What Can a TWO Year Old Do?

The development of a TWO year old is two fold for me. I have broken it down to focus on the beginning portion (age 24 to 30 months) and second part (30 to 36 month). This is a HUGE year in development and you will notice amazing growth before your eyes.

Again, all children develop differently and embrace the wonderful things they can do! 🙂

Age 2 (24 to 30 months old)

Gross Motor
• Catches a large ball
• Rides a tricycle
• Walks up and down stairs alone … one step at a time
• Jumps in place
• May initiate climbing

Fine Motor
• Builds 6-8 cube towers
• Holds scissors and may attempt snipping
• Duplicates a circle
• Folds paper
• Developing a proper thumb and two finger grasp of crayon

Cognitive
• Follows routines
• Will show you their favorite characters or objects in books
• Begins dramatic play
• Matches circles, triangles, squares, and simple pictures
• Enjoys story times at the library
• Identifies purpose of simple objects like a telephone and broom

Language
• Parents understand most of what child says
• Imitates up to 4 word phrases
• Sings along to common songs
• Can say three word sentences
• Names five pictures on flashcards
• Eager to learn new words and may become frustrated when misunderstood
• Answers simple questions
• Speaks in two word sentences on average
• Points to eight body parts

Social/Emotional
• May have difficulty playing “with” other children; however, exposure to others is important
• Identifies self by name
• Tends to dawdle
• “MINE” will be a word you will hear often
• Needs to be warned about dangers, such as running into the street
• Fears emerge

Self-Help
• Brushes teeth with minimal help
• Begins to use a fork
• Problems with constipation may begin
• Definite likes and dislikes of food, and may become more “picky”
• May resist napping, but needs “quiet” time
• Dressing: puts on simple clothes without assistance, such as a hat and pants