Raising Children Network: the Australian parenting website
  • Suitable for 1-3Years

At eighteen months

 

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Health professionals talk about a child’s age in terms of months, for example the 13th month or the 16th month. The way to make sense of this is to begin counting from the beginning of the previous month. For example, the 13th month begins when a child is 12 months old and ends when she is 13 months old. Or the 16th month begins when a child is 15 months old and ends when she is 16 months old.

 

The 18th month

By the end of this month, your toddler:

 … should be able to:

  • use three words
  • point to a desired object

 ...will probably be able to:

  • run
  • use a spoon or fork but not exclusively
  • point to one body part when asked

… may possibly be able to:

  • kick a ball forward
  • follow a two-step command without gestures

… may even be able to:

  • identify one picture by naming
  • use 50 or more single words
  • If your toddler has not reached these milestones or doesn’t use symbolic play and words, consult a doctor or health professional. This rate of development may well be normal for your child (some children are late bloomers), but it needs to be evaluated.
  • Also check if your toddler seems out of control or hyperactive; uncommunicative, passive or withdrawn; highly negative, demanding and stubborn.
  • Remember, the child who was born prematurely often lags behind others of the same chronological age. This developmental gap progressively narrows, and generally disappears entirely around age two.

Emotional development

At 18 months, most children demonstrate a variety of emotions and behaviours, including pleasure, anger, warmth, assertiveness and curiosity. They understand a few limits, are able to play and explore away from parents, and enjoy parental affection.

Intellectual development

At 18 months, children are able to communicate their wishes and their intentions, and are beginning the imitative and symbolic use of toys.