- When your baby reaches an age of 12-18 months, you’ll notice a considerable development in his/her social and emotional behaviour. Here are a few Social and Emotional Milestones that you can expect your baby to reach at this age:
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 themself in a mirror or photo.
- Hugs and kisses parents and other very familiar people and pets.
- Want to do things independently.
- Fight with other children while learning to share.
- Show jealousy when attention is given to other family members.
- Get frustrated easily (throws temper tantrums)
- Display a sense of owning toys and people.
- Enjoy older children but not play with them.
- Have a security toy or blanket.
- Waves bye-bye and notes when a parent has gone out
- learns good eating habitsPlay and Activity
You can support your toddler's social and emotional development by
- Offer choices like "Do you want to put your shirt or your shoes on first?"
- Have happy goodbye routines when you and family members leave each other.
- Allow your toddler to help with chores like putting 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."
- 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.
