Your toddler at 23 months
She’s really growing up – her eating skills are improving and she may now be showing some early signs that she’s ready for potty training.
What’s happening with your toddler?
By 23 months, she may have reached the following stages:
Spoon and fork: Now that her smaller movements are becoming more controlled she may be able to use both a spoon and a fork at mealtimes. If you show her how you use your knife and fork, she’ll start to copy you. But don’t worry there will still be a lot of finger action!
Jumping Jack Flash: She may now be able to jump, but don’t worry if not, especially if she was a late walker. See her enjoy the ‘Sleeping Bunnies’ song at playgroup.
Potty power: She may now be aware of having a dirty or wet nappy and knows when she is peeing – gleefully telling you about it. She may even know when she needs to pee and will tell you in advance. There are no hard and fast rules about when to start potty training and be prepared for lots of accidents whenever you start. At this stage, you may try putting her on the potty before and after bath time, showing her how to wash her own hands after. Always praise her and never show her you are angry if she does not want to sit on the potty. It’s not a race!
How you can help your toddler this month
Those Ps and Qs: Now is the time to encourage her to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ when she asks you for things, for example at mealtimes or when friends come to visit. She may well have her own words such as ‘peas’ or ‘ta’. Praise her when she remembers and she’ll try even harder.
Your toddler’s health
2 year check-up: Some local health authorities will offer you a check up with your health visitor at the 2 year milestone. They will chat to you about things such as her eating, her behaviour, her walking, listening skills and her eyesight. They will also listen to her talking. It’s a great chance for you to talk about anything that is concerning you. If your local authority doesn’t offer this and you have concerns, ask to speak to your health visitor.
Play ideas for your toddler
Parklife: Now that she’s jumping and climbing, swings, slides and see-saws are all great activities to develop her balance and special awareness.
Your child’s development may not be exactly the same as these descriptions since all children will develop at their own pace. This is an approximate guide of some of the new skills your little one may be developing. If you have any concerns, always speak to your health visitor or GP.
