Ages and Stages – Eighteen months to Three Years

The work of the child at this stage is to:

To start the process of thinking
To test authority
To test cause and effect
To express feelings
To begin to follow directions
To begin to imitate adults work
To begin to learn they are separate physically
To refine gross motor and fine motor skills

The sense of order is very high at this stage. It is also the sensitive period for language. At eighteen months children have a vocabulary of 50 words. By the age of three, children should be speaking in sentences of at least five to six words. Children begin parallel play in this stage. “No’ is a favorite word, and tantrums may appear. Cause and effect thinking begins to emerge.

The work of the caregivers:

Language is important at this stage. Speak clearly and slowly using correct grammar so as to provide an exemplary to the child. Use complete sentences and manners when speaking to the child and others. Give the child outdoor time to run, jump, and climb. Allow the child to walk rather than ride in a stroller. Give them the words for new things. Give them the words to speak kindly. Encourage them to use words to express themselves rather than hitting or having a tantrum. Give the child appropriate choices. Teach them how to be a helper in the home. For example, they can match socks, then fold them, and put them away. Start doing simple cooking projects. Help the child to become independent by buying simple cloths that the child can put on and take off by him or herself. Put children’s things on low shelves so they can reach frequently needed things by themselves without asking for help. Give the child responsibility and be clear about it. Set limits and be firm about them. Celebrate their successes.

What caregivers need to avoid:

Doing for the child what the child can do for him or herself
Teasing (bullying) the child, for example, calling them a cry baby when they cry
Not having limits or not enforcing them
Giving the child too many toys that they are unable to put them away
Not answering the child with accurate information
Confusing reality with pretend
Allowing child to be center of universe
Having low expectations for the child