An Excerpt from the course on Life Span Development
Through early relationships, and with nurturing responsive interactions, infants and toddlers learn ways of being in relationships, how to get their needs and wants met, and how to identify and regulate emotions. They show some common patterns such as:
- Indicating some needs by pointing at 12 to 15 months
- Looking for help when in trouble by 18 months
- Helps to undress and put things away by 18 to 24 months
- Listens to stories when shown pictures and can tell about recent experiences by 24 months
- Can take part in pretend play and simple games by 24 to 36 months
Toddlers are always trying to be more independent. You may have safety concerns as well as discipline challenges. It is the best time to teach your child the limits of appropriate versus inappropriate behaviour.
When toddlers try out new activities, they can get frustrated and angry. Breath-holding, crying, screaming, and temper tantrums may often occur.
It is important for a child at this stage to Learn from experiences, and Rely on boundaries between acceptable and unacceptable behaviours.