Part of the Series : Beginning the Journey...

The transition from infant to toddler is a dramatic one. As physical, emotional, and social skills develop at this important time, parents and caregivers alike need to be aware of the important role that they play during the growth process. This video offers an easy-to-follow guided tour through a developing child’s early years of life. Advice from experts in the child care field provides additional insight into this formative period of human development. A Meridian Production. 

Process of Human Development (01:35)
Although highly individualized, there are five basic principals of human development similar for everyone.

Physical Development (03:53)
Skills acquired and perfected during toddler years include gross motor skills, such as running and climbing, and fine motor skills, such as holding a pencil and manipulating objects.

Emotional Development (03:01)
Children learn to express feelings and control actions in toddler years. They begin these skills in the first stage of emotional development, establishing trust, and progress towards autonomy.

Emotionally Well-Adjusted Toddlers (02:10)
Well-adjusted toddlers seek approval and praise from parents; turn to parents for comfort and help; tell parents about significant events; and accept limits and discipline without unusual resistance.

Socialization (02:44)
The process of socialization occurs in stages. In the toddler years, children move from parallel play to cooperative play learning how to share and take turns.

Intellectual Development (01:45)
Early childhood environment influences the extent to which full intellectual potential is developed. An environment which encourages learning offers many options for exploration and rewards curiosity.

Methods of Learning (02:14)
Consistency in routine helps toddlers develop concepts of time and organization. Children learn through four methods: incidental learning, trial and error, imitation, and directed learning.

Guiding Toddler Development (01:41)
Young children are entirely dependent upon adults to provide them with what they need to develop in a healthy way. Skills develop more fully when children are exposed to a variety of experiences.