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Child Development: Age 18-24 months
Here are some of the developmental goals you can expect your child to reach during the 18-24 months stage. Remember that all kids learn at a different pace, so don’t worry if yours hasn’t hit all of the developmental milestones yet.
By the time your child turns 2 years old:
Social
- Imitates behaviour of others, especially adults and older children
- More aware of himself/herself as separate from others
- More excited about company of other children
Emotional
- Demonstrates increasing independence
- Begins to show defiant behavior
- Separation anxiety increases toward midyear then fades
Cognitive
- Finds objects even when hidden under two or three covers
- Begins to sort by shapes and colours
- Begins make-believe play
Language
- Points to object or picture when it's named for him/her
- Recognizes names of familiar people, objects, and body parts
- Says several single words (by 15 to 18 months)
- Uses simple phrases (by 18 to 24 months)
- Uses 2- to 4-word sentences
- Follows simple instructions
- Repeats words overheard in conversation
Movement
- Walks alone
- Pulls toys behind him/her while walking
- Carries large toy or several toys while walking
- Begins to run
- Stands on tiptoe
- Kicks a ball
- Climbs onto and down from furniture unassisted
- Walks up and down stairs, holding on for support
Hand and Finger Skills
- Scribbles on his or her own
- Turns over container to pour out contents
- Builds tower of four blocks or more
- Might use one hand more often than the other
