Speech and language
Many children at this age begin to put two words together, follow a simple instruction and name familiar people and objects.
1–3 years
Toddler
Toddlers are busy, determined and full of new words. They move from single words to short sentences, from wobbly walking to confident running, and they begin to test what happens when they decide something for themselves. Big feelings are part of this stage, not a problem with it.
Six parts of growing
Development at this stage
Thinking and learning
Many children at this age begin to match objects that belong together, sort by one colour and remember what comes next in a routine.
Fine motor skills
Many children at this age begin to scribble with a chunky crayon, stack blocks and turn thick book pages.
Gross motor skills
Many children at this age begin to run and stop safely, climb low steps and jump with both feet.
Social and emotional
Many children at this age begin to play alongside other children, copy what adults do and name simple feelings.
Independence and daily skills
Many children at this age begin to use a spoon with fewer spills, take off loose clothing and help with a small job.
Practical support
How parents can help
- Narrate what you are doing and add one word to whatever they say.
- Offer two safe choices instead of open questions to reduce battles.
- Allow slow, messy attempts at dressing, pouring and tidying.
- Name feelings out loud: “You are cross because it stopped.”
Simple ideas
Laundry sorting
Match socks together and talk about colour and size.
Cushion path
Lay cushions out and step, climb and jump along them.
Basket naming game
Unpack shopping together, naming each item slowly.
Milestone collections
Milestones by age band
1y–1y 3m
Coming soon
1y 3m–1y 6m
Coming soon
1y 6m–1y 9m
Coming soon
1y 9m–2y
Coming soon
Made for real family life
Activities for this age
10 min · 24–27 months
Kitchen story walk
Turn putting away the shopping into a chatty two-word game.
See activity10 min · 24–27 months
Sock matching pairs
Matching and sorting practice hidden inside the laundry pile.
See activity10 min · 24–27 months
Bubble chase and pop
Running, stopping and reaching up, all while chasing bubbles.
See activityMy Child’s Journey is for learning and inspiration only. Every child grows at their own pace. It does not replace advice from your pediatrician or a qualified specialist — please talk to them with any questions about your child's development.