Toddler Social and Emotional Development Flashcards
What are the key developments for a toddler in the social and emotional aspect?
- Emergence of self-awareness
- Emotional regulation
- Social skills
- Establishment of relationships with others
At what age does self-awareness emerge?
Between 18 and 24 months, where toddlers begin to recognise themselves as separate individuals (Eg: recognising themselves in a mirror or photos)
Why is self-awareness a significant development?
It’s crucial for developing other social and emotional skills, such as empathy and pride
What is meant by regulation responses in emotion?
The ability to manage and express emotions in socially appropriate ways
What are some emotional regulation response examples?
- Distraction
- Self-soothing
- Seeking help from an adult
What are some important social skills?
- Interaction skills
- Play development
What are some early interaction skills?
- Making eye contact
- Smiling
- Sharing and taking turns (this comes later)
- Start to understand simple social norms and expectations
How does play evolve?
From solitary to more cooperative forms
How does pretend play benefit toddlers?
It enhances their social understanding and creativity
Why are attachments important in the social and emotional development of toddlers?
Secure attachment to caregivers provides a foundation for exploring the social world and developing healthy relationships with peers
Why are peer relationships important in the social and emotional development of a toddler?
Toddler relationships may not be long-lasting or deep, but interacting with peers is essential for social learning, helping toddlers practice negotiation, empathy and cooperation
Give an example of how toddlers practice negotiation
Both toddlers want the same toy, child A negotiates with child B by giving them their toy to have the toy they both want
Give an example of how toddlers practice empathy
An adult expresses pity to another child who’s ill or injured. The child feels empathy for the mentioned child
What is meant by rudimentary?
Immature, undeveloped, basic form
Why is perspective-taking important in the social and emotional development of toddlers?
While still very rudimentary, the ability to see things from another’s viewpoint starts to develop, influencing their interactions with others
What are strategies to support the social and emotional development of toddlers?
- Create a safe and supportive environment to encourage emotional expression and interaction with peers
- Caregivers should model appropriate social and emotional behaviours
- Direct guidance: Talking through emotions and appropriate responses
- Provide opportunities for play, as it helps toddlers develop and practice their social skills
What are critical components of a toddler’s social and emotional development?
- Temperament
- Personality
What’s temperament?
The innate traits that determine a child’s approach to the world, including their behavioural style and the typical way they respond to situations
What’s personality?
Personality is shaped by the interaction of an individual’s temperament and their experiences
What are the qualities that define a child’s temperament?
- Reactivity
- Self-regulation
- Sociability
- Adaptability
What is the reactivity quality in temperament?
How strongly children react to things like exciting events or not getting their way. Reactive children tend to feel things strongly
What is the self-regulation quality in temperament?
How much children can control their behaviour, including the way they show their feelings, how much attention can they control and how persistent they are
What is the sociability quality in temperament?
How comfortable children are when they meet new people
What is the adaptability quality in temperament?
How quickly children can adjust to new situations or changes in their environment
What are the characteristics of toddler temperament?
- Activity level
- Rhythmicity (regularity)
- Approach / Withdrawal
- Adaptability
- Intensity of reaction
- Threshold of responsiveness
- Quality of mood
- Distractibility
- Attention span and persistence
What are the characteristics of a high energy levelled child?
They’re energetic and often on the move
How do you support a child that has a high energy level?
Provide plenty of physical activities, structured sports or dance lessons
What are the characteristics of a low energy levelled child?
They prefer less movement and more calm activities
How do you support a child that has a low energy level?
Encourage light physical activities like walks or simple games to stimulate engagement
What is rhythmicity?
Eg: How regular the child has their mealtime or bedtime
What are the characteristics of a child with regular rhythmicity?
They thrive on a consistent routine
How do you support a child with regular rhythmicity?
Maintain a predictable daily schedule with structured times for meals, sleep and activities
What are the characteristics of a child with iirregular rhythmicity?
They struggle with routine and predictability
How do you support a child with irregular rhythmicity?
Introduce a flexible structure, preparing them gradually for changes to instill a routine
What are the characteristics of a child more approachful?
They quickly engage with new situations
How do you support an approachful child?
Support enthusiasm but teach caution and observation before action
What are the characteristics of a child more reserved (withdrawal type)?
They’re hesitant with new people or environments
How do you support a reserved child?
Encourage gradual exposure to new settings, allowing time to observe and join when ready
What are the characteristics of an adaptable child?
They easily adjust to change
How do you support an adaptable child?
Encourage flexibility but also develop routines for stability
What are the characteristics of a less adaptable child?
They resist or struggle with change
How do you support a less adaptable child?
Prepare in advance for transitions, using visuals or stories to explain changes