Blog Post:
The first two years of a child’s life are full of exciting changes and developments. From a helpless newborn to a walking and talking toddler, the transformation is truly remarkable. As a parent, it can be bittersweet to say goodbye to your baby and hello to your growing toddler. At 23 months, your little one is on the cusp of becoming a full-fledged toddler, and there are many changes to expect in their development during this stage.
Physical Development:
At 23 months, your child is most likely a pro at walking and may even be starting to run. They have mastered the art of climbing and enjoy testing their limits on playground equipment. Fine motor skills are also rapidly developing, and your child may be able to use a spoon and fork to feed themselves, scribble with a crayon, and even stack blocks. They are becoming more independent and curious about their surroundings, which can lead to some adventurous (and sometimes messy!) exploration.
Language and Communication:
Toddlers at 23 months are starting to use more words and may have a vocabulary of around 50 words. They are also beginning to put words together to form simple sentences, such as “more juice” or “play outside.” They are eager to communicate and may use gestures and actions to express themselves. Your child may also start to understand simple instructions and follow them. This is a crucial time for language development, and parents can help by talking and reading to their child regularly.
Cognitive Development:
Goodbye Baby, Hello Toddler: Changes in Development at 23 Months
At this stage, toddlers are like little sponges, soaking up information and learning at a rapid pace. They are starting to understand cause and effect and may enjoy playing with toys that require problem-solving, such as shape sorters or puzzles. They are also becoming more imaginative and may engage in pretend play, such as pretending to cook or take care of a baby doll. Toddlers at 23 months are also learning to categorize objects and may enjoy sorting toys by color or shape.
Social and Emotional Development:
As your child becomes more independent and curious, they may also start to test boundaries and push limits. Tantrums may become more frequent as they struggle with expressing their emotions and wanting to do things their way. However, they are also developing empathy and may start to show concern for others. They may also begin to play with other children and engage in simple games together. Parents can help their child’s social and emotional development by teaching them to share and take turns and by providing a safe and loving environment for them to explore and express their feelings.
Parenting at 23 Months:
As your child becomes more independent and develops their own personality, parenting may become more challenging. It is important to set boundaries and be consistent with your discipline, while also allowing your child to explore and learn. This is also a crucial time for establishing routines and rituals, such as bedtime routines, which can provide a sense of security and stability for your child.
Saying Goodbye to Baby and Hello to Toddler:
As your child approaches their second birthday, it can be emotional for parents to see their baby grow into a toddler. It is essential to remember that each stage of development brings new and exciting changes, and while it may be bittersweet to say goodbye to your baby, it is also an exciting time to welcome your growing toddler. Embrace their newfound independence, curiosity, and personality, and enjoy watching them continue to learn and grow.
In summary, at 23 months, your child is rapidly developing physically, mentally, and emotionally. They are becoming more independent, curious, and communicative, and it is a crucial time for their language, cognitive, and social development. As a parent, it is essential to provide a safe and loving environment for your child to explore and learn, while also setting boundaries and being consistent with discipline. Saying goodbye to your baby and hello to your toddler may be emotional, but it is an exciting time to watch your child continue to grow and thrive.