A child’s third year is a time of huge change: the experience is similar to adolescence in that it is transitional. In the same way that adolescence stands between childhood and adulthood, two year-olds are moving from the total dependence of babyhood to the more independent, mobile world of pre- schoolers. At this age children are exploring their powers to communicate, to move purposely, to assert their independence and individuality, and to control their important bodily functions.