Video transcript

Narrator: Toddlers learn about the world through play and interactions. When you give your toddler plenty of opportunities to play and spend time with you, you’re helping them to learn and develop well.

At this age, your toddler is going through many strong emotions and is learning about other people’s feelings. Creative activities, like painting, dress-ups or puppet play, are great for your toddler. These activities give your toddler the chance to express their emotions and ideas.

Play also helps your toddler’s language skills. And you can get your toddler talking when you read, tell stories, sing songs and recite nursery rhymes together. Social play is great for your toddler too, even if they prefer to watch the other children play, instead of playing with them. When your toddler plays around others, they learn important social skills, like taking turns.

Spending time outdoors is great for your toddler’s physical development. It gives them the chance to explore the natural environment, have adventures and test out their growing physical skills as they run, jump and kick.

Your toddler is becoming even more determined to do things for themselves, like feeding themselves and getting dressed. And it’s your support and encouragement that give your toddler the confidence to keep practising these skills.

Mealtimes are a great way to spend time as a family, to talk and listen to each other, and to catch up on the day. And this family experience helps your toddler to develop important thinking, communication, social and emotional skills.

Letting your toddler help out with household chores, like sweeping or tidying up, can build their confidence and independence, and make them feel proud. Other tasks like gardening and cooking together are great for your toddler’s development too. These tasks can help your toddler get familiar with maths concepts, and, they can spark your toddler’s interest in healthy food.

Development happens in a similar order in most children, but skills might develop at different ages or times. If you’re wondering whether your toddler’s development is on track, or if you feel that something isn’t quite right, it’s best to get help early. You can make an appointment to talk to your child and family health nurse or GP.

For more information on toddler development and how to spot concerns, you can visit raisingchildren.net.au.