Is My 2 Year Old on Track? 8 Questions Every Parent Asks
Written by Eugene Tng, QASP-S, Programme Director at ABA LABS
Is my 2 year old on track? It is one of the most common questions parents ask us. Some differences are completely normal at this age, and a few are worth checking early. Below are 8 real situations. For each one, decide: is it normal, or worth a check? Then read the answer.
Prefer to watch? The full episode is above.
1. About 10 words, but no 2-word pairs yet
Answer: worth a check. By 2 years, most children put two words together, like "more milk". Ten single words is a good start, but if there are no pairs by age 2, raise it with your doctor.
2. Strangers understand only half of what they say
Answer: normal. Around 2, people who don't know your child may understand only about half of what they say, sometimes less. By 3, most children talk well enough for others to understand them most of the time. Children vary a lot, and family usually understands much more than strangers do.
3. Doesn't look up when you call their name, most of the time
Answer: worth a check. Most babies look when you call their name by 9 months. If your 2 year old usually does not respond, a hearing check is usually one of the first things doctors arrange.
4. Tantrums when told no, a few times a week
Answer: normal. Tantrums are common in toddlers. In a large study of children aged 3 to 5, fewer than 1 in 10 had tantrums every day. Tantrums that happen daily, last a long time, or come out of the blue are worth checking.
5. Plays next to other kids, not with them
Answer: normal. At 2, playing side by side is typical. By about 2 and a half, most children play next to other children and sometimes with them. By 3, most join other children to play.
6. Sees a plane but never points to show you
Answer: worth a check. Most toddlers point to show you something interesting by 18 months. Pointing to share is one of the things doctors screen for in early development. It is a reason to check, not a diagnosis.
7. Eats with a spoon but makes a big mess
Answer: normal. Using a spoon is the milestone at 2. Neat eating comes later. Let them practise.
8. Used to say "mama" and "ball", now stopped
Answer: worth a check, soon. At any age, losing words or skills a child used to have always needs a doctor's check. Do not wait and see.
Picked "check" on any of these?
That is not a diagnosis. It means it is worth talking to your polyclinic or GP doctor. Bring your notes and a short video of your child at home. If needed, they can refer you to KKH or NUH for a developmental assessment.
While you wait, there is a lot you can do at home. On Wednesday we share a simple method to help your child go from 1 word to 2.
At ABA LABS, we help toddlers build early communication, play and social skills through individualised, play-based early intervention in your own home. If you are unsure whether your child is on track, book a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should my 2 year old be putting two words together?
By 2 years, most children put two words together, like "more milk". Ten single words is a good start, but if there are no two-word pairs by age 2, raise it with your polyclinic or GP doctor. In the meantime, simple strategies at home, such as adding one word to what your child says, can help.
Is it normal that strangers can't understand my 2 year old?
Yes, this is common. Around 2, people who do not know your child may understand only about half of what they say, sometimes less, while family usually understands much more. By 3, most children talk well enough for others to understand them most of the time. Children vary a lot at this age.
My toddler stopped saying words they used to say. Should I wait and see?
No. At any age, losing words or skills a child used to have always needs a doctor's check, so do not wait and see. Speak to your polyclinic or GP doctor soon, and bring your notes and a short video of your child at home. If needed, they can refer you to KKH or NUH for a developmental assessment.
Free milestone checklist
See what most children do at each age, and what is worth a check. Get the free milestone checklist.
Have a question about your child? Message us on WhatsApp. It is free and there is no obligation.
This article is for education only. It is not medical advice or a diagnosis.
Sources
CDC. Learn the Signs. Act Early. Developmental milestones, 9, 18 and 24 months, 30 months and 3 years (2022).
Hustad, K. C., et al. (2021). Speech development between 30 and 119 months in typical children I: Intelligibility growth curves. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 64(10), 3707-3719.
Coplan, J., & Gleason, J. R. (1988). Unclear speech: recognition and significance of unintelligible speech in preschool children. Pediatrics, 82(3 Pt 2), 447-452.
Wakschlag, L. S., et al. (2012). Defining the developmental parameters of temper loss in early childhood. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 53(11), 1099-1108.
Robins, D. L., et al. (2014). Validation of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-up (M-CHAT-R/F). Pediatrics, 133(1), 37-45.
Hyman, S. L., et al. (2020). Identification, evaluation, and management of children with autism spectrum disorder. Pediatrics, 145(1), e20193447.
Comments