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Toddler: Physical Development

2 Years 

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Although not completely coordinated your child can now run, jump in place, and walk backward or upstairs.   Your child can pull or push, fill and dump.  They can throw and catch a ball trapping it against their chest.  At this stage, your child can draw circular, vertical or horizontal strokes.  They can learn to hold a pencil like an adult.  They can roll, pound and squeeze play dough.

Provide plenty of opportunities for your child to work with their hands so they can develop their fine motor skills.  Allow room for exploring by providing boxes, small steps, push and pull toys, ride-on or ride-in toys.  It is also very important for them to explore a variety of textures, such as hard, soft, and squishy to develop the tactile and sensory areas of the brain.


3 Years

Did you notice that your child seems to be taller and thinner and looks like a small adult?  Your child has their full set of teeth and sleeps through the night, yeah!  They use the toilet by themselves; however, boys may take up to age 3 1/2 to be fully trained.

Encourage physical activity habits that will lead to a healthy lifestyle as adults.  Help them connect learning with fun; show them how to hop like a rabbit, tiptoe like a bird or waddle like a duck, slither like a snake or run like a deer.  Play hide-n-seek in your back yard, take walks around your neighborhood, and take many trips to the park.

Videos about Toddler Physical Development

Supporting Physical Development in Infants and Toddlers

The Sensitive Period for Movement for Infants and Toddlers
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