Toddlers have many developmental milestones as well. Things such as increased interest in others,
higher self-awareness, increased motor skills, language development, awareness of surroundings, and
expression of feelings.
Toddlers show heightened interest in others in many ways. They show that they are aware that others
are watching them. They see others as a barrier to immediate gratification. They begin to recognize
that others have rights and privileges. Enjoyment from interacting with others becomes prevalent, and
they begin to see the benefits of cooperation. They identify with others of the same age or gender and
become more aware of the feelings of others.
They also become more self-aware. They will say no to an adult as a display of self, and they recognize
that they have creative potential. They become capable of self-evaluation such as good or bad. They
can name themselves and others, and can identify 6 or more body parts.
Their motor skills become improved as well. They can scribble with crayons or markers and thread
beads. They have the ability to walk up and down stairs and can jump or stand on one foot.
Their language skills grow as well. They combine words, and use compound sentences with adjectives
and adverbs. They also can have a vocabulary of around 200 words. They will listen to stories for a
short while and have the ability to pretend and recount the events of the day.
Toddlers also exhibit awareness of surroundings. They can identify familiar objects by feeling, and can
put on simple articles of clothing such as a hat. They recognize yesterday and tomorrow, and can
classify objects by opposites. They can also assert independence by saying “me do it”.
Toddlers’ feelings are deeper than infants as well. They can exhibit aggressive behavior and have
contrasting moods such as stubbornness or compliance. They can show increased fearfulness of the
dark and monsters. They express emotions to others and are aware of others' emotions as well. They
verbalize their feelings more often by showing empathetic concern for others.
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