Toddlers 1-3 years

• 18 months: A big step in your toddler’s development: At 18 months, your toddler is growing and changing in exciting ways! This is a special time to check on their health and development. Be sure to book an appointment with your health care provider for their 18-month check-up. You can learn more about what happens during this visit by visiting the Ministry of Children and Youth Services website.

• How toddlers learn and grow: Toddlers learn best by practicing and repeating things. They need your love and encouragement to try new things. Let them explore their world, but make sure they’re safe by watching for falls and learning about child safety.

• Understanding feelings at this age: Toddlers don’t start to understand other people’s feelings (called empathy) until they’re about 30 months old. That means your toddler doesn’t fully understand their emotions—or yours—just yet. Be patient as they learn and grow.

When things don’t go as planned, support your child and encourage them to keep trying. Show them how you want them to behave by setting a good example. Offer simple choices so they feel like they have some control, like picking between two snacks or two toys.

• Around 2.5 years old, your child is starting to develop empathy. This means they’re beginning to understand how their actions can affect others. You can help them learn about feelings, like being scared, sad, or shy, by talking about emotions in simple ways.

• Your toddler is also growing in other exciting ways! They’re building motor skills like hopping, skipping, or walking up and down stairs. They’re learning to play with others, using their imagination, and talking more every day.

• Every child is different. Some may feel shy or take time to warm up to playing with other kids—and that’s okay! Don’t force them. With love and encouragement, their confidence will grow naturally.

• At this age, toddlers love to please and respond really well to praise. Positive words let them know they are safe, loved, and understood. Try to notice and praise the things they’re doing well.

Here are some easy ways to support your 2 to 3-year-old child as they grow:

• Keep routines and be consistent—this helps them feel safe

• Be patient as they try new things

• Encourage them to do things on their own, like dressing, washing, or feeding themselves

• Stay calm and show them how to solve problems

• Redirect their attention to toys or activities when they get into things they shouldn’t

• Give them simple choices to help them feel independent

• Use lots of positive praise to encourage good behaviour