AGE 2
(24 Months)

What to Look For This Year

They call this stage the “terrible twos,” but we like to call it the terrific twos. Two-year-olds are full of wonder, curiosity, and big feelings. This year is all about discovery, independence, and learning through play. It may be loud, messy, and full of opinions—but it’s also an amazing time of growth.

Communication & Language

☐ Speaks in 3–4 word sentences

☐ Asks lots of questions (Why? How? Where?)

☐ Talks clearly enough for strangers to understand most of the time

☐ Knows and says their name and age

☐ Can tell a simple story or talk about a recent experience

Movement & Motor Skills

☐ Runs without falling often

☐ Walks up and down stairs with help

☐ Kicks a ball forward

☐ Begins to jump with both feet

☐ Uses hands to turn knobs, open lids, or twist caps

Play & Learning

☐ Completes simple puzzles (2–4 pieces)

☐ Begins pretend play like talking on a toy phone or feeding a stuffed animal

☐ Builds towers with 4 or more blocks

☐ Starts sorting shapes or colors

☐ Scribbles and imitates lines or circles

Social & Emotional

☐ Shows more independence but still needs reassurance

☐ Copies behavior of adults and other children

☐ Gets excited around other kids

☐ May start to play next to (but not yet with) other children

☐ Has tantrums when frustrated or overwhelmed

Download File Here

NEXT STEPS

Every two-year-old is learning in their own way. If your child isn’t meeting several of these milestones or something feels off to you, check in with your pediatrician. You are your child’s best advocate.

STAY CONNECTED

Love checklists like this? More age-specific guides and printable activities are coming soon! Scan the QR code or visit our site.