Craig Howat, M. Ed. Leadership

There are exceptions to every rule. 🤯 Since I’ve been sharing guidance on child development and age appropriate expectations, I’ve been challenged on several occasions to explain video examples that seem to defy explanation: Videos of toddlers with more skill (and, in some cases, FAR more skill) in certain areas than I have as an adult. Today I thought I’d share several such examples as a thread. 🧵 So what to make of these precocious little ones? I think two things are pertinent developmentally. First, let’s talk about the “range of normal.” I’m often asked when this or that will occur for a baby. You might have noticed that the answer is almost always “somewhere around X months” or “somewhere between Y and Z.” That’s because all children develop on a unique timeline. We can generalize and say when things typically happen, but this is premised on large sets of children. At the individual level, in any range, there are outliers. Kids who develop certain abilities extremely early (and those who do so extremely late). The other thing is environment. If you’ve followed for any length of time you’ve heard me repeatedly describe early childhood as a period of “apprenticeship” in which children “learn what they live.” Each of the videos below is likely the result of a little of both: a precocious learner in an environment that has exposed them to - and led to the prioritization of - very specific skills. These are the skills of their parents and siblings. The skills to which they are exposed daily and motivated to emulate and practice. And in combination, extremely impressive things can happen. So let’s enjoy and celebrate some unusually advanced skills. These aren’t things I’d advise are common for toddlers - or worry about in the least if your own doesn’t come close to matching - but are very impressive to watch nonetheless. Enjoy! This first video, via wqiuyieysun on TG.

Ever feel like you’re being watched? 👀 If you’re a significant figure in the life of a young child, this feeling isn’t paranoia. In fact, “watched” doesn’t really begin cover it. You’re being STUDIED. From your tone of voice, to the language you use, to your very physicality, your baby is picking up on even the subtlest of cues. Their goal: to be more like you with each passing day. This video’s quality isn’t fantastic, but its lesson surely is. Watch how flawlessly (and joyfully) this little one manages to mimic Grandpa. It’s a big responsibility for sure - but important that you recognize in advance that your baby is always watching, listening, and learning. Even before you might think they are. So be a conscious role model and never assume your baby is too young to be soaking in the things you say and do. This fantastic little mimic was shared to IG by insan.insan.derler.

“Daddy? [Where] are my boots?” 🥾 Of all the recent videos I’ve shared this one may be my favorite. That’s because it has so many amazing toddler characteristics wrapped up in one adorable clip. Our hero is on a mission to find her boots. Dad tries valiantly to incorporate a quick Spanish vocabulary lesson - prompting her to say “botas” in place of “boots.” But his efforts to teach meet their match in his determined daughter - who is armed with the toddlers’ favorite word: NO. (Which, if it’s any consolation, is also no in Spanish. 🤣) I love this little one’s independence and laser focus on accomplishing her goal. She is her own person and not up for dad’s game. But her mischievous little smile also tells us a lot. She knows the Spanish word well and can absolutely say it… turning the exchange into a good natured game of her own. Keep the Spanish coming, Dad. This is the perfect time for language learning… and the exposure will make a difference. This fantastic little one was shared to TT by infinit_infinit.

“No, Brin Brin kiss it!”💋 As they emerge from infancy, toddlers find themselves in a whole new ballgame. Once dependent on others, they now have the language and emerging skill set to begin doing all sorts of things on their own. This often leads to a period of fierce independence around 18 months - in which many toddlers insist on doing EVERYTHING for themselves. This video has always been my favorite example. This little one has bumped her forehead. Mom offers a kiss to make it feel better, but our hero insists that she kiss herself. On her own forehead. 🤣 Isn’t this just the BEST?