Library
Ages 2–3
Updated 25 Oct 2026
How your child is growing
- Many children this age run, kick a ball, walk up a few stairs and, in time, jump with both feet off the ground.
- Two words start to come together, like “more milk”. Later many children name things in a book and say “I”, “me” or “we”.
- Buttons, switches and knobs are fascinating. Pretend play appears, such as feeding a doll, and many children can follow a simple two-step instruction.
- Your child notices when someone is hurt or upset, and looks at your face to work out how to react to something new.
- Children this age mostly play next to each other rather than together, and sharing and taking turns are still new.
- Your child wants to do things their own way: eating with a spoon, taking off some clothes. Tantrums are part of a stage in which toddlers assert their independence.
How you can walk alongside
- Set aside a special time each day to read together. Point at the pictures and ask “Who?”, “What?” and “Where?”.
- When a word comes out half-formed, say it back in full. If your child says “or nana”, you might answer “You want more banana”.
- Leave room for free play that follows your child’s interests: blocks, a ball to kick, crayons, sand, pretend cooking with safe things from the kitchen.
- Give attention and specific praise to the behaviour you want to see, such as “Look how well you’re eating with your spoon”. During a tantrum, give less attention and show an acceptable way to say “I’m upset”.
- Let your child help with small jobs, like putting toys in a basket or carrying napkins to the table, and thank them. Offer two or three simple choices, such as what to wear or which snack.
- Stay close during play with other children and show how to share, take turns and use words when there is a squabble.
- Keep steady routines for meals and sleep. A calm, quiet bedtime of pyjamas, teeth and a book or two makes settling easier.
Changes and things to keep in mind
- Tastes can change from one day to the next, and so can appetite. Your part is to offer healthy food; how much to eat is your child’s part.
- Eat together as a family when you can, the same meal for everyone, with the TV off and phones away.
- Both the CDC and WHO advise limiting screen time at this age, the less the better, with an adult watching alongside. Children learn most by talking, playing and interacting with people.
- Many children become ready for toilet training somewhere in this age range, each in their own time. Starting too early can cause stress and setbacks; your doctor or your child’s teachers can help you judge readiness.
- Have your child sit down to eat and chew well, to prevent choking. Check toys often for loose or broken parts.
- Avoid holding hot drinks with your child on your lap. An adult needs to be watching whenever there is water nearby: the bath, a pond, a lake, a pool.
- In a car, your child rides in the back seat, buckled into a child seat with a harness.
When to ask a doctor
- Your child has lost skills they once had.
- Your child is not yet doing one or more of the things many children this age do, such as putting two words together, running, or pointing to things in a book when asked.
- Your child tends to avoid communicating, or finds it hard to name familiar objects.
- You have any other concern about your child’s development. You know your child best; share it with the doctor and ask about developmental screening.
Sources
- CDC – Positive Parenting Tips: Toddlers (2–3 years old) (accessed 4 Oct 2026)
- WHO – To grow up healthy, children need to sit less and play more (news release, 24 April 2019) (accessed 4 Oct 2026)
- Vinmec – Các mốc quan trọng về xã hội, nhận thức và thể chất của trẻ 2 tuổi (accessed 4 Oct 2026)
- CDC – Milestones by 2 Years (accessed 4 Oct 2026)
- CDC – Milestones by 30 Months (accessed 4 Oct 2026)
This article helps you understand and prepare. It does not replace a check-up. For an answer about your own situation, please ask the doctor who is caring for you.