Toddlers have a greater understanding of the world around them by this stage. Their cognitive development (also known as intellectual development and thinking skills) continues to increase during this period. The ability to learn new skills, understanding of concepts, begins to make sense of current events, solve problems and use of memory steadily improves. Toddlers will begin to interpret the meanings of their experiences and they also have a vivid imagination.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a psychiatric disorder of the neurodevelopmental type in which there are significant problems of attention and/or hyperactivity and acting impulsively that are not appropriate for a person's age. These symptoms must begin by age six to twelve and be present for more than six months for a diagnosis to be made. In school-aged children the lack of focus may result in poor school performance. This article gives you info on ADHD in Children.

Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behaviour. These signs all begin before a child is three years old.

As a parent, your behavioural expectations of your child can be higher than what is actually developmentally appropriate for your child's age.

It is fairly common for your child to behave inappropriately as they begin to grow and gain independence. It is necessary to discipline your child in order for them to learn to accept a set of rules, behave in an acceptable manner, respect limits of freedom (rather than having their own way) and obey you (the parents). Discipline is an action directed towards improving the individual child.

Luckily not all toddlers have "temper tantrums" but if you are reading this article, well I guess you are part of the unlucky ones. Don't worry tantrums are part of your child's development. It can be horrible to be confronted by your sweet little child being so stubborn and determined to get their own way and they won't back down until they get what they want.

As part of your child's development it is normal for your child to have anxiety and fears. A baby commonly shows a fearful sign to loud noise or loss of physical support. Your child's reluctant to separate from you is a normal and healthy response and indicates healthy attachment. To some degree, separation anxiety is a sign that your child has developed healthy attachments to love ones. In most cases, it stops within 3-4 minutes after you leave.

When you were little were you ever afraid of the dark? Or small creepy insects? Or hurting yourself? Fears and Phobias are a common problem that some children may have more difficulty in dealing with than others.

Sibling Rivalry is a fairly common part of childhood which usually takes place in the first five years of life. Resentment and jealousy often arises when your first born child is “knocked off their perch”, by the arrival of a new sibling. Your first born child had you all to themselves and being the centre of attention, now your child will feel that the new baby takes up most of your time and attention.

You just picked up your toddler from child care or from a play date and you have just been informed that your child has bitten another child. Sometimes the bites are not even visible and yet other times the bites are blue and black, depending on how long your child latched on before someone intervened. For you it can be distressing and upset knowing that your child has hurt another child or an adult but please don't take your frustrations and anger out on your toddler. Even though your child may be a biter they are definitely not “naughty” or “bad”.