Ages 9‑12 Months

Social and Emotional Development

  • Mimic your toddler's actions and sounds, and play face-to-face games, such as peekaboo.
  • Offer choices you are comfortable with. For example, "Do you want this cup or that cup?"
  • Talk about your toddler's emotions: "I see you are feeling sad/happy/frustrated."
  • Provide your toddler with chances to play with other children and to be around people.
What Your Toddler is Likely to Do
  • Know when a parent likes or dislikes her or his behaviour.
  • Hold out arms and legs while being dressed.
  • Mimic simple actions.
  • Imitate other children.
  • Repeat sounds or movements that made you laugh.
  • Seek comfort when upset.
  • Show many emotions, such as being sad, happy, mad, scared, hurt, or uncomfortable.
  • Show distress when he or she does something wrong.
  • Show that she or he always needs to be within sight and hearing of the caregiver.
  • Display affection in hugs, kisses, pats, and smiles.
Other Things Your Toddler May Do
  • Show fear of strangers.
  • Dance to music.
  • Know routines.
  • Try different ways of getting attention, such as copying sounds.
  • Enjoy being the centre of attention.
  • Cry when you leave your toddler with other caregivers.
  • Show empathy, such as starting to cry when another toddler cries.
  • Express a desire to do things her‑ or himself.
  • Show like or dislike of certain people and toys.
  • Show discomfort when fearful or stressed.
  • Express new fears and insecurity with situations that were fine before.
How You Can Help Social and Emotional Development
  • Respond to your toddler’s calls or signals for help and attention (whenever you can) to build trust.
  • Create and follow regular routines.
  • Offer choices you are comfortable with. For example, “Do you want this cup or that cup?”
  • Model good manners: use “please” and “thank you.”
  • Play face‑to‑face games, such as peekaboo or making faces together.
  • Talk about what happens next in routines or upcoming events.
  • Provide safe places for your toddler to explore.
  • Continue to breastfeed.
  • Smile at your toddler.
  • Cuddle your toddler.
  • Comfort your toddler, especially when she or he is upset, sick, or hurt.
  • Create routines and structure in your toddler’s day.
  • Turn everyday routines into playful moments.
  • Talk about your toddler’s emotions: “I see you are feeling sad/happy/frustrated.”
  • Ask your toddler for hugs and kisses.
  • Provide your toddler with chances to play with other children and to be around people.