cues.
Each child develops at their own pace, so these milestones can vary. If there are concerns about a child’s development, consulting with a pediatrician can provide guidance and support. Encouraging exploration and providing a supportive environment helps toddlers thrive as they reach these exciting milestones.
