One minute they’re quietly playing blocks, the next they’re… licking the window. Or stuffing peas into their ears. Or spinning in circles until they fall over laughing.

Welcome to toddlerhood, where weird is the norm and every bizarre behavior feels like a parenting pop quiz.

Here’s what’s (mostly) normal—and how to support your child through their wonderfully weird developmental stages.

Sensory Exploration Is Their Language
Toddlers explore the world through their senses. That means they touch, taste, smell, hear, and see everything they can get their hands on. A window isn’t just a window—it’s a cold, smooth, shiny surface that feels interesting on their tongue. Gross? Yes. Normal? Also yes.

Weird = Developmentally Appropriate
Many quirky behaviors are simply signs of growth. Spinning in circles? That’s vestibular development. Lining up toys? That’s early organizational thinking. You don’t need to decode every odd act, but knowing it’s rooted in development can help you stay calm.

When to Worry (and When Not To)
Most odd habits fade with time, especially when they’re not reinforced. But if a behavior is persistent, harmful, or seems to interfere with social interactions, it’s worth mentioning to your pediatrician. Trust your gut, but remember: weird is usually just weird.

Laugh When You Can, Redirect When Needed
It’s okay to laugh (privately) when your kid turns a banana into a phone. Humor helps. But when behaviors get disruptive or unhygienic (hello, public licking), offer calm redirection: “Windows aren’t for licking—can you touch it with your hand instead?”

Let Daycare Reinforce Healthy Exploration
At Kidz Watch, we embrace curiosity while gently guiding children toward appropriate exploration. That means plenty of sensory play, safe materials to touch and taste, and lots of imaginative encouragement—with fewer licked windows in the process.

Final Thought
Your toddler isn’t weird—they’re just learning. And sometimes, learning looks like licking. Stay patient, stay playful, and remember: every parent has a “you won’t believe what they did” story. You’re not alone.