Between 12 and 18 months is a fun age for toddlers (and their parents!). Your child is probably enjoying being the centre of attention and hamming it up for family and friends. Learn what else you can expect in terms of social and emotional development.
At this age, toddlers may resist any limits you set, but that's just part of developing their own unique personality - toddlers can be very entertaining and funny! Your typical 12 to 18 month old also:
Loves being the centre of attention
Plays best alone
Dislike sharing toys
Copies adult activities, such as driving a car, reading, or cooking
Separates from you for brief periods of time
Changes food likes and dislikes often
Enjoys familiar places
Boldly explores and tries new things
Takes risks, if a trusted adult is present
Identifies herself in a mirror or photo
Hugs and kisses parents and other very familiar people and pets
Play and activity
You can support your toddler's social and emotional development by creating and sticking with regular routines and setting reasonable limits and consequences.
Here are some more tips for nurturing your child socially and emotionally:
Offer choices you are comfortable with: "Do you want to put your coat or your shoes on first?"
Have happy goodbye routines when you and family members leave each other
Allow your toddler to help with chores. Your toddler could put clothes in the laundry basket, pick up toys, or put away clean clothes
Provide regular chances for your toddler to play beside children the same age
Don't force your toddler to play with other children
Play with your toddler and teach sharing
Use "yes" and "no" to clearly set reasonable limits. Briefly explain your reasons and be consistent
Model good manners: use "please" and "thank you"
Continue to breastfeed or chestfeed
Comfort your toddler, especially when he is upset, sick, or hurt
Create many happy moments, such as family meals and bedtime routines
Give your toddler opportunities to feel successful
Allow your toddler to play on her own
Talk about emotions: "You seem to be really happy!"
Read stories and look at pictures that focus on emotions
Talk about changes in routines
Other social and emotional milestones
Between 12 and 18 months your toddler may also:
Cooperate, or not
Want to do things independently
Fight with other children while learning to share
Show jealousy when attention is given to other family members
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