How 2 year old baby changes

[lovebaby]

For your lovely two year old buddy,


Developmentally, your two year old is capable of a wide range of emotions. Gains continue to promote exploration and new experiences, and greater sophistication enhances potential for a variety of responses during this year.

Motor skills progress to include jumping on two feet at once, standing briefly on one foot, kicking a ball, and non-alternating stair descending. Six months from now, one foot balancing for a second or two and tricycle riding will be added. Walking backwards becomes easy (and fun). Ball throwing is more mature, (overhand). Coordination allows “eight block stacking”, imitation of a vertical line with a pencil, circular drawing with a crayon, and lots of spontaneous mess-making (they love to overturn things).

Feeding finally becomes slightly less messy as he/she can deliver the spoon to destination more neatly. Cup use improves. Some dressing (and lots of undressing) is done. Often it helps in dressing to allow the child to choose one of two items to wear – a good way to express autonomy. The combination of gross and fine motor skills obtained allow alot more climbing, door and window opening, and imitation of adult activity and chores. Children become more adept at selecting and using a toy in its intended play mode.

Language really “takes-off” – vocabulary increases during this year from 50 to up to 900 words by age three (most have a bit less this!). Pronoun use changes from indiscriminate to almost fully discriminate in one year. Plurals will soon be used, as well as two and later three word sentences. First and last name will be learned during this year in most, and the incessant “why” becomes a most used query. Although others may have a difficult time comprehending your toddler, you should get most of it – if not be sure to discuss this with your pediatrician.

Gender identity (knowing his/her sex) comes to foreknowledge. Receptive speech allows following a series of two out of three directions with different actions and objects, (“come, give me the apple and take the crayon” should result in most if not all being accomplished without reminder).

Repeating words and phrases exactly (echolalia) is common up to age three but should be replaced then by independent speech. Ideas such as hot, cold, hungry, sleepy and appropriate responses are understood. Language as a force to influence behavior is grasped, accepted, and dished out in return. Words are now combined with actions. Object recognition is advanced. For those toddlers struggling during this year with these gains, frustration expressed in tantrums or excessive self-consoling behavior may become evident. Be patient, make sure there are no medical, or physical obstructions to language gains, and be exited about progress (keep reading to your child!) Try not to compare to peers or sibs.

Cognitive and social gains include gradual improvement in ability to separate, continuation of interactive play skills, and increased business around the house. When frustrated in these attempts, tantrums may still flare and when able, developmentally appropriate activities and playmates need to be provided. They often think that they can do more than they actually can! Allowing limited food, clothing, play and other choices will help control frustration but despite your best attempts, some overwhelming situations will arise. Allow these to pass without too much attention and they should fully subside by age three. Separation gains are variable and proceed and regress in turn. Often children adapt to rigid bedtime, meal and dressing routines to get them “through”. Again, reasonable limit setting is best.

Self-consoling behaviors like thumb sucking, masturbation, rocking, head-banging may surface with tension or anxiety – a limited amount of these behaviors is not generally harmful but please discuss any excesses.

One or no nap a day is usual at this time – don’t let it interfere with night sleeping. A low, safe bed is offered during this year. Remove the crib from sight once this is done. Sometimes the transition out of the crib is anxiety provoking but avoid the temptation to put your child in your bed!

[Article from David L. Ragonesi, M.D.]