Positive Parenting Tips: Toddlers (2–3 years old)

Parenting toddlers ages 2 to 3 is a whirlwind of discovery, big emotions, and rapid development. At this age, children are learning to express themselves, assert independence, and make sense of the world around them—all while still needing comfort and guidance.

Positive parenting during the toddler years means offering patience, consistency, and plenty of encouragement as little ones test boundaries and build new skills. It’s about creating a safe, loving environment where your toddler feels seen, supported, and free to grow.

Skills such as taking turns, playing make believe, and kicking a ball, are called developmental milestones. Most children achieve these milestones by a certain age. Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, behave, and move (like jumping, running, or balancing).

The “terrible twos” is a term used to describe this stage as toddlers begin to assert their independence. However, this can be an exciting time as toddlers undergo huge changes in their thinking, learning, social, and emotional abilities. These changes help them explore their new world and make sense of it. At this stage, toddlers should be able to follow simple instructions and sort objects by shape and color. Additionally, they should be able to imitate the actions of adults and playmates, and express a wide range of emotions.

Following are some things you, as a parent, can do to help your toddler during this time:

• Set up a special time to read books with your toddler.
• Encourage your child to take part in pretend play.
• Help your child to explore things around them by taking them on a walk or wagon ride.
• Encourage your child to tell you their name and age.
• Teach your child simple songs like Itsy Bitsy Spider, or other cultural childhood rhymes.
• Give your child attention and praise when they follow instructions and show positive behavior and limit attention for defiant behavior like tantrums.
• Teach your child acceptable ways to show that they are upset.

The “terrible twos” is a term used to describe this stage as toddlers begin to assert their independence. However, this can be an exciting time as toddlers undergo huge changes in their thinking, learning, social, and emotional abilities.

As your child is moving around more, they will come across more dangers as well. Dangerous situations can happen quickly, so keep a close eye on your child. Here are a few tips to help keep your growing toddler safe:

• Encourage your toddler to sit when eating and to chew their food thoroughly to prevent choking.
• Check toys often for loose or broken parts.
• Encourage your toddler not to put pencils or crayons in their mouth when coloring or drawing.
• Do NOT hold hot drinks while your child is sitting on your lap. Sudden movements can cause a spill and might result in your child being burned.
• Make sure that your child sits in the back seat and is buckled up properly in a car seat with a harness.
• Do NOT leave your toddler near or around water (for example, bathtubs, pools, ponds, lakes, whirlpools, or the ocean) without someone watching them. Ensure backyard pools are fenced off.

Healthy bodies

Here are a few tips to help keep your growing toddler healthy:

• Talk with staff at your child care provider to see if they serve healthier foods and drinks, and if they limit television and other screen time.
• Your toddler might change what food they like from day to day. It’s normal behavior, and it’s best not to make an issue of it. Encourage them to try new foods by offering them small bites to taste.
• Encourage free play as much as possible. It helps your toddler stay active and strong and helps him develop motor skills.
• Make sure your child gets the recommended amount of sleep each night: 11–14 hours per 24 hours (including naps) for toddlers 2-3 years old.

Keep television sets out of your child’s bedroom. Set limits for screen time for your child to no more than 1 hour per day of quality programming at home, school, or afterschool care and develop a media use plan for your family. Learn more about the AAP recommendations.

All children develop at their own individual pace. For some children differences or delays may be more temporary, others may benefit from professional support. Check out our article to gain a better understanding of five important areas of development and when to consider seeking help.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | Positive Parenting Tips: Toddlers (2–3 years old), https://www.cdc.gov/child-development/positive-parenting-tips/toddlers-2-3-years.html | Public domain. Published May 2024. Retrieved May 2025.