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Normal Development: 2 Years Old

Physical Development

is constantly in motion
tires easily
runs and climbs
walks up and down stairs alone
begins to walk on tiptoe
builds a tower of 3 to 5 blocks
progresses from random scribbling to somewhat more controlled movements
begins to button and unbutton large buttons
develops greater independence in toileting needs (still needs some assistance)
may have difficulty settling down for bedtime

Emotional Development

gets upset and impatient easily
shows anger by crying or striking out
becomes frustrated when not understood
wants own way
may assert self by saying "no"
reverts to baby behavior at times
gets upset when daily routine changes
shows sharp mood changes

Social Development

imitates with considerable realism
becomes more interested in brothers and sisters
knows gender
may have an imaginary playmate
enjoys playing among, not with, other children
does not share
claims everything is "mine"
may scratch, hit, bite, and push other children

Mental Development

dramatically increases interest in language
shows frustration if not understood
uses child grammar
uses three- to five-word phrases by end of second year
understands more words than can speak
is in the "do-it-myself" stage
cannot be reasoned with much of the time
cannot choose between alternatives

Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's development. While certain attitudes, behaviors, and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.

If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File CHL3747F.HTM Release 9.0/2006