Toddler’s Social Development

Toddler’s social development can be a slow and often bewildering process. They don’t call them the ‘terrible twos’ for nothing!

Here are the Modern Mums top ten tips for encouraging social development.

Don’t expect too much and be calm and measured in your interaction.

Toddlers, particularly at a very early age, don’t understand much more then what is immediately around them. They are unable to understand others perspectives to any large degree. Be calm and measured when a toddler becomes upset or irrational. They don’t have a real understanding of others perspective but are greatly influenced by your mood. If you want your toddler to become calm you need to model it first.
Allow them to observe

We’ve all seen the toddler who stops and watches at length when ever they enter a new social situation. This is okay let them do this until they are ready to engage. This period of watching is how they learn about each.
Side by side play is OK

Young toddlers often play side-by-side rather then what would appear to be ‘with’ each other. ‘Side by Side’ play is a valuable way, once again, that children can learn off each other. They often learn new skills by copying each other in this type of situation.
Don’t respond to aggression with agression

Every toddler will ‘hit-out’ or act aggressively in some situations. As children model our behaviour it is important that aggressive behaviour is dealt with quickly and calmly. Distraction is the the best form of offence in this situation.
Teach sharing behaviour

Toddlers have no capacity for true sharing. When they see a toy on a shelf, toddlers go up and take it. When they see a toy in the hands of another child, they often do the same thing. They are not being selfish or greedy at this age. They are simply being toddlers. Toddlers should be taught not to grab a toy if another child is playing with it. Duplicate toys are always good to have on hand when many toddlers are around.