Milestones 18-24 Months

Physical Development

Walking steadily, may start to run
Coordination increases and they may start to help in dressing (fascinated with zips, hook & loop closures, snaps, etc.)
Increasing fine motor control, starts to turn pages in books and doodle
Increasing stability, can pick things up without falling over
Developing confidence in navigating steps; will still need to put both feet on each step

Solidifying concepts and understanding; and meaning; knows that birds fly
Recognizing familiar objects and will identify them for you if you ask
Developing memory means that they can now follow simple 2 part instructions; please find your shoes in the hallway
Demonstrates an interest in learning and likes repetition, concrete examples and definitions (this honey is sticky, this flower is soft)
Can now verbalize or indicate simple requests; ask for food / drink, a clean nappy or favorite toy

May be quite physical and use this as a means of getting your attention (hitting/grabbing)
Most often will play beside other children in a related or unrelated activity – but not need to interact with them; this is called parallel play
Increasingly cooperating with others; it is important to facilitate this, and model sharing
May try to assert their independence.

Toddlers can be overwhelmed at the intensity of their emotions, good or bad.
May be easily frustrated as they understand more than they can communicate or do at this stage
Increasingly able to identify emotions and relate to others; also learn how to contain or respond to emotions by watching how others cope or respond.