Physically and mentally
• Brushes teeth (but still needs help)
• Feeds him/herself (but still needs help)
• Plays easily with smaller toys e.g. stacks small blocks more neatly
• Sorts toys into similar groups
• Walks, hops and runs proficiently
• Throws ball more confidently
Language and emotions
• Asks to do things him/ herself
• Names major body parts e.g. head, eyes, nose
• Constructs two-word sentences
• Prone to temper-tantrums and upsets as the world at large still seems a little strange
• Expresses discomfort with wet diaper
• Knows words for urine and bowel movements e.g. “wee-wee” or “poo-poo”
Feeding
Don’t forget hydration! Your child may not take to water easily but do be persistent. He/ she is probably still dependent on the bottle or sippy cup but you may now fill it with low-fat (2%) instead of whole milk.
Sleep
At this age, children sleep for about 12 to 14 hours a day, usually taking only one afternoon nap.
Ideal toys for this age
• Stacking and sorting toys
• Role-play toys e.g. toy kitchen, doll house, tool bench
• Plush toys
• Basic counting, alphabet and shape-matching toys
Useful tips
Your child is becoming increasingly mobile and independent. This is a perfect time to get your parents or in-laws to help while you have a well-deserved date with your partner!
At 2.5 to 3 years
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Many children are fully toilet trained by this age. However, if your child is late or has frequent accidents, don’t worry. Provide lots of encouragement and positive reinforcement and he/ she will soon be free of the diaper for good.
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What your child might do:
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Physically and mentally
• Has an active imagination
• Dresses him/ herself (may still need help with buttons and zips)
• Has better hand-eye coordination, e.g. able to play with more intricate snap-together toys
• Descends stairs a step at a time
• Knows what is safe and what is not
Language and emotions
• Understands words like under, over, above
• Makes simple sentences
• Imitates favourite people
• Follows simple instructions
• Recalls what to do and when to do it
• Plays good-naturedly with other children (may still refuse to share)
Feeding
Your child will begin to lose most of his/ her baby fat at about this time. Take the cue from your child when he/ she is hungry and provide small but nutritious meals.
Ideal toys for this age
• Play dough
• Sporty toys, e.g. toy golf sets, toy basketball hoop and ball
• Jigsaw puzzles (8-piece or less)
• Simple remote-control toys
Useful tips
Make your child your little helper by giving him/ her small tasks like arranging his/ her own table setting, putting away toys etc. Doing this now will encourage good habits for a lifetime.
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