Neuropsychological and motor development of toddlers

Second year of life: motor skills and neural processes

During the second year of life, child development undergoes significant changes. At the beginning of this period, high but poorly coordinated motor activity is observed. The child finds it difficult to maintain balance, and hand and foot movements are performed strictly in sequence.

By 1.5 years, a qualitative leap occurs:

• Hand and foot coordination improves.
• The child masters overcoming obstacles (climbing over).
• Fine motor skills of the hand actively develop.

After one and a half years, running develops and vestibular function improves.

In the sensory sphere, visual, auditory, and tactile perception differentiate, although attention remains labile and easily distractible. By one and a half years, the child begins to understand entire phrases and tries to pronounce complex words, and by the end of the second year, a sharp surge in the development of active speech occurs and the ability to generalize is formed (a marker of visual-active thinking).

Evolution of daily routine and self-care (2nd year)

The daily routine in the second year of life depends on age, with 1.5 years considered the turning point.

Up to 1.5 years:

• Wakefulness lasts 4–5 hours.
• Two daytime naps (2–2.5 hours each) are required.
• Emotionally labile children are kept on two daytime naps (or even three) for longer.

After 1.5 years:

• Transition to one daytime nap.
• Intervals between meals increase to 3.5–4.5 hours, and the nighttime food break reaches 12–13 hours.

By the end of the second year, basic self-care skills are formed: the child eats more neatly, can partially dress and undress, and puts away toys. The habit of tidiness (control of pelvic functions) is basically established, although it is still unstable during play. To reinforce this, regular potty training every 1.5–2 hours is recommended.

Third year of life: increasing complexity of activity

In the third year of life, the endurance of the central nervous system increases significantly. The period of continuous wakefulness increases to 6–6.5 hours.

Key mental and speech changes:

• Vocabulary increases 3–4 fold compared to the previous year.
• Elements of generalization appear in the child's own speech.
• The range of emotions becomes more complex (embarrassment, resentment, and upset develop).
• Play activity transitions from purely object-oriented to elements of labor (independent dressing, eating).

Daily routine in the 3rd year:

• Sleep: one daytime nap (2–2.5 hours) and nighttime sleep (11.5–12 hours).
• Nutrition: four meals a day (every 3.5–4 hours).
• Walks: extended to 2–3 hours or more.
• Hygiene: full baths once a week, on other days — a shower before bedtime.

Class and exam questions

What else to study on this topic

• Organization of play activities to stimulate motor skills
• Rules for water procedures and walks in different seasons
• Instilling cultural and hygienic eating habits
• Ergonomic requirements for children's clothing

Other topics in "Chapter 1. General Issues"

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