
I promise that no matter the struggle you are facing with your toddler, this crash course in child development toddlers will help clarify WHY toddlers seem so tricky and the suggestions will at least help you adjust to life with a toddler in this developmental stage.
Remember, this too shall pass…
This crash course in child development toddlers edition will help you navigate the ages from 14 months to 3 years old.
Crash Course in Child Development: Toddlers
Toddlers are egocentric (p. 40). In their minds, (based on their psychological abilities), the world revolves around them. They think if they see it and they want it, they can have it and it belongs to them. This is a product of their developing a sense of self and self esteem.
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“[…] Toddlers learn about how to relate to other people through daily interactions with their families […],” (p.35) and “they learn how to treat others by experiencing how they are treated,” (p. 35).
The key tips for toddlers are:
1) impose limits,
2) present guidance (of behavior, language use, emotions) and,
3) instigate their curiosity.
This ‘tricky,’ misunderstood age group does not have to require complicated interventions. They need consistency, active adult presence, guidance, and interesting, developmentally appropriate activities to explore. I also use a developmental checklist found here.
Cherish this time because you are influencing and teaching your tricky toddler!
How have the toddler years been in your home?
Reference: The Creative Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers
Enjoy your time at home!

Great food for thought for me as I deal with my 22 months old toddler. Thank you Jaimi.
Enjoy these moments as challenging as they may be at times.
Really enjoyed the information shared here! Thank you!
Thanks so much for letting me know, Abby! I am so glad it was helpful.
I have a very active 18 month old who loves to learn, but struggles to stay focused. I came across your blog while researching homeschooling option in our area for the future. I am very please to see how many geat activities you have provided to "jump start" his learning. And I'll be able to use what I've learned from these activities to also include/teach my 2nd child, due this spring. Thank you very much for your insight, and resources.
Great news! I am so glad you found this list. I am going to be expanding each activity into greater detail and posting them individually with more pictures, so be sure to subscribe so you can get each new post sent right to you or follow along on social media and you will get notified that way too. 🙂 All the best to you!
Just a quick correction, Jean Piaget created the four stages of child development starting with the sensorimotor stage. Erik Erikson had the psychosocial stages of development. Either way, this blog is still fantastic!
Thanks, Michelle!
Thank you very much for the kind words! I am glad that you are reading and hope that the information is being received well. Great to hear that you will keep coming back for more!
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.