Most 2 year olds cannot count to 20 unless they are gifted or very smart.
The majority of 2 year olds can count as high as 10 and the understanding and concept of numbers and one to one correspondence often develops between the ages of 3 to 4.
Around the age of 2, most toddlers often begin to recite number words from their memory, which is a process called "note counting, " although they may not fully yet understand the concept of numbers.
And the ability to connect number words to specific quantities "one to one correspondence" often emerges between the ages of 3 and 4.
By age 3 to 4 children often begin to understand the concept of numbers and can then count to 20 and beyond.
A two year old can count as high as 10 in most cases although every 2 year old is different may not be able to count as high but it's normal.
Some two year olds can count to 10 through rote memorization, which means the 2 year old can recite the numbers in order without them fully understanding their meaning.
And some 2 year olds may also demonstrate a deeper understanding of numbers and counting concepts, while other 2 year olds might only be able to count to a few numbers.
A gifted 2 year old can pay excellent attention to favorite TV shows or videos and know all colors, shapes, letters, sounds and numbers and may be able to do puzzles and make patterns with blocks.
Profoundly gifted 2 year olds and toddlers often also develop skills of reading, writing and even numerical processes years before other 2 year olds.
Other signs of a gifted 2 year old are they are able to read a story they've heard many times as they remember the words and patterns, they have excellent memories and retain information easily, they are often curious and ask a lot of questions and show a strong desire to learn, they can stay focused on tasks for longer periods, they may prefer interacting with older children or adults and they may approach problems or subjects differently or often with their own unique methods.
A gifted 2 year old may also build towers with 4 or more blocks and demonstrate their developing fine motor skills and spatial reasoning and engage in simple make believe games and might even play with others in a group and they can often sort shapes and colors and indicate an early understanding of categorization and follow two step instructions such as pick up your truck and put it on the shelf.
A 2 year old is often advanced if the 2 year old is developing ahead of other 2 year olds in certain areas like language and problem solving or if they are speaking in complete sentences with proper verb-noun agreement by or before age 2.
Other signs that your 2 year old could be advanced are they have a large vocabulary or are also quick to learn new words.
Most 2 year olds should start putting 2 to 3 words together such as "red apple" or "I go up".
And 2 year olds that are advanced may even use more than just simple words to express their needs such as "Help Me" or "I want cookie".
An advanced 2 year old may also show advanced problem solving skills by finding things that are hidden under multiple layers or exploring how things works and sorting of shapes and colors.
An advanced 2 year old may also have excellent memory and retain information easily or be able to recall details of past events that happened.
Advanced 2 year olds may also exhibit signs of abstract thinking, like coming up with their own idea or even coming up with creative additions to a task.
Most 2 year olds can also walk alone and are also beginning to run, stand on their tiptoes, kick a ball and climb on and off furniture unassisted.
And the 2 year old may be able to use cups and spoons, undress themselves and even push and pull toys.
A 2 year old will also start to become more independent and try to do things on their own and express their own needs or wants.
2 year olds also start to show awareness of their own feelings and the feelings of others, and may have rapid mood shifts.
All children also develop at their own pace and some kids are more advanced than others and there is a wide range of what is considered to be typical for a 2 year old.
A child may also be advanced in one area such as language but not in other areas such as social emotional development.
It's also important that you nurture your child's love of learning and also follow their interests, regardless of whether they are advanced or not.