What developmental milestone occurs in the Toddler stage?

In the Toddler stage, one of the significant developmental milestones is toilet training. This period, typically between ages 1 and 3, marks a crucial transition from dependence on diapers to the ability to use the toilet independently. It involves not only physical readiness but also cognitive and emotional development, as toddlers begin to recognize bodily signals and assert their autonomy. Successful toilet training reflects a combination of motor skills, understanding of routines, and social cues, making it a noteworthy achievement during this stage of development.

While social dependency, basic motor skills, and academic learning are all important aspects of growth, they are not as characteristic of the Toddler stage as toilet training. Social dependency is often more pronounced in earlier infancy, basic motor skills are usually more refined and developed in earlier stages, and formal academic learning generally occurs later, in preschool or kindergarten settings. Therefore, toilet training is a defining milestone specific to the Toddler phase.