Developmental Milestones
Drawing Skills:
Your toddler’s eye-hand coordination is improving, leading to the ability to draw vertical and horizontal lines. Encourage her creativity with simple drawing tools like crayons and paper, and celebrate her emerging artistic talents.
Language Development:
You may notice your toddler beginning to put two words together to form simple sentences. This is an exciting milestone in her language development journey. Encourage her efforts by responding enthusiastically to her attempts at communication and expanding on her sentences.
Managing Aggressive Behavior:
It’s not uncommon for toddlers to exhibit aggressive behavior towards other children as they navigate social interactions. Be prepared to intervene calmly and teach your child appropriate ways to express her emotions and resolve conflicts.
Hair Washing Challenges:
Many toddlers dislike having their hair washed, particularly because of the sensation of water in their eyes. Make bath time more enjoyable by using tear-free shampoo, distracting your child with toys or songs, and being gentle and patient during the process.
By supporting your toddler through these challenges and milestones, you’re helping her develop important skills and navigate the world around her with confidence and resilience.
Physical Development
Drawing Skills:
Your toddler’s ability to draw vertical and horizontal lines, and possibly even a circle, demonstrates significant progress in fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Encourage her artistic endeavors by providing plenty of paper and crayons, and celebrate her creations, no matter how abstract they may seem.
Gross Motor Skills:
At 20 months old, your child is likely becoming more proficient in gross motor skills such as running and climbing. She may be able to ascend stairs independently but might still require assistance coming down. Encourage her physical activity through outdoor play and structured activities that promote movement and coordination.
Developing Sports Skills:
While she may not have mastered skills like throwing a ball overhand or kicking a ball forward just yet, these are milestones she’s likely to achieve by age 2. Provide opportunities for her to practice these skills in a safe and supportive environment, and celebrate her progress along the way.
By nurturing both her fine and gross motor skills, you’re supporting your toddler’s overall physical development and laying the foundation for a lifetime of healthy activity and exploration.
Language and Cognitive Development
Simple Sentences:
Your toddler’s ability to form simple sentences, even if they consist of just two words, marks a significant milestone in her language development. Each word she utters represents a step toward effective communication and understanding. Encourage her budding language skills by engaging in conversations, labeling objects, and introducing new words in everyday interactions.
Vocabulary Expansion:
By around 20 months, many children have a vocabulary of about 12-15 words, though some may have even more. Even if your child isn’t yet speaking in sentences, she likely comprehends far more words than she can express. Take advantage of her receptive language skills by asking her to fetch items or follow simple instructions, which can help reinforce her understanding of language.
Encouraging Language Exploration:
Continue to foster a love of language by exposing your toddler to a variety of sounds and conversations. Encourage her to imitate sounds she hears, whether it’s sirens, animal noises, or snippets of songs. Interactive activities like pretend phone conversations can also provide opportunities for language development and social interaction.
Curiosity and Exploration:
At this age, your toddler’s curiosity about the world around her is boundless. Encourage her natural inclination to explore by providing toys and activities that stimulate her curiosity and problem-solving skills. From dismantling toys to investigating everyday objects, her explorations are crucial for cognitive development and understanding how things work.
By nurturing her language skills and fostering a sense of curiosity, you’re supporting your toddler’s cognitive development and laying the groundwork for a lifetime of learning and discovery.
Behavioral Health and Development
Body Exploration:
It’s common for toddlers to explore their bodies, including their genitals, as part of their natural curiosity and sensory exploration. This behavior isn’t sexual but rather a normal aspect of development. While it’s unnecessary to discourage or comment on it, it’s essential to maintain a matter-of-fact attitude and provide gentle redirection when needed, especially in public settings.
Aggressive Behavior:
Aggression, such as hitting, pushing, or biting, is a common challenge among toddlers as they navigate social interactions and test boundaries. This behavior often stems from a combination of factors, including frustration, a desire for independence, and limited impulse control. Consistent guidance and positive reinforcement are essential in helping toddlers learn appropriate ways to express themselves and interact with others.
Managing Pacifier and Bottle Use:
Pacifier and bottle use can persist into the toddler years, but moderation is key to preventing potential harm. Encourage gradual changes, such as limiting pacifier use to specific times or transitioning from bottles to cups for milk and juice. Bedtime bottle use should be approached with caution, especially if it contains milk, as prolonged exposure to sugary liquids can contribute to tooth decay.
Trying New Foods:
Mealtime may become more challenging as toddlers become selective about flavors, textures, and colors of food. Encourage exploration and variety by offering new foods regularly without pressure. Engage your child’s senses by describing the food and allowing opportunities for sensory exploration, such as smelling or touching. Encourage self-feeding with utensils while ensuring food is cut into manageable pieces to prevent choking.
Navigating these developmental milestones and challenges with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement can support your toddler’s healthy growth and development.
Social and Emotional Development
Helping with Chores:
Toddlers at 20 months are eager to lend a hand with simple chores, which not only fosters a sense of contribution but also boosts their self-esteem. Encourage their participation in age-appropriate tasks such as putting away toys, wiping spills, or watering plants. Recognize their efforts with specific praise to reinforce their sense of accomplishment.
Imitation and Pretend Play:
Imitating adult behaviors and engaging in pretend play are common activities for toddlers at this age. Whether it’s trying on parents’ shoes or caring for stuffed animals, these activities demonstrate their growing awareness of the world around them and their desire to emulate adult actions. Encourage and support their imaginative play, as it promotes creativity and empathy.
Tantrums and Assertiveness:
The onset of the “terrible twos” or assertive behaviors can occur as early as 18 months and is characterized by newfound assertiveness and occasional temper tantrums. While challenging, it’s essential to respond calmly and consistently to these behaviors, offering comfort and guidance as needed. Avoid comparing your child’s behavior to others and prioritize understanding their individual temperament and needs.
Preparing for a Sibling:
Expecting a new sibling can be an exciting yet uncertain time for toddlers. Introducing the concept gradually and positively, through discussions, visits with newborns, and sibling-preparation classes, can help prepare them for the upcoming change. Encourage safe interactions with babies and cherish the remaining time as a family before the new arrival.
Hygiene
Teeth Brushing:
Brushing a toddler’s teeth can be challenging, but it’s essential for their oral health. Here are some tips to make the process smoother:
- Lead by example: Brush your own teeth alongside your child to encourage imitation.
- Emphasize the spitting part: Show your child how to swish water and spit it out, making it a fun activity.
- Use a step stool: Let your child stand on a step stool to see their reflection in the mirror while brushing.
- Try a fun toothbrush: A battery-powered or musical toothbrush might make brushing more enjoyable.
- Use a soft-bristled brush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste twice a day to prevent tooth decay.
Washing Hair:
If washing your toddler’s hair is a struggle, consider these tips:
- Cut hair short to minimize fuss.
- Wet hair with a washcloth instead of pouring water directly on the head.
- Use a small amount of shampoo formulated not to sting the eyes.
- Cover eyes with a washcloth during rinsing to prevent water from getting in.
- Develop a distraction ritual during rinsing, such as singing a song or using a hand mirror.
- Shampooing once a week is usually sufficient, especially for children with dry hair.
