Overview
Children develop new physical skills quickly. Within two years, toddlers go from taking their first wobbly steps to confidently running, jumping and climbing, advises the Penn State Cooperative Extension System. A toddler learns through exploring their environments. You will see your toddler touching, handling and tasting everything he can get his hands on. Development happens in stages, each harder than the last. Since each child develops at a different pace, you need to understand what to expect during your toddlers development and how to encourage his development.
Definition of Toddler
The toddler years extend from around 1 year of age to around the age of 3 years, advises HealthyChildren.org. However, they actually begin when your child begins to walk, which occurs between 10 and 15 months of age and extend until your child begins pre-school, according to Laurissa Lock, a Family Development Specialist out of Smethport, Pa.
Fine Motor Development
Fine motor skills include the subtle changes in your toddler’s ability to use her hands and her hand-to-eye coordination skills. As her fine motor skill increase, she has an easier time exploring and learning about her world. Between her first birthday and her second, your toddler will go from struggling to pick up small objects between her thumb and forefinger to being able to manipulate objects easily, advises HealthyChildren.org. Between her second and third birthdays, she should easily turn the pages of a book, build a tower of six blocks, unzip the large zippers, pull off her shoes, turn doorknobs, unscrew jar lids, open candy, use a cup with one hand, and begin drawing with a crayon.
Gross Motor Development
Gross motor skills include those skills that require the movement of large muscle groups such as walking, jumping and climbing. Between your toddlers first and second birthday he will begin walking, pushing and pulling objects, picking up objects without falling, taking a few steps backwards and begin to gain physical control of his bladder and bowels, advises the Penn State Cooperative Extension System. He will also like to run, but struggle with stopping or turning well. By the time your toddler reaches the age of three he should be able to walk up and down stairs while holding onto the railing, begin learning to use the toilet, toss or roll a large gall, catch a ball with both arms extended and squat without falling.
Nurturing Physical Development
You can nurture your toddler’s physical development in many ways by enhancing your toddler’s gross motor skills by providing her with a safe place to climb, advises the Penn State Cooperative Extension System. Providing her with blocks, buckets, sand, shape sorters and cardboard boxes will allow her to practice fine motor skills. Take the time to get down on your toddler’s level and remove anything breakable or dangerous that your toddler can reach. Praise your child when she accomplishes something new and encourage her to try a harder task. Remember that toilet training requires physical control, thinking skill and emotional readiness. Help your child learn at her own pace by providing plenty of encouragement and by handling accidents casually.
When To Call The Doctor
The time it takes for each a toddler to learn these skills will vary greatly from child to child. Your doctor will talk with you during each of your toddler’s check-ups about his progress. However, you should contact your doctor if you notice that your child does not walk, does not walk without trouble after several months of practice, only walks on his toes, or does not start to climb stairs while holding on to the rail by 18 months, advises KidsHealth.org.
About this Author
Kimberly Wonderly has a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science and has worked as a personal trainer for six years. Wonderly has also taken many child development classes, while running a daycare out of her home for three years. She wrote for the “Rocket” at Slippery Rock University for two years while attending college.
