From the time a child can walk, which is generally around or shortly after 12 months of age, until the age of 36 months, she is considered a toddler. Toddlers are learning to view themselves not only as independent beings, but also as part of a community or group. From the early toddler stages leading up to preschool age, children gradually expand upon their social network, extending their social circle from parents and primary caregivers to include other children.
Personal and Social Development
According to Erik Erikson's developmental theory, part of the personal and social development process for toddlers is learning to interact with others without losing a sense of independence. For healthy development to take place, toddlers need opportunities to learn by doing, which helps develop a healthy sense of self. This autonomy allows the child to learn to manipulate situations and make independent determinations about the value or lack of value in certain actions. If toddlers are denied an opportunity to make mistakes and learn from them, Erikson suggests that feelings of shame and doubt will undermine a healthy sense of self, and therefore, healthy social interactions.
What to Expect
During the toddler stage, expect your child to exert independence and to play alone or alongside other children, without necessarily interacting with her peers. Common emotions and feelings expressed by toddlers include possessiveness, pride, jealousy, fear and affection. Toddlers often imitate caregivers and peers. As your toddler nears age 3, she will begin to more actively interact with her peers and enjoy engaging in pretend play, which contributes positively to language, social and cognitive development.
Milestones
At age 12 to 15 months, toddlers express needs by pointing or gesturing, often experience rapid mood shifts, have a problem with sharing toys, may get angry easily and need reassurance that parents or primary caregivers are readily accessible. By age 2, toddlers make ready use of the word "no," imitate behavior of familiar people, become easily frustrated and begin to shun help from others, although they still need reassurance that caregivers are available. Older toddlers begin to take turns when encouraged, express affection for peers, are more comfortable away from caregivers, express preferences and begin to empathize with the feelings of others.
Considerations
Giving your toddler opportunities to make decisions can help her develop positive social skills. When mediating toddler interaction, use strategies such as redirecting and helping toddlers put words to their feelings. Help your toddler express feelings in a positive way. For example, stomping her feet, tearing paper or expressing feelings through painting or drawing can help her deal with anger and frustration. Toddlers develop at different rates. Discuss developmental concerns -- as well as ways to encourage positive social and personal skills -- with your child's pediatrician.
References
- University of Hawaii: Erikson's Development Stages
- Haverford College; Psychosocial Theory: Erikson; Doug Davis, Alan Clifton
- National Network for Child Care: Toddler Development
- Zero to Three: Social-Emotional Development: 24 to 36 Months
- Mayo Clinic; Child Development Chart: Preschool Milestones; July 2010
- MedlinePlus: Toddler Development
