What milestone can typically be observed in a child aged 1-2 years?

During the age of 1 to 2 years, a significant milestone is the development of receptive language skills, which includes the ability to follow simple requests and listen attentively to stories. At this age, children are becoming more aware of their surroundings and start to understand more complex language cues. They may not be able to articulate their thoughts fully yet, but they can comprehend what is being asked of them, such as “come here” or “give me the toy.” Additionally, this is when they begin to show interest in listening to stories, often enjoying the rhythm and repetition found in children's literature.

In contrast, speaking in full sentences generally occurs later, typically around the age of 2 to 3 years, as children’s vocabulary and syntax continue to evolve. Similarly, playing pretend games is a more sophisticated form of play that typically emerges closer to 2 years old and beyond, when imaginative and symbolic play starts to develop. Recognizing colors also tends to develop a bit later, often appearing around the ages of 2 to 3 years, as children begin to categorize and name various colors they encounter in their environment. Thus, following requests and listening to stories stands out as a key milestone for children in this particular age range.