2 years milestones
the 'terrible twos' get a bad rap — this is actually an incredible stage of language explosion, imaginative play, and growing independence. two-word phrases are a big milestone here.
physical milestones
•runs reasonably well
•kicks a ball
•walks up and down stairs holding on
•climbs on and off furniture without help
•makes or copies straight lines and circles
•builds towers of 4 or more blocks
cognitive milestones
•finds objects hidden under 2 or 3 layers
•begins to sort shapes and colours
•completes sentences and rhymes in familiar books
•plays simple make-believe games
•follows two-step instructions ('pick up your shoes and put them by the door')
social & emotional milestones
•copies others, especially adults and older children
•gets excited around other children
•shows more independence (may say 'no' a lot)
•plays mainly beside other children (parallel play) rather than with them
•shows defiant behaviour
language & communication
•puts 2 words together ('more milk', 'daddy go')
•uses 50+ words
•names items in a picture book (dog, cat, ball)
•strangers can understand about half of what they say
•follows simple instructions
red flags to watch for
talk to your GP or child health nurse if your child:
- •doesn't use 2-word phrases ('drink milk', 'go car')
- •doesn't know what to do with common objects (brush, phone, fork, spoon)
- •doesn't copy actions and words
- •doesn't follow simple instructions
- •doesn't walk steadily
- •loses skills they once had
tips for this age
- •read together every day and let them turn the pages
- •encourage pretend play with dolls, toy kitchens, and dress-ups
- •don't worry about mess — messy play builds fine motor skills
- •stay calm during tantrums — they're learning emotional regulation
view all age milestones
from 3 months to 5 years
this information is based on general developmental guidelines from the CDC and Raising Children Network. every child develops differently — these are guides, not checklists. if you have concerns, consult your GP or child health professional.