Your baby at 2 is really changing. She climbs on chairs, runs around the room and can even go up and down the stairs. She pushes and pulls toys and even stops to pick up ones she drops and doesn’t fall over.

This is a time to give her pushing and pulling toys which will help her improve her balance and coordination.

This is also a time to think of her having other children around to explore her improving social skills. Just playing with other children will become more important and something she really enjoys.

She also learns at this age about quarreling. Many children are not sure about sharing toys and can become possessive and uncooperative. Before another child comes over to play, talk with her about which toys can be shared and put the rest away.

You will also notice that she is learning to dress and undress herself in clothes that are easy to pull-on. She will need your help with the buttons and with anything tight.

Watch for her to try to jump. Even when she tries, her feet will probably not yet leave the floor. She wants to give it a try anyhow.

You will notice a change in her emotional responses. Always make sure your praise outweighs your criticism. Make sure your criticism is directed towards behaviors, not toward her. (“That’s a silly thing to do,” not, “You are being stupid.”)

See if you can learn to make chores into games. When it is time to put away toys, have her try to beat you while counting slowly from one to ten.

You will probably notice how much neater her eating has become. She isn’t ready to use a knife but she really should be able to do a better job with a fork or spoon.

At around two you will be impressed as she puts words into two-word sentences. When you see her struggling to expand sentences, help her so she knows you understand. She will begin to use “I,” “me” and “you.”

At this age she will begin to understand what you tell her to do. Simple stories come into her life around this time. Make sure that you read with her regularly. Show her picture books and point out items to her and name them.

This is certainly an age to give her crayons and paper to write on. She probably won’t begin to draw or paint anything special but when she is done, ask her to tell you about the picture she has made. Her speech is making great strides. She communicates with words and signs. This is a great time to talk with her as you go about your work and she plays.

This is a truly delightful age. Your young child is learning new things all the time. Take the time to help her learn the many things she wants to learn. Let her feel your excitement when she goes to the next step.

Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and former executive director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which publishes newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents. For more information, email to info@firstteacher.org or call 360-681-2250.