At 19-24 Months, Your Child will Likely…

Physical Development:

Walks well.
Walks up steps with help.
Takes steps backwards.
Likes to run but can't always stop and turn well.
Can stack two to four blocks.
Helps wash hands.
Bends over to pick up a toy without falling.
Drink with a straw.
Feeds himself with a spoon.
Tosses or rolls a large ball.
Enjoys sitting on and moving small-wheeled riding toys.
Opens cabinets, drawers and boxes.
Begins to gain some control of bowels and bladder, but complete control may not be achieved until around age 3. (Boys often do not complete toilet training until age 3 ½)

Social & Emotional Development:

Likes to imitate parents' actions.
Begins to show signs of independence.
Says "no."
Is generally unable to remember rules.
Enjoys exploring and gets into everything.
Needs constant attention.
Has difficulty sharing.
Is very possessive.
Tries to do many things independently.
Finds it difficult to wait and wants things right now!
Gets angry sometimes and has temper tantrums.
Often gets physically aggressive when frustrated.
Might slap or hit.
Acts shy around strangers.
Refers to self by name.
Uses the words "me" and "mine."
Learns that anger and despair pass.

Intellectual Development:

Has a rapidly growing vocabulary including names of toys.
Uses 2- to 3-sentences.
Echoes single words that are spoken by someone else.
Talks to himself and jabbers expressively.
Uses the words "please" and "thank you" if prompted.
Shows preferences between toys.
Likes to choose between two objects.
Hums or tries to sing.
Enjoys singing familiar songs.
Listens to short rhymes or finger plays such as "Itsy Bitsy Spider."
Enjoys looking at picture books.
Likes simple pretend play such as wearing hats and talking on the phone.

Delevopmental milestones associated with feeding:

Can use a straw.
Chews food with mouth closed and shifts food in mouth.
Distinguishes between finger and spoon foods.
Holds small glass in one hand; replaces glass without dropping.
Uses spoon correctly but with some spilling.

18 Months to 3 Years - First Connections with Families
First Connections with Families provides information about child development, reading to your child, and child health and safety.

The Early Learning Guidelines for Ages Birth to 3
This exciting new resource is being written to assist early childhood caregivers/teachers, parents and other adults with information about supporting the learning and development of young children. The Guidelines provide information related to seven domains or areas of learning and development: