Vocabulary has increased to about 50 - 300 words (healthy children's vocabulary can vary widely)
Play recommendations:
Allow the child to help around the house and participate in the daily family responsibilities.
Encourage and provide the necessary space for physical activity.
Encourage play that involves building and creativity.
Provide safe copies of adult tools and equipment. Many children like to mimic activities such as cutting the grass or sweeping the floor.
Read to the child.
Try to avoid watching television at this age (recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics).
Control both the content and quantity of television viewing. Limit television viewing to fewer than 3 hours per day, and preferably 1 hour or less. Avoid programming with violent content. Redirect the child to reading or play activities.
Control the type of games played.
References
Feigelman S. The second year.In: Kliegman RM,Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds.Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics.19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 9.
Review Date:
2/1/2012
Reviewed By:
Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children's Hospital. Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
