Problem solving: how the skill grows from 12 to 36 months
Problem solving means working out how to get something done: pulling a blanket to reach a toy, fetching a stool, turning a piece to fit. Toddlers solve problems through trial and error long before they can plan in their heads.
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Problem solving: the ladder, step by step
Pick the step that looks most like your child today. The next step and activities that practise it appear below.
No step picked yet. There is no wrong answer: pick the closest one.
Next step: Gets help. Carries the closed jar to you and puts it in your hand.
Activities that fit this step
- Colander Cage Peekaboo · 12–17 months · 3–6 min
- Pull the Blanket, Reach the Toy · 12–17 months · 3–6 min
- Towel Roll Surprise · 13–20 months · 5–12 min
Next step: Switches strategy. Turns the piece around or tries the other hand after a failed try.
Activities that fit this step
- Clear Tub Ask for Help · 14–22 months · 3–8 min
- Knob Puzzle One-Piece Start · 16–26 months · 3–8 min
- Egg Carton Latch Surprise · 17–25 months · 4–10 min
Next step: Uses a tool. Pulls a blanket to bring the teddy on it within reach.
Activities that fit this step
- Which Hole Fits? · 18–28 months · 5–10 min
- Cardboard Box Circle and Square · 20–30 months · 5–10 min
- Which Lid Fits? Container Match · 20–30 months · 5–10 min
Next step: Plans a step ahead. Drags a stool over before trying to reach the shelf.
Activities that fit this step
- Spoon Rake Rescue · 24–32 months · 4–10 min
- Which Cup? Toddler Shell Game · 24–34 months · 5–10 min
- Coat Flip on the Floor · 26–36 months · 3–8 min
Top of the ladder (plans a step ahead). Keep it flexible: offer it in a new place, with a different person or with new materials.
Activities that fit this step
- Tube and Block City · 26–36 months · 10–20 min
- Fork or Spoon? Dinner Choice · 28–36 months · 5–15 min
- Spoon, Sponge or Colander? · 28–36 months · 8–15 min
The problem solving ladder
5 steps from the first sign to a flexible skill, covered here from 12 to 36 months. Children move at their own pace: use the steps to see what comes next, not as deadlines.
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Repeats one attempt
Pushes the stuck toy the same way over and over.
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Gets help
Carries the closed jar to you and puts it in your hand.
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Switches strategy
Turns the piece around or tries the other hand after a failed try.
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Uses a tool
Pulls a blanket to bring the teddy on it within reach.
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Plans a step ahead
Drags a stool over before trying to reach the shelf.
When problem solving usually shows up
Showing simple problem-solving, such as standing on a small stool to reach something, is a CDC 30-month milestone. Before that, children often repeat the same attempt many times before switching to something new.
This page follows problem solving from 12 to 36 months, a window that spans the 12-month, 15-month, 18-month, 24-month, 30-month and 36-month CDC checklists.
In the library, 20 activities practise problem solving (4 as their main skill), for ages 12 to 36 months. 7 of them need no prep and take 10 minutes or less. By age, they sit closest to steps 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the 5-step ladder.
Related items appear on the CDC checklists for 30 months.
Related milestones
CDC checklist items (paraphrased) that involve problem solving. Checklists are for monitoring, not a test.
| Checklist | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 30 months | Solves simple problems, such as climbing onto a small stool to reach something. |
Activities that practise problem solving
Placed on the closest ladder step by age. By primary domain: 8 cognitive, 6 fine motor, 2 early concepts, 2 practical life, 1 creativity & pretend and 1 language. Quickest to start: Colander Cage Peekaboo (3–6 minutes).
Step 1: Repeats one attempt
Step 2: Gets help
Step 3: Switches strategy
Step 4: Uses a tool
Step 5: Plans a step ahead
Skills practised alongside
The activities for problem solving most often also work on finding hidden objects (4), colors and shapes (3), posting objects (3), matching (2) and pointing to ask (2). Pairing them keeps practice playful: one activity, several skills.
Practise it inside everyday routines
- Count to five in your head before stepping in when your child is stuck.
- Offer the least help that works: a point first, then a hint, then your hand.
- Set up small, solvable problems: a toy in a clear tub, a ball rolled under a chair.
- Name the strategy afterward: "You turned it, and it fit."
What to avoid
- Fixing it at the first sign of frustration; stay close, calm and encouraging instead.
When to mention it to the pediatrician
If by 30 months your child does not try different ways to solve simple problems, or gives up immediately on almost everything, mention it at the visit.
Worried about problem solving between visits? Call the pediatrician; CDC's free resources also explain how to contact your local Early Intervention program directly. Milestones are for monitoring, not diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
When do toddlers start problem solving?
Showing simple problem-solving, such as standing on a small stool to reach something, is a CDC 30-month milestone. Before that, children often repeat the same attempt many times before switching to something new. The first step to look for: pushes the stuck toy the same way over and over.
How can I help my toddler with problem solving?
Count to five in your head before stepping in when your child is stuck. Offer the least help that works: a point first, then a hint, then your hand. A good first activity is Colander Cage Peekaboo (12–17 months).
What should I avoid when practising problem solving?
Fixing it at the first sign of frustration; stay close, calm and encouraging instead.
When should I mention problem solving to the pediatrician?
If by 30 months your child does not try different ways to solve simple problems, or gives up immediately on almost everything, mention it at the visit. You can also contact Early Intervention yourself.
Related
Monitoring, not medical advice. Talk to your pediatrician about any concern. Our sources and method.