“I do it myself!” That may be your toddler’s mantra, embracing every opportunity to learn, do, and become more independent. Role-play toys that encourage pretending will help your child understand new experiences, bringing the big world down to size.
Express a range of moods, from joy to frustration to jealousy
“It's what all of us moms want to do: provide the best for our little ones—whether it’s fresh produce, shoes that fit properly, or a toy that will boost her brain matter.”
He's on the move, walking forward, sideways and backward as well as running
Her rapidly-increasing vocabulary may range from 50 to 200 words
He can express a range of moods, from joy to frustration to jealousy
She can use shape sorters and throw balls
He can follow basic directions
She can scoot on toddler ride-ons
He can stack one block on another
Ride-ons
Ford F-250 Super Duty
Rock, Roll ’n Ride Trike™
Help your child learn more:
Clear a path all around so he won't be frustrated by bumping into things. As he gains more control, he'll learn to steer around obstacles.
Create a route for her to follow, with guideposts along the way. This will challenge her coordination and thinking skills as she anticipates what to do to reach the destination.
Build understanding of directions by saying the words as he moves forward and back and makes the vehicle stop, go or turn. He'll quickly learn that his actions put him in control.
Stimulate imagination by suggesting trips for her to take, passengers to bring along… even snacks to eat along the way. Having her own set of wheels will come in handy when your child is ready for role playing.
Cars, trucks, trains and other vehicles
Little People® ZooTalkers™ Animal Sounds Zoo Train
Little People® Wheelies™ Zig the Big Rig™
Little People® Wheelies™ Stand ’n Play™ Rampway
Help your child learn more:
Read picture books about different types of vehicles and what they're used for. Talking with him is especially important at this stage, when he's building receptive language.
Encourage listening to directions (keep them simple at this age) and get her thinking about problem solving. Create little stories and assign small jobs to complete. "Can you drive the truck over to the door and unload the boulders there?"
Let him haul things around in his vehicles, or use them to transport people from place to place to foster understanding of each vehicle's purpose. Tell him how helpful he is, and you'll really bolster his confidence.
Building playsets
Little People® Builders Build ’n Drive Dump Truck™
Help your child learn more:
Explore the toy with your child, expressing interest in its features and strengthening thinking skills by questioning how it works: "I wonder what happens when we put the ball in here? … What do you think will happen when we push this lever?"
Read picture books together about construction work. Point out construction vehicles when you see them on the road, and remind your child of their similarity to his toy.
Foster imaginative play and ability to follow directions by giving little construction "jobs" to do. "We need to unload those boulders over here. Can you help?"
Children develop at their own pace and reach milestones at different times. The highlights mentioned in this website are approximate guidelines only. If you have any questions about your child's development, consult your healthcare provider.
Animal Walk
Average Rating
Your child will have fun walking just like the animals! Help him use his imagination to move his arms, legs, head, and body.
Materials
Large room
Picture books that include animals with distinct walks such as ducks, crabs, frogs, kangaroos, elephants, inchworms, chickens, rabbits, seals, snakes, caterpillars, and so on
Instructions
Leaf through various picture books about animals.
As you read, encourage your child to try to walk like the animals in the books.
Help him by descoting the movements and demonstrating if necessary. For example, show him how the duck waddles, the crab moves sideways, the kangaroo leaps, the elephant lumbers, the inchworm inches, the chicken lunges, the rabbit hops, the seal slides, the snake slithers, and the caterpillar...does a caterpillar walk!
While playing, infants and toddlers naturally explore objects and engage in activities that stimulate their senses and help develop their motor skills. A great deal of research has been conducted recently, focusing on play and movement, a
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Our society has changed dramatically over the last fifty years, driven by advances in science and technology. Children are getting older younger and adults are staying younger longer. Children’s time is so tightly scheduled with structure
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Look who’s not talking! Help!
My son is 22 months old and does not talk to anyone but me and his daddy. He only points to things if other people are around. I have tried to get him to speak up, but it’s a no-go, and I’m worried that his speech may stall as a result of not talking all the time, or even trying to talk. Please help me. I’m very worried.
If he is already talking to you and his daddy, I don’t think you have anything to worry about. It sounds as though he’s just a bit shy around other people and needs a little reassurance that his contribution will be accepted. If, when oth
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