A child at the age of two is, more often than not, independent and vivacious. Despite their favorite word being "No!", their communication skills are sprouting enabling them to express an array of new ideas. Physically too, their independence is noticeable with running, opening containers and even walking up some steps independently.
As the guardian, it's your duty to help refine these emerging skills and the good news is that this learning process can be quite amusing. There are many simple and fun activities that can be carried out at home which can help them improve.
Keep in mind that every child is unique and progresses at their own pace. Hence, while some children might exhibit certain skills earlier than their peers, others might catch on to the same skills a bit later, which is a normal part of growth.
Let's delve into the different skills that are typically developing in toddlers at around 24 months.
24 Month Developmental Milestones
At 24 months, a toddler is mastering several impressive emotional and physical skills. These are known as developmental milestones and are great indicators of your child's growth and learning progress.
On the emotional and social spectrum, your two-year-old starts to develop empathy. If they notice someone is upset or hurt, they react by displaying emotion themselves, often sadness.
They also start looking at adult reactions in new situations. Their emotional intelligence begins to develop as they gauge the emotions of others around them.
In the area of language and communication, your child may point out things in a book when asked questions and can say two words together. For instance, when you ask "Where is the ball?", they can point to it.
The toddler's ability to understand and follow directions continues to improve. They can also point out two different body parts and use gestures beyond just pointing and waving.
Engaging Activities for 24-month-olds
Daily activities, including simple games, can be powerfully enriching. Here are five activities to practice with your toddler that will not just entertain them, but also hone their emerging skills.
1. Wash the Toys
Set up a basin of warm, soapy water, a sponge, and a few small toys. Instruct your toddler to dip the sponge into the water and clean their toys. This activity strengthens their fine motor skills and aids in the development of cognitive skills.
2. Put Together a Puzzle
Playing with simple puzzles particularly ones with large, easy-to-grasp knobs can help to enhance your child's cognitive and social-emotional skills. Puzzles help improve attention span and hand-eye coordination.
3. Find the Prize
Encourage your child to find a small toy hidden in one of three containers. The exercise aids in developing problem-solving skills in addition to improving their fine motor skills.
4. Play with Playdough
Molding playdough into simple shapes hones a toddler's fine motor skills. Naming the shapes serves as an effective language learning exercise.
5. Go for a Walk
During walks, invite your toddler to collect interesting objects like flowers or pebbles. This simple activity exercises both their gross and fine motor skills and helps expand their vocabulary.
Incorporating fun activities into your child's daily routine can significantly aid their development. So why not begin with making their toys squeaky clean or going out for a mindful treasure walk?