First Steps, First Words:
A Parent’s Guide to 1–2 Years
Watch your little one grow from first steps to first sentences! Here’s a simple, science-backed guide for this amazing year of discovery and learning.
Explore Milestones By Age
Wobbly Walkers & Curious Hands: 12–18 Months
First steps, first words, and endless curiosity! At this age, your child is on the move—learning about the world through all five senses.
Brain Booster: The “Fetch” Game
Ask your toddler, “Can you bring me your cup?” or “Where is the ball?” and celebrate when they bring it. Start with just one object, then try with two choices.
Why it Works (The Science):
This simple game is a powerhouse for development. It builds receptive language (understanding words), motor planning (figuring out how to move to get the object), and joint attention (sharing a focus with you)—all critical for learning.
What to Look For: An Interactive Checklist
Tiny Explorers: 18–24 Months
Now a true toddler! Your child is using more words, climbing, and showing big emotions—and big curiosity.
Brain Booster: The “Helper” Role
Involve your toddler in simple chores. Let them “help” wipe the table with a cloth, put their own clothes in the basket, or carry a small (unbreakable) item to the table.
Why it Works (The Science):
This isn’t about getting chores done; it’s about building your toddler’s brain. “Helping” develops a sense of competence and self-efficacy (“I can do it!”). It also practises sequencing and following directions, which are foundational for executive function skills.
What to Look For: An Interactive Checklist
Parenting Your Toddler: A Toolkit
Every day is an adventure! Here’s how to build language, support independence, and make routines smoother for you and your child.
Tips for Building Language
- Talk about everything: Name objects, actions, and feelings all day long.
- Read together daily: Board books, picture books, and simple stories build words and attention.
- Sing, rhyme, and repeat: Songs, nursery rhymes, and repeating favorite words help speech grow.
Tips for Encouraging Independence
- Let them try: Offer small choices (“blue cup or red cup?”), let them feed themselves, and help pick out clothes.
- Simple chores: Let your child help put toys away or wipe a table. Kids love to help!
- Applaud effort, not just success: Cheer on every “I did it myself!”
Tips for Daily Routines
- Keep it predictable: Morning, meal, and bedtime routines make toddlers feel safe and confident.
- Use simple pictures: Show steps of routines (“brush teeth, pajamas, book, bed”).
- Transitions are hard: Use a 2-minute warning before changing activities (“In 2 minutes, we’ll clean up!”).
Toddler Myths vs. Scientific Facts
Parenting comes with a lot of advice. Here’s what science says about some of the most common toddler challenges.
This is an evolutionary trait that protected early humans from eating something dangerous. The science-backed strategy is repeated, low-pressure exposure. Continue offering tiny portions of new foods alongside their favorites without forcing them to eat it. Your job is to offer; their job is to decide.
A toddler’s prefrontal cortex (the part for logic and self-control) is very immature. During a tantrum, their emotional brain (amygdala) takes over completely. They aren’t giving you a hard time; they’re having a hard time. The best response is to stay calm, ensure they’re safe, and offer comfort (co-regulation) to help their system calm down.
Science distinguishes between passive and active screen time. Passively watching a show is very different from an interactive video call with grandparents or using a high-quality, educational app *with* a parent. For children under 2, the goal is co-viewing and interaction, not solo, passive consumption.
Get Clarity on Your Child’s Growth
All toddlers grow at their own pace. Use our free screening tools to check speech, play, and motor skills—catching concerns early makes a big difference.
Take a Free Developmental Screening“I was worried my daughter wasn’t saying enough words, but the DevineCare checklist and tips helped me support her at home. Now she’s talking nonstop!”
— Rina, Parent from BangaloreYou Are Your Child’s Expert
If something doesn’t feel right, or you want reassurance, reach out. Your instincts and love matter most in this year of firsts!
Book a Free Consultation