1. © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved. Chapter 9 Developmentally Appropriate Social/Emotional Environments for Toddlers

2. © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved. Social/Emotional Issues of Toddlerhood Autonomy –Toddlers see themselves as separate, capable individuals Negativism and resistance –Adults often experience control struggles –Toddlers need limits and adults who are confident in setting those limits Separation –Toddlers are still in the attachment process

3. © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved. Egocentric behavior with peers –“Mine” Importance of social learning –developing social abilities Emotional responsiveness –have not developed the capacity for sympathy, empathy, or compassion for others –learn to fear by associating things with something unpleasant Social/Emotional Issues of Toddlerhood

4. © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved. Developmentally Appropriate Interaction Practices Fostering Autonomy Support toddlers in completing self-defined tasks Recognize and appreciate children’s accomplishments Offer choices in areas that toddlers can control Encourage independent play Responding to Resistance and Negativism Realize toddlers need control Accept the child’s need to say “NO” Avoid power struggles Follow predictable patterns for the day Keep a sense of humor

5. © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved. Egocentric Behavior Recognize that toddlers must be autonomous before they can learn group membership Allow for separate play Plan for brief cooperative experiences Reinforce progress Biting Aggression because of frustration Teething discomfort Stage of oral exploration Imitative behavior Cause-and-effect exploration Overcrowding, excitement, and overstimulation Impulsiveness Need for attention Developmentally Appropriate Interaction Practices

6. © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved. Fostering Emotional Development Feelings are respected Feelings may be expressed Provide a positive role model Temper Tantrums Outbursts can be prevented with sufficient rest and food Avoid frustrating incidents Respond with calm control Prevent children from hurting themselves Verbalize quietly Provide comfort and love after the tantrum Developmentally Appropriate Interaction Practices

7. © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved. Developmentally Appropriate Guidance Adults as authority Age-appropriate expectations Change the environment instead of the behavior Use both actions and words to guide Fostering Positive Self-Esteem Feeling we can positively affect others Feeling lovable Feeling capable Feeling listened to Feeling accepted Developmentally Appropriate Interaction Practices

8. © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning. All Rights Reserved. Fostering Autonomy Support toddlers in completing self-defined tasks Recognize and appreciate children’s accomplishments Offer choices in areas that toddlers can control Encourage independent play Responding to Resistance and Negativism Realize toddlers need control Accept the child’s need to say “NO” Avoid power struggles Follow predictable patterns for the day Keep a sense of humor Developmentally Appropriate Interaction Practices