the social life of toddlers

My grandsons are 14 months old this month. My daughter tells me that they are more aware of each other and have brief moments of funny play exchanges which can be delightful to watch. But most of their day is spent individually exploring their world through all their senses: seeing, touching, tasting, hearing, and smelling.



Here are some highlights of social development in a toddler. Remember that each child is unique and development for each child follows their own time table:



Ages one to two:

• often the child is playing alone and seems unaware of other children.


• the child is learning about others by watching them.


• pushing, poking and touching are the child's way to make contact with others.


• some toddlers at this age may need some warm up time in unfamiliar settings.


• toddlers like to show and offer their toys to adults.


• some toddlers love to be chased and caught by adults.


• Pat-a-cake and Peek-a boo are favorites of children at this age.


• toddlers at this age begin to enjoy daily rituals like bath time or story time before bed.


• most toddlers babble more to themselves than to adults.

Ages two to 2 1/2 :

• at this age, the child has a definite sense of self and makes his wants known!


• can be very attached to her posessions. It is hard to share.


• likes to play next to other children but is still playing alone (parallel play).


• can be shy with unfamiliar adults.


• responds to her first name.


• continues to need supervision while playing.


• begins to have interest in special friends.

Toddlers are delightful and exhausting. It is important for the adults in their lives to find time for a break. Some parents find it helpful to have playgroups for brief periods during the week to allow parents and children time to be together.