By DullesMoms, Feb 2023
Little ones grow faster than you can say “baby formula.” One day they’re tiny and helpless; the next, they’re walking, talking, and asking a million questions. It’s an incredible journey filled with milestones that are worth cherishing.
However, it’s easy to lose sight of these special moments amidst the chaos of diaper changes, meal times, and, well, just keeping your toddler from eating a crayon. In the midst of all the craziness, there are so many toddler milestones that are truly worth celebrating.
Grab your confetti, Mama, it’s time to party — well, not the adult kind of party, but a ‘Yay, my toddler did it!’ kind of party!
First Steps
The moment your child takes those first wobbly steps, it’s like they’ve crossed a new frontier. Walking opens up a world of exploration and is a key milestone mentioned by experts like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as an important developmental sign. And let’s be honest, it’s also the gateway to even more mischief and fun!
🎉 Celebration Tip
Create a “Walk of Fame” in your living room with colorful paper footprints to commemorate each step.
First Words
“Da-Da” or “Ma-Ma,” it doesn’t matter which comes first (well, maybe it does to some of us). The first word is an emotional moment that marks the beginning of a lifetime of conversations. According to the Mayo Clinic, most toddlers start speaking between 12 and 18 months.
🎉 Celebration Tip
Record that special word and make it into a mini video montage. Years later, it’ll be a treasured memento.
Potty Training Success
Ah, the double-edged sword of parenting — celebrating your child’s independence while simultaneously saying goodbye to those cute diapers. The AAP suggests that many kids show signs of readiness between 18 and 24 months.
🎉 Celebration Tip
Make a “Potty Progress” chart and let your toddler add a sticker every time they successfully use the potty.
Eating with Utensils
There’s something so adult-like about a toddler picking up a spoon and actually getting food into their mouth instead of painting the walls with it. This simple skill is an essential part of fine motor development.
🎉 Celebration Tip
Host a family dinner and let your toddler feel like a VIP by serving their favorite meal, which they can eat all by themselves.
Learning to Share
This might not seem like a huge deal, but learning to share is actually an early lesson in empathy and social interaction. Psychologists like Dr. Laura Markham emphasize the importance of teaching kids to share and take turns as a foundation for developing social skills.
🎉 Celebration Tip
Organize a mini playdate and encourage sharing toys. Celebrate each successful share with a cute “Sharing Star” badge.
Creative Expression
Whether it’s scribbling on paper or building a sandcastle, these milestones are significant indicators of your child’s cognitive and fine motor skills. According to Zero to Three, a national nonprofit organization, creative play is crucial for intellectual and emotional growth.
🎉 Celebration Tip
Create an “Art Gallery” on your fridge or a wall and display your toddler’s masterpieces.
Remember, each child is unique, and there’s a broad range of normal when it comes to hitting developmental milestones. So even if your child takes a little longer to reach a particular stage, it’s okay.
What matters is recognizing and celebrating these precious moments that you’ll treasure forever!
