Emotional Development The Toddler Ages One - Three

Emotions Young children display their emotions very clearly, through actions and words! For most children, emotional development goes in predictable cycles.

Toddlers (18 months) are Self-Centered! Toddlers think about their own needs and wants, not those of others. During infancy, children had all their needs and desires met promptly. Parents are beginning to teach a toddler that some desires won’t be met immediately (& some not at all).

Negativism- NO! The child’s favorite response- no matter what the request- is NO! Negativism, doing the opposite of what others want, is normal for toddlers.

Causes of Negativism 1.The child’s desire for independence. (saying “NO” means- let me decide myself- I want to be in charge !) 2.Feelings of frustration and anger. (Their bodies are not developed enough to obey their wishes and they don’t have sufficient language skills to express their feelings!) 3.The exciting and frightening realization that they are separate persons!

Remember- Toddlers Negativity is Normal! Parents can combat negativism by: Eliminating restrictions (e.g. remove things a child cannot touch). Distracting from inappropriate behavior (e.g. “Wow- look at the pictures in this book!”) Give the child reasonable choices whenever possible (e.g. “Would you like a pear or a banana for lunch?”)

Temper Tantrums From age 18 months – age 3-4 years, some children have temper tantrums. Incidents in which children release their anger and frustration by screaming, crying, kicking, pounding and sometimes holding their breath, is normal!

Two Years Speech and motor skills have improved, relieving much frustration. Child understands more and can wait longer periods of time for needs to be met. Expresses love and affection freely. Actively seeks approval and praise. Outgoing, friendly and less self- centered.

Two and One-Half Years Children learning so much that they can feel overwhelmed ! They can understand and desire to do much more than their physical ability. (e.g. know what they want to say, but don’t always succeed in making themselves understood) Toddlers drive for independence causes them to resist pressure to conform. (sensitive about being bossed, shown, helped or directed!)

2 ½ Years At this age, children desire consistency ! ( They want same routines carried out the same way day after day) Maintaining a consistent schedule helps child cope with a confusing world- building security and confidence!