Physical and motor-skill markers: - Should have the first 16 teeth (can be a wide variation of the actual number of teeth)
- The height is roughly half the total height the child will attain as an adult
- May be psychologically ready for toilet training
- Can run with better coordination, while the stance may remain wide
- Can kick ball without losing balance
- Can build a tower of 6 to 7 cubes
- Can browse through a book one page at a time
- Able to turn a door knob
- Can pick up objects while standing, without losing balance (often occurs by 15 months, and would be concerning if you don't see it by 2 years)
Sensory and cognitive markers: - Vision fully developed
- Vocabulary has increased to about 50 to300 words (healthy children demonstrate wide variations)
- Can organize phrases of 2 to 3 words
- Able to communicate needs such as thirst, hunger, need to use the restroom
- Increased attention span
- Able to clothe self in simple clothes (frequently more adept at removing clothes than putting them on)
Play recommendations: - Encourage and provide the necessary space for physical activity
- Provide safe replicas of adult tools and equipment
- Allow the child to help around the house and participate in the daily responsibilities of the family
- Encourage play that involves building and creativity
- READ TO THE CHILD
- Try to avoid watching television at this age (recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics)
- Parents should control both the content and quantity of television viewing. Limit television viewing to less than 3 hours per day, and preferably 1 hour or less. Avoid programming with violent content. Re-direct the child to reading or play activities
- Control the type and quantity of games played
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Pediatric Growth & Development
