Which developmental milestone should parents expect their toddler to achieve?

At the toddler stage, which typically ranges from 1 to 3 years of age, one significant developmental milestone is the ability to start separating from the caregiver. This milestone is crucial as it marks a child's growing independence and autonomy. Toddlers will begin to explore their environment more confidently, which is a normal part of their social and emotional development.

This separation can manifest in various ways, such as playing with other children, engaging in activities away from their primary caregiver, or exploring different rooms or environments while being aware of where their caregiver is. The ability to separate helps toddlers develop a sense of security in their independence, which is important for their overall development and social skills as they grow.

While complete self-feeding is an important skill for toddlers to develop, it is not typically mastered until they are a bit older, and many children still need assistance at various stages. Forming clear sentences is a language skill that develops gradually, typically becoming more apparent as they near preschool age. Following complex instructions is a higher cognitive skill that children generally achieve later, often around the age of four or five. Thus, starting to separate from the caregiver reflects a key milestone that aligns well with developmental expectations for toddlers.