What many 2 and 3 year olds are doing

Around their second birthday, most children put 2 words together, run, kick a ball and eat with a spoon. By 3, many are holding short conversations, asking “why”, playing alongside other children and putting on some of their own clothes. The CDC describes milestones as skills most children reach by a certain age, and each child moves through them at their own pace.

The CDC also mentions the “terrible twos” by name, and then points out that this is a stage of major growth in thinking, learning and feelings. Both are true, often before breakfast.

Talk and conversation

At 2, the CDC lists saying at least 2 words together, like “more milk”. Many 2 year olds point to things in a book when you ask, like “where is the bear?”, point to at least 2 body parts when asked, and use gestures beyond waving and pointing, such as blowing a kiss or nodding yes.

By 3, the talking turns into talking with you. The CDC lists a conversation of at least 2 back-and-forth exchanges, asking “who”, “what”, “where” or “why” questions, saying what is happening in a picture, like “running” or “eating”, and saying their first name when asked. The 3-year list also includes talking well enough for others to understand, most of the time. “Most of the time” is the CDC’s phrase, and a relief to anyone translating for a grandparent.

Running, climbing, kicking

The CDC’s 2-year list includes running, kicking a ball, and walking (not climbing) up a few stairs, with or without help. Hands get busier too: holding something in one hand while using the other, like taking the lid off a container, and trying switches, knobs and buttons on toys.

By 3, the fine work gets finer. The CDC lists stringing items together, like large beads or macaroni, and drawing a circle when you show them how. It also lists avoiding hot objects, like a stove, when you warn them, which is a milestone in listening as much as anything.

Playing with other children

At 2, toddlers tend to play side by side rather than together, which is why the CDC suggests supervising playdates and helping with sharing, turns and using words when things go wrong. 2 year olds also notice when someone is hurt or upset, and look at your face to see how to react to something new.

By 3, the CDC lists noticing other children and joining them to play. Another 3-year milestone is calming down before long after you leave, like at childcare drop-off. The CDC’s 2-to-3 page adds following simple instructions, sorting objects by shape and color, imitating adults and playmates, and showing a wide range of emotions. The full range, usually.

Doing things themselves

Independence is most of this age. At 2, the CDC lists eating with a spoon and playing with more than one toy at once, like putting toy food on a toy plate. By 3, it lists using a fork and putting on some clothes alone, like loose pants or a jacket. Shoes on the wrong feet are still shoes on.

The CDC’s tips lean into this. Let them help get ready for meals by carrying cups or napkins to the table, give simple chores and praise the effort, let them help open drawers and doors, and, at 3, give them small jobs in meal prep like washing vegetables or stirring. Offering simple, healthy choices, like carrots or an apple at snack time, gives them a decision that is theirs. The CDC also suggests letting your child decide how much to eat from what you serve.

Potty training belongs here too. The CDC suggests holding off until your child shows they are ready, which usually is not until about 2 to 3 years, and asking your doctor or childcare for guidance.

Things to try

The CDC’s ideas for these ages are cheap, a little loud, and good for everyone.

Talk a little ahead of them. Repeat their words back with the correct pronunciation. At 3, use slightly longer sentences than they do, and try 2- or 3-step instructions.

Read and ask what happens next. Set aside regular time for books. Ask what is happening in the pictures and what might happen next.

Play the classics. Follow the leader, parade, counting stairs, opposites (big and small, fast and slow, quiet and loud), simple puzzles, block towers to knock down, and songs and rhymes from your family’s own culture.

Make things. Crayons, finger paint, playdough, sand and water with containers. The CDC notes playdough builds the hand and finger muscles used later for writing, buttoning and cutting.

Name feelings. At 3, the CDC suggests naming emotions and teaching calming strategies, like deep breaths, hugging a favorite toy or going somewhere quiet. Set a few simple rules, redirect when one is broken, and praise when one is followed.

Go out. Walks, wagon rides, parks, trails and bus rides. At 3, let them choose how to play while you follow their lead.

Keep screens small. The CDC suggests watching children’s programs together and keeping screens out of the bedroom.

The CDC’s full checklists for 2 years and 3 years are worth reading in the original and bringing to a well-child visit, where your pediatrician can talk through anything you have noticed.

Sources

• Milestones by 2 Years — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Milestones by 3 Years — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Positive Parenting Tips: Toddlers (2–3 years old) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

This is educational information from public sources, not a replacement for advice from your child’s healthcare professional.

In Withya, Guides shows play ideas for your child’s age, with the source beside each.