Understanding the Toddler Years: 8 Developmental Stages and How Montessori Supports Them

The toddler years are holy ground.

They are full of wonder, intensity, joy, and—at times—exhaustion. One moment your child is fiercely independent, and the next they are melting down because you peeled the banana the wrong way. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this normal?”—the answer is yes.

At TCWA, we view toddler development not as something to rush through or correct, but as a sacred process to be understood, supported, and honored. Montessori education gives us a beautiful lens through which to see these years clearly.

While every child develops at their own pace, here are eight common stages of toddler development (roughly ages 12–36 months) and how they show up in everyday life.

1. Trust & Attachment

(Around 12–15 months)

At this stage, toddlers are forming a deep sense of safety in the world. They are learning: Will my needs be met? Will you come back?

You may notice:

• Separation anxiety

• A strong preference for familiar caregivers

• Seeking comfort when overwhelmed

How Montessori supports this:Consistent caregivers, predictable routines, and calm transitions help build security and trust.

2. Mobility & Exploration

(Around 13–18 months)

Once toddlers gain mobility, their whole world opens up. Movement becomes their primary way of learning.

You may notice:

• Walking, climbing, pushing, pulling

• Curiosity about everything

• A desire to move constantly

How Montessori supports this:Prepared environments allow safe movement and exploration without constant “no’s.”

3. Independence & Will (“I Can Do It”)

(Around 16–22 months)

This is the beginning of a strong internal drive toward independence.

You may notice:

• Frequent use of the word “no”

• Insistence on doing things alone

• Frustration when helped too much

How Montessori supports this:Child-sized tools, self-care opportunities, and patience from adults nurture healthy independence rather than power struggles.

4. The Language Explosion

(Around 18–24 months)

Language development often accelerates rapidly during this time.

You may notice:

• A growing vocabulary

• Two-word phrases

• Naming objects, people, and actions

How Montessori supports this:Rich language modeling, clear communication, and meaningful conversation (not baby talk) fuel this growth.

5. Love of Order, Routine & Repetition

(Around 18–26 months)

Toddlers crave order because it helps them make sense of their world.

You may notice:

• Strong attachment to routines

• Repeating the same activity again and again

• Distress when things change unexpectedly

How Montessori supports this:Consistent rhythms and orderly environments bring peace and predictability.

6. Emotional Awareness (Without Full Control)

(Around 20–30 months)

Toddlers are becoming aware of emotions—but don’t yet know how to manage them.

You may notice:

• Big emotions and tantrums

• Early signs of empathy

• Difficulty calming themselves

How Montessori supports this:Adults model calm regulation, name emotions, and offer connection rather than punishment.

7. Social Awareness & Parallel Play

(Around 24–32 months)

Toddlers begin noticing peers, even if they aren’t playing with them yet.

You may notice:

• Playing beside other children

• Imitating peers

• Early attempts at turn-taking

How Montessori supports this:Grace and courtesy lessons gently guide early social interactions.

8. Problem-Solving & Emerging Reasoning

(Around 28–36 months)

Toward the end of the toddler years, children begin experimenting with logic and reasoning.

You may notice:

• Trial-and-error problem solving

• Understanding cause and effect

• Following simple two-step directions

How Montessori supports this:Hands-on materials allow children to think, test, and learn through experience.

Toddlerhood is not something to “fix.”

It is a season to slow down, to observe, and to partner with your child as they build the foundations of who they are becoming. At TCWA, we believe children flourish when they are met with love, freedom, and wise guidance—rather than pressure or comparison.

You are not behind.Your child is not too much.This work is good and meaningful.

We are honored to walk this season with you.