As toddlers explore their world and assert independence, parents navigate milestones, challenges, and the wonder of watching their personality shine.

At this age your child will be getting better at being able to:

throw, kick and catch balls
walk up and down stairs while holding a rail or your hand

They are also likely to:

jump on the spot
ride a tricycle (a bike with 3 wheels)
get dressed (with your help)
copy a circle with a pencil or crayon
screw and unscrew jar lids and turn door handles
turn the pages of a book

Toddlers are likely to start toilet training between ages 2 and 3 years. Some will find it very easy. Others will take longer.

Toilet training needs a lot of different skills. Signs that your toddler may be ready to begin toilet training usually appear from the age of 2 years. Try to be patient and wait until they’re ready.

This is an important time for your child’s emotional development. They start to feel more complex emotions. Examples of more complex emotions are guilt and shame. These can be confusing for a young child.

Temper tantrums are likely to continue. This is because children at this age struggle with strong feelings. They cannot express their feelings in words.

Around age 3 years, toddlers become more aware of other people’s feelings. They start to understand how their behaviour can affect you. They also start to understand that your behaviour affects them. They may show concern for friends or family who cry.

Your toddler is likely to enjoy playing with other children. They will enjoy pretend play, singing, and games that copy things that family members do.

Some children seem to like routines. They can get upset if things change. However, they will start to get used to the changes that happen. They will also start to accept being away from parents or carers more readily. They can often settle more quickly than younger children.

As your toddler approaches their 3rd birthday, they may be able to explain things. They can use a few words to say what they’ve done or where they’ve been. Strangers will be able to understand them most of the time. They will be able to follow a 2 to 3 step instruction.

Children who grow up in homes where multiple languages are spoken might develop their use of words differently. For instance, a child who speaks 2 languages might not be saying 50 words in one language but can likely say 50 words across the 2 languages.

Your child will also start to try and solve problems, or match objects or pictures. They will answer who, what and where’ questions.

Your child will understand more about how events and actions are connected. One example is knowing that putting shoes on means they will soon be going out.

You can help your child learn and develop by:

letting them take part in a range of play activities
encouraging and praising what they do
reading, listening and talking to your toddler — improves their conversation skills