TODDLERHOOD Meaning and
Definition
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Toddlerhood is a noun that refers to the stage or period of development in a child's life typically between the ages of one and three years old, characterized by significant growth and rapid acquisition of physical, cognitive, and social abilities. It is considered a crucial phase in a child's early development, as they transition from infancy to early childhood.
During toddlerhood, children experience significant physical changes, including steady growth in height and weight, as well as the development of motor skills such as walking, running, climbing, and jumping. They also become more independent, gaining control over bodily functions, and developing basic self-help skills like feeding themselves and dressing.
Cognitively, toddlers begin to exhibit a range of new abilities, including the development of language and communication skills. They often start using basic words and phrases to express their needs and desires, as well as understand simple instructions and engage in basic conversations.
Socially, toddlerhood is a critical period for developing social skills and emotional regulation. Children start to exhibit greater interest in interacting with others and engaging in play, forming early friendships and learning to share and take turns.
Overall, toddlerhood is a transformative stage that lays the foundation for future development and learning. It is a time of significant exploration, discovery, and growth as children continue to expand their physical, cognitive, and social abilities.
Etymology of TODDLERHOOD
The word "toddlerhood" is a compound noun that combines "toddler" and "hood".
The term "toddler" is derived from the verb "toddle", which dates back to the 17th century. "Toddle" originally meant "to walk with short and unsteady steps", reflecting the unsteady gait of young children who are learning to walk. The -er suffix is added to form "toddler", referring to a young child who is in the age group between infancy and childhood.
The suffix "-hood" is added to nouns to denote a state or condition of being. In the case of "toddlerhood", it refers to the stage or period of being a toddler. This suffix has Old English origins and has been used in the English language for centuries to form words like "childhood", "neighborhood", or "adulthood".
