Final answer:
Toddlers experience cognitive developments such as mastering object permanence, understanding cause and effect, and developing theory-of-mind, which allows them to understand other people have different thoughts and feelings.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cognitive Developments in Toddlers
During the toddler years, typically 12-24 months old, significant cognitive developments occur. These include the mastery of object permanence, understanding that objects continue to exist even when not in sight. Toddlers also begin to understand cause and effect, recognize and imitate the behavior of others, and engage in imaginative play. Another major cognitive milestone is theory-of-mind (TOM), wherein children recognize that others have different thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. This development allows toddlers to engage in more complex social interactions and enhances their language skills as they begin to communicate about things and events that aren't immediately present.
Toddlers' cognitive skills are further evidenced by improvements in their attention spans and the ability to follow instructions and understand daily routines. Their increasing curiosity drives them to explore their environment, ask questions, and begin the process of problem-solving. As they near the preschool age, children will build upon these skills, leading to more autonomy in decision making, such as choosing their clothing or predicting story outcomes.