Chapter 2 Learning About Children 65
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Reading
Review
1. Why should you speak correctly when talking with a toddler?
2. Why are toddlers easier to care for when they begin to talk?
Social Development
As toddlers grow, they begin interacting more with others. They become
more aware of their environments. They know they have abilities. As a result,
they respond to situations differently from the way they did as infants.
Toddlers do not like to hurry. They do not understand the concept of
time. They like to perform tasks by themselves, such as dressing and eating.
This may take time. Be patient. When toddlers are forced to dress or eat more
quickly, they may become discouraged and quit trying. Let toddlers do as
much for themselves as possible. This helps them learn to be independent.
Toddlers do not always act the same from day to day. For instance,
Chen may fasten all the buttons on his sweater today. Tomorrow, he may
not be able to fasten any buttons. Emily may easily feed herself without a
lot of mess one day. The next day, she may squeeze her food, mash it with
her fi ngers, or drop it on the fl oor. Miguel may dress himself each day, then
suddenly demand you do it for him. Changes in behavior can be caused
by tiredness or desire for attention. This is typical behavior. It is part of the
growth process.
The way toddlers play refl ects their social development. One-year-
olds mainly play by themselves. After two years of age, toddlers enjoy
parallel play, or playing near other children, but not with them. They
also have not learned how to share. They may take what they want from
Succeed in Succeed u c e i i n LLifeefi e
Handling the Toddlers’ No Stage
When toddlers are going through their no stage, they are testing adults.
Allowing toddlers choices gives them fewer chances to say no. For instance,
Ayana needs to wear a sweater. Ask her whether she wants to wear the blue
sweater or the red sweater. This gives her a choice. If you ask her whether she
wants to wear a sweater, she may say no. Then you will still have to convince
her to wear a sweater.
Use a pleasant tone of voice when talking with toddlers. Explain the rules
and your expectations for acceptable behavior. Keep the rules simple and state
them clearly. Explain what will happen when the rules are broken. Repeat this
information several times to help toddlers understand what you say and mean.
Be consistent and follow through with what you say will happen when rules are
broken. This guidance will help toddlers know what to expect.