Ages 18‑24 Months

Social and Emotional Development

  • Provide opportunities for your toddler to play beside other children. Talk about the play of other children: "Look, Kim is building a block tower."
  • Talk to your toddler ahead of time about new routines and events: "At playgroup, we will sing songs and listen to stories."
  • Offer your toddler choices to help cope with feelings: "You're feeling sad, do you want to cuddle or be alone?"
  • Talk about how others feel: "John is sad because you took his truck." If your toddler hurts another child, explain: "You cannot hurt others." Redirect your toddler's activity.
What Your Toddler Is Likely to Do
  • Enjoy playing alone for short periods of time.
  • Act like she or he owns certain objects.
  • Like to do things without help.
  • Help with simple household chores.
  • Have trouble sharing. Say “no” and “mine.” May hit, push, and grab to keep toys.
  • Show concern for others.
  • Show fear, but can be settled down.
  • Change between doing things on his or her own and wanting help or comfort.
  • Be watchful around adults she or he doesn’t know.
Other Things Your Toddler May Do
  • See his‑ or herself as a separate person. Your toddler may say, “No me do it.”
  • Put on simple clothing without help.
  • Have mood swings and tantrums.
  • Show aggressive behaviours such as biting and hitting.
  • Say “no” a lot, especially if your toddler hears “no” a lot.
  • Sometimes share food, toys, and other items.
  • Become familiar with routines.
  • Be unhappy about any changes in routines.
  • Develop new fears.
  • Have a security toy or blanket.
How You Can Help Social and Emotional Development
  • Use everyday routines such as walks and mealtimes to talk about family and friends.
  • Talk to your toddler ahead of time about new routines and events: “At playgroup, we will sing songs and listen to stories.”
  • Introduce your toddler to a playmate.
  • Watch your toddler while she or he is playing with other children. At this age your toddler will be better at playing beside rather than with another child.
  • Talk about the play of other children: “Look, Kim is building a block tower.”
  • Let your toddler help with chores, such as cleaning up spills, putting clothes in drawers, or putting away toys.
  • Model good manners: use “please” and “thank you.”
  • Continue to breastfeed.
  • Have fun with your toddler. Laughing together builds good feelings.
  • Talk about your toddler’s emotions: “Your tears tell me you are feeling sad.”
  • Suggest ways to deal with feelings: “When you feel angry, come and get a grown‑up for help.”
  • Sing simple songs about emotions, such as If You’re Happy and You Know It.
  • Read stories that explore emotions, and talk about them.
  • Offer your toddler choices to help him or her cope with her feelings: “You’re feeling sad, do you want to cuddle or be alone?”
  • Talk about how others feel: “John is sad because you took his truck.”
  • If your toddler hurts another child, explain: “You cannot hurt others.” Redirect your toddler’s activity.