What is it like to be 2? A glimpse into the wonders of toddlerhood.
- Frédérique and the Wooden Fellows
We launched a new series last month, inviting you, our dear gigglers and chiselers, to step into the shoes of a young child at various ages. Our goal with this series is pretty straightforward: raising everyone’s curiosity about young children from birth to five—whether our audience regularly interact with little ones or not. After all, you never know when you may have to engage with a young one : )
Last month, we explored being 4, this month, let’s switch to being 2!
Quick note
While we base this series on milestones from the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), the wooden Fellows and I would like to remind everyone that every child develops at their own pace. We hope you know we aim to celebrate here each child’s uniqueness, whether or not they meet traditional milestones, as well as their neurodivergence, physical or cognitive disabilities, or health conditions. And actually, this is another reason why raising curiosity is so critical to us – when you become curious about young children, you naturally start appreciating the individuality of every child, and find joy in celebrating those differences.
While the “Terrible Twos” is a phrase often associated with this age, two-year-olds are actually at a fascinating developmental stage. They begin to open up to the world around them, gaining new communication skills and improving their mobility. Last time, our wooden Fellows Maurice, Petite Clothilde, and Pierre-Qui-Roule modeled the experiences of being a four-year-old. This week, Mme Rigolotte brings her wisdom and experiences with two-year-olds to the table : )
Opening Up to the World Around Them: How 2-Year-Olds Communicate with Others
At age two, children begin to notice the world and the people around them in a deeper way, moving from being observers to eagerly participate in social interactions. They may combine words, getting excited to see a “big truck” and loudly ask for “more milk!”. Gestures are also key forms of communication that help them express their feelings. They may point at a book to read, or an apple for snack or wave goodbye. And, as Mme Rigolotte might remind us, they may even blow you a kiss if they hold a special place in their heart for you : )
Although not equipped yet with full vocabulary to explain complex thoughts, two-year-olds can still communicate in powerful ways. You might notice a shift from baby babbling to real conversations, even though those conversations may still be one-sided. Being attuned to their subtle cues, whether it is a word or a gesture, can truly help us connect with these young communicators. Read books or tell them stories to spark even more engaging, one-on-one discussions. Good night Gorilla, by Peggy Rathmann, for instance, was a must read for months in our household.
Exploring in Action: How Toddlers Discover the Joy of Engineering
Not sure how to keep a two-year-old busy and entertained? Mme Rigolotte would suggest to give them access to a cabinet filled with containers of different shapes and sizes. This seemingly simple activity is fun, for sure, but also fullfill their curiosity towards how their world works, playing a critical part of their cognitive and motor development. The repetition of opening and closing containers helps them improve hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and problem-solving abilities. Open, close, open again, close again.
In addition, two-year-olds love exploring switches, knobs, and locks—turning them on and off, twisting them, or trying to open them. These activities encourage experimentation, trial and error, and learning. Two-year-olds are indeed our next generation of inventors! And the best toys are often the ones you already have in your closets! Silverware, containers, a broom—these everyday items can be the next treasure of a two-year-olds, fueling curiosity and creative thinking, and extending their engineering mindset.
Moving Around: Extending Your Space at Age 2
Full of energy and curiosity, two-years-old can become quite eager to explore every corner of their world. As some gain confidence in walking, others may even start running. This increased mobility allows them to engage more fully with their environment, as they zoom across a room or explore the outdoors. You may want to prepare yourself for fast-paced action!
In addition to walking and running, two-year-olds may begin to enjoy kicking a ball, throwing small objects, climbing on low furniture. In other words, they continue to test their growing physical skills, building confidence in their ability to move through space. Such mobility supports their growing sense of autonomy, a big milestone in their development. As Mme Rigolotte would kindly warn you, you may need a nap afterwards if you are not used to that level of energy!
Every child is unique, and by observing their development, we can learn so much about who they are how they see the world. Two-year-olds are constantly discovering, learning, and growing. By stepping into their shoes, we foster a deeper appreciation of what they bring into the world.
What surprises you most about the 2-year-olds you may have in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!
The post is based CDC’s Developmental Milestones, as well as stories from my experiences as an early childhood educator, researcher, and parent.
