'Typical' Development: Toddler (12-24 Months)

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT (12–24 MONTHS)

Common signs in toddlers
12 months: May be shy with strangers, cry when parents leave, show favourites, and enjoy interactive games like “peek-a-boo”.
18 months: Shows affection, may have tantrums, plays simple pretend games, and clings in new situations.
24 months: Begins to copy others, plays alongside peers, shows increasing independence, and may display defiance.

HOME STRATEGIES
Create consistent routines to help toddlers feel secure.
Encourage interactive and pretend play.
Provide reassurance and comfort during transitions or separations.

CLASSROOM STRATEGIES
Allow space for parallel play with peers.
Support children through moments of frustration with calming strategies.
Acknowledge feelings while setting simple limits.

ONLINE RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

Raising Children Network: www.raisingchildren.net.au

Parentline QLD & NT: www.parentline.com.au

LANGUAGE / COMMUNICATION DEVELOPMENT (12–24 MONTHS)

Common signs in toddlers
12 months: Uses simple gestures, says “mama/dada”, and tries to copy words.
18 months: Says several words, uses gestures like “no”, and points to communicate.
24 months: Uses 2–4 word phrases, follows simple instructions, and points to named objects or pictures.

HOME STRATEGIES
Label objects and actions in daily routines.
Read and sing with your child every day.
Imitate and expand on your child’s attempts at speech.

CLASSROOM STRATEGIES
Use gestures and visual aids to support understanding.

Respond warmly to verbal and non-verbal communication.
Repeat and model clear, simple language.

ONLINE RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
Speech Pathology Australia: www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT (12–24 MONTHS)

Common signs in toddlers
12 months: Explores through banging, shaking, and copying actions.
18 months: Follows simple instructions, uses objects correctly, and points to body parts.
24 months: Begins sorting shapes and colours, uses pretend play, and follows two-step directions.

HOME STRATEGIES
Offer toys that encourage cause-and-effect play.
Name and describe what your child sees and does.
Encourage problem-solving by offering choices and tasks like tidying toys.

CLASSROOM STRATEGIES
Use books, puzzles, and role play to encourage thinking.

Allow time and support for exploration and independent attempts.
Celebrate effort and discovery, not just outcomes.

ONLINE RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
Playgroup Australia: www.playgroupaustralia.org.au

MOVEMENT / PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT (12–24 MONTHS)

Common signs in toddlers
12 months: Cruises along furniture, may take steps, and can sit up without help.
18 months: Begins running, kicks a ball, climbs, and scribbles.
24 months: Walks well, uses hands for small tasks, and climbs stairs with support.

HOME STRATEGIES
Encourage safe climbing and movement through obstacle play.
Offer drawing tools and stacking toys for fine motor skills.
Supervise but allow freedom to explore safely.

CLASSROOM STRATEGIES
Provide age-appropriate climbing and push/pull toys.
Include movement in daily routines (songs, actions).
Support fine motor skill development with creative activities.

ONLINE RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
Active Healthy Kids Australia: www.activehealthykidsaustralia.org.au

POSSIBLE CONCERNS – RAISE WITH YOUR DOCTOR

12 months:
Not crawling or pulling to stand
No gestures like waving
Doesn’t say simple words or respond to name
Doesn’t point to objects or people
Has lost skills they once had

18 months:
Doesn’t speak at least a few words
Doesn’t follow simple instructions

Doesn’t walk steadily
Doesn’t show interest in familiar toys or people
Doesn’t copy others’ actions

24 months:
Not using two-word phrases
Not interested in playing or interacting
Can’t follow two-step directions
Doesn’t point to body parts or pictures
Shows signs of developmental regression

ERIKSON’S PSYCHOSOCIAL STAGE: AUTONOMY VS SHAME AND DOUBT (12–36 MONTHS)

Healthy development – Autonomy

1. Shows independence
2. Resists being dominated
3. Makes simple decisions
4. Asserts self
5. Engages with others
6. Comfortable being alone or with peers

Unhealthy development – Shame and Doubt

1. Avoids decision-making
2. Hesitant to act without direction
3. Easily influenced by others
4. Reluctant to try new tasks
5. Overly self-conscious
6. Relies heavily on adult reassurance

RESPONSE TO PARENTAL SEPARATION (12–36 MONTHS)

Common signs
May regress (e.g., return to thumb-sucking or clinginess)
Struggles with separation and sleep
Seeks reassurance and becomes more dependent
May believe they are the cause of the separation

Home strategies
Maintain consistent routines and familiar items
Provide extra comfort and attention
Talk simply and reassuringly about the changes
Allow expression of feelings through books and play

BEHAVIOURAL DIFFICULTIES (12–24 MONTHS)

Common signs in toddlers
“No” becomes a frequent word – a sign of autonomy development
Temper tantrums are common and normal – toddlers are still learning to communicate
Separation anxiety continues to be typical

Sleep patterns begin to stabilise, but routines must be actively supported

Home strategies
Focus on prevention rather than punishment for unsafe behaviours
Support emotional regulation with calm, consistent responses
Provide a predictable routine for sleep, meals, and transitions

Classroom strategies
Use visual schedules and predictable routines
Acknowledge emotions and redirect behaviour gently 

Build trust through consistent caregiver responses

Online resources for parents
• Australian Parenting Website: www.raisingchildren.net.au