Your Child’s Development – 1-5 Years

As your child grows, use this list to observe his or her progress. Every child is different and learns at his or her own pace.

13 – 15 MONTHS

• Lets you know what he wants without crying by pointing, reaching or using words
• Points to familiar pictures that you name
• Stands and learns to walk
• Waves bye-bye
• Says Mama or Dada when she sees you
• Turns and looks when called by name
• Uses voice all the time and knows the meaning of some words
• Drops small things into a container
• Stoops or squats to pick something up
• No concept of sharing

16 – 18 MONTHS

• Walks alone
• Can help around the house
• Drinks from cup or glass alone
• Can practice pouring and squeezing in the bathtub
• Says “No” while shaking head from side to side
• Rolls ball back and forth with you
• Says at least three words besides Mama and Dada
• Scribbles on paper with crayon or pencil

19 MONTHS – 2 YEARS

• Uses fork or spoon for eating
• Undresses self and attempts to dress self
• Pretends to do things like feeding a doll
• Runs
• Makes a tower of four blocks
• Names some objects and pictures in a book
• Uses at least six words; may say phrases and simple sentences
• Walks up stairs
• Points to some body parts when you name them
• Kicks a ball forward
• Plays alongside others or alone

2 YEARS

• Runs and jumps
• Says his name
• Puts on some clothes correctly
• Names things in a picture
• Understands simple directions
• Builds towers of six blocks
• Asks questions
• Uses at least two-word phrases
• Eats adult food
• May ask to go to toilet
• May be affectionate, inflexible, frustrated and possessive

3 YEARS

• Talks in three or four word sentences, not always understandable
• Recites a few nursery rhymes and/or songs
• Puts easy puzzles together
• Brushes teeth with help
• Throws a ball overhand
• Walks up steps, alternating feet
• Rides tricycle
• Pours from pitcher
• Marches
• Enjoys some group activities
• More easy-going and secure
• May have imaginary playmates
• May have achieved complete bladder control

4 YEARS

• Dresses self with some help
• Names his friends
• Washes and dries face and hands
• Appetite fluctuates
• Asks many questions
• Learning colors
• Enjoys playing cooperatively with other children
• Draws simple objects
• Stands on one foot
• Takes care of own toileting needs and likes privacy
• Seeks adult approval and attention
• Can be demanding and likes to test limits
• May be afraid of the dark, monsters, or other things

5 YEARS

• Dresses self without help
• Plays well with other children; may have special friends
• Hand dominance established
• Good control of writing tools; prints shapes and some letters
• Counts to 10 (at least) and knows colors
• Reads own name
• Follows directions well; likes to follow rules and have some responsibilities
• Eager to learn new things; boastful
• Begins to lose baby teeth
• Beginning to learn difference between fact and fiction (real and pretend)