Judy Young, Ph.D, NASPE

It might look like just child's play, but toddlers are hard at work learning important physical skills as they gain muscle control, balance, and coordination. Each new skill lets them progress to the next one, building on a foundation that leads to more complicated physical tasks, such as jumping rope, kicking a ball on the run, or turning a cartwheel.

Toddlers always want to do more, which can motivate them to keep trying until they acquire a new skill, no matter what it takes.

Take advantage of your toddler's natural desire to keep moving. Even at this early age, kids establish patterns of activity that carry through the rest of childhood. So an active toddler is likely to remain active later.Playing and learning are completely natural for toddlers, so mastering the skills below should be fun and games for them. Parents should give toddlers many opportunities to practice their developing skills while providing supervision so they stay safe while they learn.

In addition to these physical accomplishments, toddlers are developing in other ways. Provide opportunities for yours to explore, ask questions, use his or her imagination, and practice fine motor skills, such as stacking blocks or coloring.

Here's a guide to the physical skills toddlers are working, by age:

Early toddler skills (12-24 months)

  walks independently
  pulls/carries toys while walking
  stoops and gets back up
  begins to run
  kicks a ball
  holds railing up/down stairs
  walks backward

Older toddler skills (24-36 months)

  balances 1 to 2 seconds on one foot
  climbs well
  bends over easily without falling
  runs well
  kicks ball forward
  both feet on step, up and down stairs
  starts to pedal tricycle
  throws ball over head