Children's Development Two to Three Years

Highlights in Cognitive/ Language Development

Language is usually well developed in most two-to-three-year-old children, but they may speak so quickly that they are difficult to understand. Many children will now begin to use language to ask questions and give directions. Vocabulary is increasing rapidly, and the two-and-a-half-year-old will be learning about 50 new words each month. By three years of age, most children will have a vocabulary of about 900 words, and they will speak in sentences of three to four words. Many will begin to use pronouns, including the personal pronoun “I.” Most children will be able to repeat short rhymes and sing short songs.

Highlights in Social/Emotional Development

Negativism, which usually begins sometime after fourteen months of age, is still present in many children during the period from two to three years. Temper tantrums are quite common during this time. Most children this age assert their independence by saying “no,” by throwing temper tantrums, and by demonstrating stubbornness. This negativism is a normal and important part of development. This is simply how children let the world know that they have ideas of their own, and that they want to make some decisions for themselves. Many children protest just for the fun of finding out how it feels to say “no.” Parents should be careful not to overreact to the minor rebellions of their two to three year old children, because if they react too strongly to these rebellions, they run the risk of reinforcing rather than discouraging the negativism.

As children approach their third birthdays, they will begin to play with other children. Group play will require adult supervision.

Toilet Training

Between the ages of two and a half to three years, most children develop better control over their bowels and bladder. By this time, most children are able to verbalize their toileting needs. Some children may be in full control of their bowel movements, but will probably still need help with wiping.

Children become toilet trained at a wide variety of ages. It is important that parents not be too disappointed if their children develop bladder and bowel control later than other children. Some children simply develop these abilities later than others. Patience and understanding on the part of parents will make toilet training an easier process for all involved.