Social Development means being able to make friends and get along with others, to work as part of a team and be a good leader, all of which are built on self-confidence, cooperation and trust.

Comfort Through the comfort and responsiveness of an adult, toddlers will learn how to handle their emotions and how to seek help when needed. Parents Can: Use everyday routines, such as meals, going to child care or going for a walk, as a time to talk about friends and family members Child Will: Begin to develop a sense of himself within the family and/or community Notice girls and boys Name familiar people, pets or things Parents Can: Respond to their toddler who is trying to share her feelings about an experience or event Child Will: Feel safe and secure Feel important, as you are giving her your undivided attention Begin to communicate about those social situations she enjoys and those she does not

Play Through opportunities for play, toddlers will experience joyful, free, spontaneous moments of fun while also learning about themselves and others. Parents Can: Follow their toddler's lead, rather than direct the play Make suggestions, but allow their toddler to have some control over his activities Child Will: Develop self-confidence Feel more independent Develop a strong sense of self Parents Can: Use family photographs as an opportunity for their toddler to find himself and identify family members Child Will: Develop a sense of family and connectedness Understand himself as a separate and unique individual Parents Can: Set up water play with dolls, sponges, washcloths and towels as an activity with another playmate Child Will: Enjoy the sensory pleasure from playing with water Play side-by-side with a playmate Engage in simple pretend play

Teach Through routines, and emotionally and physically safe and secure environments, toddlers can learn how to think, solve problems and communicate. Parents Can: Take their toddler to new places, where she can meet children and explore different types of play Child Will: Expand her understanding of people and places in her environment Learn how to relate to others in different settings Parents Can: Give their toddler the chance to help with chores around the house, such as wiping up spills, taking laundry out of a basket and putting plastic containers away in a cupboard Child Will: Feel independent and confident Feel he is performing the same tasks that adults around him are doing Feel a part of the family

Related Resources

Books for Parents

	Games to Play with Toddlers
	The Challenging Child: Understanding, Raising, and Enjoying the Five "Difficult" Types of Children
	Toddler Play: 100 Fun-Filled Activities to Maximize your Toddler's Potential