Child Development (Ages 1–2) in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Between your child’s first and second birthday, they begin to understand that they are a completely separate person from you. This exciting stage of toddler development often comes with big emotions, the frequent use of “me” and “mine,” and a strong need for your reassurance.

Toddlers in their second year understand many words, but they are still concrete thinkers. Abstract ideas like “later,” “fair,” or “share” are hard for them to grasp. This is normal and expected.

In Grand Rapids, parents can find support and guidance on child development through local providers such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, and public health resources like the Kent County Health Department.

Social and Emotional Development (1–2 Years)

Toddlers at this age:

• Are very curious about their surroundings
• Depend heavily on adults for comfort and reassurance
• Are often very attached to parents and caregivers
• May worry about separation or become upset when you leave
• Enjoy simple, repetitive games with adults (peek-a-boo, chase, “this little piggy”)
• Show interest in other children but usually play alone or side by side rather than with them

No Real Concept of Sharing Yet

In the Grand Rapids toddler age group, it’s typical to see:

• Strong use of “mine” and “no”
• Difficulty sharing toys at playgroups, daycare, and local parks
• Imitation of adults and older children, such as “talking” on a toy phone or pretending to cook

They may:

• Want to “do it myself” when getting dressed or feeding themselves
• Become very frustrated if they are stopped or rushed
• Seek your approval and want to “do it right,” but still lack self-control

Thinking and Understanding (Cognitive Development)

Toddlers between one and two years old:

• Do not yet understand time, distance, or speed
• Are still learning that objects and people exist even when out of sight
• Are working hard on categories, such as grouping toys, foods, or animals

You may notice your child:

• Sorting objects into groups (blocks together, cars together)
• Matching simple items (shoes, socks, lids with containers)
• Enjoying simple make-believe play, like pretending to talk on a toy telephone

Limited Understanding of Size and Space

Many toddlers:

• Have no real sense of size or space
• May be afraid of going down the drain in the bathtub or slipping through small spaces
• Don’t yet understand what is truly dangerous

Because their movement skills are improving quickly, this is a common time for Grand Rapids families to “toddler-proof” their homes—especially during long indoor winter months when kids are more active inside.

To support your child’s development and safety:

• Move breakable and dangerous items out of reach
• Use safety gates, cabinet locks, and outlet covers
• Try to reduce how often you need to say “no” by setting up a safe play area

Physical Development (Gross Motor Skills)

Toddlers in this age range often:

• Around 12 months: Scoot or ride on a four-wheeled riding toy
• Around 15 months: Walk alone with feet wide apart and arms held up for balance
• Around 15 months: Use their hands to push up to standing
• By 2 years: Stand up without using their hands
• By 2 years: Run without bumping into things and can stop when needed
• By 2 years: Go down stairs while holding on, placing both feet on each step before moving to the next
• By 2 years: Push buttons, turn knobs, and operate simple mechanical toys

In Grand Rapids, you may see these skills develop at local playgrounds, indoor play spaces, and community centers—especially helpful during cold and snowy Michigan winters when outdoor play is limited.

Language Development (1–2 Years)

Language grows rapidly between 12 and 24 months. Many toddlers:

• Around 15 months: Use about 10 spoken words on average
• Between 18–24 months: Use 50 or more words
• By 2 years: Can express most of what they want with words

By age 2, you may notice:

• Short sentences becoming longer and more accurate (e.g., “more milk,” “Daddy go work”)
• Better understanding of spoken language
• Ability to remember and follow two-step instructions, such as “Get the ball and bring it to Daddy”
• Occasional stammering or hesitation when excited—this can be normal at this stage

If you’re concerned about your child’s speech in Grand Rapids, talk to your pediatrician or ask for a referral to a local speech-language pathologist or early intervention program through Kent County resources.

Activities to Support Your Toddler’s Development in Grand Rapids

Encourage Exploration and Play

You can support your 1–2-year-old’s development by:

• Providing toys with knobs and buttons to press
  • This protects your television and other appliances from curious fingers
• Offering simple puzzles with large pieces
• Giving toys that link together, such as stacking cups, blocks, and hammer-and-peg sets
• Letting your child look at sturdy picture books
  • Name the pictures
  • Ask simple questions like “Where is the dog?”
  • Let them help turn the pages

Support Imagination and Independence

Toddlers love to copy adults and older children. You can:

• Provide dress-up clothes and simple props for pretend play (hats, bags, toy phones, pots and pans)
• Offer child-safe household items to copy you, like a toy broom or play kitchen
• Allow your child some time to play alone in a safe space, without constant adult direction
  • This helps them learn to entertain themselves and build confidence

They will usually come to you for help when they need it.

Simple Language and Social Games

To support language and social skills, try:

• Naming everyday objects around the house and outdoors
• Singing simple songs and nursery rhymes
• Reading the same favorite books again and again
• Playing games that give your child chances to say “no,” such as:
  • “Is Daddy under the bed?”
  • “Is the ball in the fridge?” (they can proudly say “no!”)

These simple activities can be done at home or while visiting local Grand Rapids libraries, community centers, and playgroups.

When Development Varies

All children are different and develop at their own pace. If your toddler isn’t doing everything described here, they may be focusing on other skills. Some children walk earlier, some talk earlier, and some are more cautious or shy.

However, it’s important to seek professional advice if:

• Your child seems very different from other children their age
• You notice skills they had before are lost or go backward
• You have a strong feeling that “something isn’t right”

Signs That May Suggest a Developmental Concern (1–2 Years)

Consider talking with a healthcare professional in Grand Rapids if your child:

Social and emotional:

• Doesn’t show awareness of different people
• Doesn’t show a preference for familiar people (parents, caregivers)
• Doesn’t show separation anxiety or seem to care when you leave

Physical (movement):

• Is not yet walking by around 18 months
• Is not walking steadily, especially if there is a limp or clear imbalance

Language and communication:

• Uses only signs, grunts, or gestures when they want something and does not try to use words
• Isn’t babbling often
• Isn’t starting to use some meaningful words by 18–24 months
• Doesn’t listen or look toward people when they are talking
• Is mostly silent during play
• Doesn’t respond when others talk to them
• Can’t point to simple objects or pictures when they are named (like “Where’s the ball?” or “Show me the dog”)

Early support can make a big difference, and there are many resources in the Grand Rapids area to help.

Local Help for Child Development in Grand Rapids, MI

If you’re worried about your toddler’s development, or just want reassurance, reach out to a health professional. In Grand Rapids, options include:

• Your child’s pediatrician or family doctor
  • Many are affiliated with Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
• Kent County Health Department
  • Offers information on child health, development, and local early intervention services
• Grand Rapids Public Health and community clinics
  • Can provide guidance, screenings, and referrals
• Early intervention and developmental services
  • Ask your doctor about local programs that support children from birth to three years

If you have questions about your toddler’s development, don’t wait. Contact a Grand Rapids healthcare provider to discuss your concerns and find out whether a developmental screening or referral would be helpful. Early, local support can give your child the best possible start.