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Two to Four Years

Your child is now a toddler. She wants to explore the world around her. Here are some things that your child can do between two and four years of age. Remember that children develop at different rates. Your child will develop at a pace that is right for her.

2 – 3 Years	3 – 4 Years
Walk well, run, stop, step up, and squat down Use the spoon and cup all by herself Name 5 to 6 body parts on himself Answer simple “what” and “what do” questions Point to or name objects when told their use (“What do you drink with?”) Use 2 to 3 word sentences regularly	Jump, run, throw, climb, using good balance Use toys and other materials to pretend play Ask a lot of “why” and “what” questions Wait her turn some of the time Understand words that tell where things are (behind, under, in, on) Draw circles, lines and crosses using a crayon

Promoting Healthy Development

• If your toddler is under foot while preparing dinner, ask him to carry light, non-spill containers to the table for you.
• Ask your child to pick up his toys after playing and put them away. This helps motor skills.
• Walking along a line on the ground will promote balance and concentration.
• Running around a tree and back or through a maze of objects provides vigorous exercise and helps children master turns and balance.
• Hopping on one foot then on the other and skipping promote balance and strengthen leg muscles.

Fun Things To Do With Your Child

• Read with your child. Find books with pictures and active stories. Ask your child questions about the story, pictures and characters.
• Color and draw pictures with your child. Use bright colors and non-toxic crayons.
• Download and/or print out pages from the Healthy Kids Coloring Book.
• Take your child on a fun, educational outing such as the zoo, aquarium, or a children’s museum. Encourage your child to ask questions about what he sees.
• Toddlers should not be inactive for more than 60 minutes at a time, except when sleeping. Encourage activity in your child by providing a safe, open place to play. Do not keep toddlers in car seats or other restrictive settings, such as strollers, for long periods.

Avoid putting your child in front of the TV!
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents avoid television viewing for children. Although certain television programs may be promoted to children, research on early brain development shows that toddlers need direct interaction with parents and caregivers for healthy brain growth.