Definition Of A Toddler
What is a toddler? Toddler is a term used for children generally between the ages of 12 to 36 months (1-3 yrs. old). To “toddle” means to walk unsteadily, hence the name toddler was appropriately given to children in this age category who are just beginning to develop motor skills.
All children develop at a different pace, and it’s not uncommon for a child to appear to be beyond toddlerhood before the age of 36 months, just as it’s possible for a child to stay in toddlerhood a few months beyond 36 months.
During toddlerhood, kids reach milestone after milestone such as walking and talking (12-15 months), drinking from a cup (15-18), feeding themselves as well as running (18-24), and dressing themselves (24-36).
Potty training is fairly easy for some toddlers and incredibly difficult for others. “Terrible twos” is also a name given to toddlers between the age of 2-3 yrs. because of the unmistakable temper tantrums exhibited by most children at this age.
When I ask myself, what is a toddler I get a warm smile across my face and think of this: having raised two toddlers and being in the middle of raising another one as we speak, I can definitely say toddlerhood is a very frustrating and stressful period for parents. However, it is also the most magically beautiful time I can think of as a parent because your toddlers are discovering the world at this point, and they’re including YOU most of the time. They depend on you for everything, and many want to be right by your side all the time because they love feeling safe and warm.