When children reach the age of 2 years, they are trying to sort out who they are and how they fit into this world. They are learning all sorts of things that they can and can't do and it can be a very frustrating time for them. At this age children are experiencing feelings and emotions which they can't understand. They are egocentric and therefore don't understand why they should share their toys or why they can't have that packet of sweets. This lack of understanding and frustration can often lead to tantrums.

Tantrums are not a toddler being naughty; it is a normal part of development. They are trying to show how they are feeling but haven't yet got the language to express it. Tantrums are also a way of children learning to control their own temper and an opportunity to learn that no means no. The worst thing for a parent to do is to give into the demands of a tantrum, as this is teaching the toddler that a tantrum gets them what they want and in fact, the parents are rewarding them for the tantrum.

2 year olds have quite a good understanding and can follow simple instructions such as "get your shoes" or "give this to granny". Expressive language varies considerably from child to child, but you would expect a 2 year old to be able to say about 20 single words and to be beginning to put 2 words together e.g. "mummy gone" or "more drink". Their words don't have to be pronounced correctly and often at this stage its only close family who can understand them.

At this age toddlers are very interested in other children. They enjoy being with them and playing along side them but are unlikely to actually play with them. They are beginning to demonstrate pretend/ imaginary play. They love following mum around the house and will copy what she is doing eg pretend to vacuum or dust. If given a doll and spoon they will pretend to feed it.

Around this age many parents commence potty training. Very few children are ready before the age of 2 and some children are getting on for aged 4 years. All children develop at different stages and therefore there is no right or wrong age to start potty training, but it is important to be guided by the child. When children show signs that they are ready, then that is the time to start. The signs are:                                                                    

• They can go a couple of hours between wee's.                     
• Takes an interest when parents or a sibling goes to the toilet.
• Is obviously aware they are passing a stool.
• Ask to have their nappy changed when they have passed a stool.

It is worth using a potty or a child's toilet seat, as a toilet with no child seat can be a scary place for a toddler. It's a good idea to start just by letting the toddler run around with nothing on their bottom half. This way they will become aware of when they are weeing. Modern nappies are so good; they never get the sensation of being wet. Parents need to encourage their child to sit on the potty and praise just for sitting on it even they don't do anything. Parents need to be aware that there will be lots of accidents in the early days and that this is all part of the learning process. Parents can gradually build up the time their child goes without a nappy on. The key to potty training is to give lots of praise when they are successful and to ignore any accidents.