At thirty months, children are developing through play, conversation, and problem-solving. Many are using short phrases, following simple directions, engaging in pretend play, and practicing independence during daily routines. Development at this age is supported by opportunities to talk, move, make choices, and explore ideas through play with others and on their own. Everyday activities — like reading together, active play, and shared routines — help children strengthen language, thinking, and coordination in meaningful ways.

Here are some ways you can support your child’s development:

• Encourage free play, allowing your child to follow their interests, explore materials in new ways, and try things independently.

• Offer simple, healthy food choices and let your child decide what and how much to eat. Limit choices to a few options to support decision-making and independence.

• Ask basic questions during stories or book reading, such as “Who is that?” or “What is happening here?” to build understanding.

• Help your child learn how to interact with others by modeling sharing, turn-taking, and using words during play.

• Give your child chances to play near or with other children, such as at parks, libraries, or playgroups, to support early social skills.

• Offer drawing experiences using crayons, chalk, or textured materials like shaving cream. Encourage copying simple shapes as skills develop.

• Share meals together as a family when possible, offering the same foods to everyone and focusing on conversation and connection.

• Limit screen use to short periods of high-quality children’s programming with an adult present, keeping real-world interaction the priority.

• Use descriptive words during play and routines, such as size, speed, position, and direction, to build language understanding.

• Talk with your child’s doctor or caregivers about toilet training readiness, keeping expectations developmentally appropriate. Beginning training too soon may be counterproductive.

• Encourage your child to name colors, body parts, and familiar pictures during play and book reading.

• Play ball games together, such as gently kicking a ball back and forth, gradually adding movement as skills grow.

• Keep regular routines for sleep and meals, including a calm and predictable bedtime, to support learning and regulation.

• Play movement games like “follow the leader,” practicing walking in different directions or positions, and taking turns leading.

• Show your child how to turn pages in books or magazines, giving them chances to practice independently.

• Talking with your child during play and daily routines, naming actions, objects, and feelings

• Encouraging pretend play with simple props like dolls, toy food, or household items

• Offering opportunities for movement, such as running, climbing, or jumping in safe spaces

• Reading books together and asking simple questions about the pictures

• Playing simple games that involve matching, sorting, or problem-solving

• Responding to your child’s words and gestures to keep communication going

These activities don’t teach milestones — they create everyday opportunities for milestones to develop.