24 To 27 Months - Two-Year Olds Are Wonders
You now have a two-year-old! 
Two-year-olds are wonderful! They need lots of hugs and smiles. They need you to talk to them. They are learning fast and they do not always have the words to express themselves. Be gentle, quiet and respectful when you talk to them or correct them. They need to feel good about themselves and know that they are special.
Safety Tips
Watch your toddler closely. They put all kinds of things into their mouths.
They love to climb and may fall.
Supervise your child closely!
Special Hint!
Your child may not want to sit or listen very long, so plan short activities that will keep his attention. Remember children want to do things on their own. Provide a warning before interrupting activities. Say, "There are a few minutes left to play before nap time."
Avoid fusses by having a few simple rules and by being consistent, kind and firm enforcing those rules.
Note!
Your child is beginning to develop a sense of "self" apart from you. He is beginning to want to do things "His Way." Treat him and his wishes with respect so he will continue to grow into the person he is meant to be.
Things Your Child May Do At This Age
Make simple choices
String large beads
Hold scissors correctly (Use blunt-edged scissors.)
Scribble and mark with crayons
Walk between 2 straight lines
Jump or walk backwards
Copy vertical and horizontal lines
Cooperate in dressing
Verbalize toilet needs
Stack blocks - build a tower of 6 to 7 cubes
Understand pronouns: I, me, my, mine
Talk about things that interest him
HEALTH HINTS:
Well Baby Check-ups: 24 months (Do it Now!)
A blood lead level test is recommended at two years of age. This doctor’s visit is a good time to check your baby’s growth and to make sure she is healthy.
Things You Can Do Everyday To Help Your Child Grow
Give your child an opportunity to make choices whenever possible instead of saying, "Would you like an apple?" say, "Would you like an apple or a banana?" Let him respond with words - not just by pointing at an object.
Provide large sheets or rolls of paper and crayons for drawing and scribbling.
Have a pretend party with pretend things to eat.
Let him put his own things away, even though it takes longer.
Read to him daily. Let him pick out the books he wants to read.
Watch what you say and do. Try to set good examples. Remember, your child learns from your actions.
Show your child how to fit boxes inside each other. Then let him try. Encourage him to do it his way, even if it is not quite right. Allow him to think about what he could do to make it right and let him try. Praise his efforts!
Give your child toys that are moveable, such as: cars, push and pull toys, tricycles, wagons, swings and rocking horses.
Teach your child to use words as well as actions in dealing with situations. Say, "I know that it made you angry when Janie took your tray. Tell Janie to give it back." Give her words that she can say to express her feelings so that she won't just react physically by grabbing, pushing, shoving, hitting, crying, screaming or biting. (It is normal that your child will show some of these behaviors, but teach her to say what she wants and to use words when she is unhappy or angry.)
Governor Bill Haslam
