AGES & STAGES - TWO-YEAR OLDS
Lesia Oesterreich, M.S.
Family Life Extension Specialist
Human Development and Family Studies
Iowa State University
Copyright/Access Information
Two-year-olds like to be independent! Favorite words are "Mine" and "No" and "I do it!" Emotions take on a roller coaster-like quality as 2-year-olds can go from excitement to anger to laughter within a few moments. A great deal of time is spent exploring, pushing, pulling, filling, dumping, and touching.
Two-year-olds are surer of themselves and of what they can do as they grow. Their bodies stretch out, and most will lose the potbellied look during this third year of life. Their appetites lessen, and they may be particular about food. They are still growing fairly rapidly.
Toddlers are very attached to their caregivers. You may find them trying out new ideas and exploring their surroundings, but still staying close to you as they need a base of support and trust. Two-year-olds are usually interested in other children. However, social interest and physical abilities sometimes collide as a hug becomes a tackle and a gentle pat becomes a whack. You will need to teach children how to express affection appropriately.
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SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT |
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plays alongside others more than with them
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acts shy around strangers
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likes to imitate parents
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easily frustrated
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affectionate - hugs and kisses
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insists on trying to do several tasks without help
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enjoys simple make-believe like talking on phone, putting on hat
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very possessive - offers toys to other children but then wants them back
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needs considerable time to change activities
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capable of frequent tantrums, which are often a result of his inability to express himself even though he has ideas
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can show aggressive behavior and the intent to hurt others
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can be extremely demanding and persistent
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destructive to objects around him when frustrated and angry
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possessive about caregiver's attention; show feelings of jealousy
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has fears and nightmares
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has sense of humor; capable of laughter
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shows interest in dressing, brushing hair and teeth
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cannot sit still or play with a toy for more than a few minutes
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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
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weight: 22-38 pounds
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height: 32-40 inches
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has almost a full set of teeth
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walks up and down stairs by holding onto railing
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feeds self with spoon
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experiments by touching, smelling, and tasting
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likes to push, pull, fill, and dump
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can turn pages of a book
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stacks 4-6 objects
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scribbles vigorously with crayons or markers
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many children (but not all) will learn to use toilet
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walks without help
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walks backwards
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tosses or rolls a large ball
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stoops or squats
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opens cabinets, drawers
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can bend over to pick up toy without falling
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INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT
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enjoys simple stories, rhymes, and songs
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uses 2-3 word sentences
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says names of toys
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hums or tries to sing
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enjoys looking at books
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points to eyes, ears, or nose when asked
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repeats words
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interested in learning how to use common items
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ALINTIDIR