Väikelapseperiood

Väikelapseperiood refers to the developmental stage in early childhood typically spanning from around one year old to three years old. This period is characterized by significant growth and learning across multiple domains, including physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Physically, toddlers gain increasing independence in motor skills. They learn to walk, run, jump, and climb, refining their gross motor abilities. Fine motor skills also develop, enabling them to stack blocks, hold crayons, and begin to feed themselves with utensils.

Cognitively, language development is a hallmark of this stage. Toddlers move from single words to short phrases and eventually to simple sentences, rapidly expanding their vocabulary and understanding of the world around them. Object permanence is well-established, and they begin to engage in symbolic play, using objects to represent other things. Problem-solving skills emerge through exploration and experimentation.

Socially and emotionally, toddlers start to develop a sense of self and independence, often asserting their will and experiencing the "terrible twos" as they navigate their growing autonomy. They begin to interact more with peers, though play is often parallel rather than cooperative. Attachment to primary caregivers remains strong, and they learn to express a wider range of emotions, though managing these emotions can be challenging. This period lays a crucial foundation for future learning and social interaction.